was one of the Texas Rangers’ heroes during their unexpected run to the World Series title last year. In October, Leclerc not only saved four games in the regular season but also retired 10 of 11 batters in the World Series. During the regular season, he only saved four games. All indications suggested that Leclerc would emerge in 2024 as a respectable, dependable closer following years of tantalizing fantasy managers with saves in six straight seasons.
Fantasy managers are sensibly making a move, but it doesn’t appear like Leclerc will become a respectable, trustworthy closer anytime soon. Despite recording one save, Leclerc gave up runs in four of his first five outings before moving into a non-leverage role behind fellow RHPs Kirby Yates and David Robertson.
Yates, 37, was a saver of 41 games with a 1.19 ERA for the San Diego Padres in 2019. After missing three seasons largely due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, he returned to play a significant role in Atlanta’s bullpen last season, recording seven wins and five saves while striking out 80 batters over sixty-five innings. He gave left-handed hitters a.124 batting average, and in December the champs gave him a one-year contract as compensation.
As he should be, Yates is currently one of the most added relief relievers in ESPN leagues. With nine walks in as many innings, Leclerc scarcely seems like a closing threat now, and the Rangers are still a strong contender. Robertson appeared at ease in a setup job last season, yet he saved eighteen games for the Miami Marlins/New York Mets. Yates has pitched nine scoreless innings in nine appearances, retiring four hitters in a row with his split-fingered fastball, while only allowing two base hits and two walks while striking out eleven batters.
Craig Kimbrel, Baltimore Orioles: With 16 strikeouts in 10 innings and just one walk—to Angels IF Luis Rengifo on Monday night—this fantasy baseball bullpen pitcher is surprisingly leading the points race. Even though we’ve been here before, everyone who was worried about picking Kimbrel undoubtedly feels differently today. Kimbrel has actually been incredibly erratic in the last few seasons. In June of last year, his ERA was 0.69; in September, it was 1.50. In nine May innings, he gave up eight runs, and in August, his ERA was 5.73. Take the wild ride if you dare, and this could be a good moment to try to make a trade, but Kimbrel ought to save more than 20 games for the fourth season in a row.
The New York Yankees’ Clay Holmes: Since the Yankees acquired Holmes in a trade with the Pirates in 2021, the otherwise unremarkable middle reliever who focused mostly on ground balls has flourished. Despite allowing more hits than innings pitched and striking out fewer batters than average, he has saved eight games this season and is second only to Kimbrel in fantasy points among pure relievers. What is it that we should think going forward? Because he saved fewer than 25 wins in each of his first two full seasons with the Yankees, Holmes just seems underappreciated in general. Holmes consistently ranks in the top 10 for ground ball %, which has a positive correlation. This year, aim for thirty saves.
Tanner Marlins, Scott: Scott’s ERA has dropped to 3.38 over the last week thanks to three scoreless saves, but his ugly 1.69 WHIP still exists. The issue is walks, as he had two or more in four of his ten games. The dominant lefty has now walked half as many games as he did the previous season. However, Scott was just one of five relievers that had 100 strikeouts against batters. Positive aspects exist. He seems to be back on track for the time being, but trading with him remains risky. By the trade deadline, Scott might be a seventh-inning dude for a contender.
Mets: Reed Garrett: Who? Garrett, a 31-year-old borderline big leaguer with a career 7.11 ERA going into this season, pitched 19⅔ fairly forgettable innings with the Orioles/Mets last season. Now it’s improved. With 10⅔ scoreless innings pitched, Garrett has struck out 51.2% of hitters, which is the greatest percentage in the league. With a base fastball only 23.4% of the time and a devastating slider 54% of the time, the right-hander is flourishing in an unusual way. Whatever. It functions. When Edwin Diaz was called up to face the big hitters in the eighth inning, Garrett preserved a victory over the Dodgers over the weekend. Fantasy managers need to pay attention if the run prevention persists, even though it might not.
