Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Profiles

Editor's Note: These rankings and profiles were written early in the offseason. As trades, injuries and signings are constantly impacting the MLB landscape, some information may be out of date. Check out our staff consensus rankings for an updated list of players.

Relief Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Profiles 1. Liam Hendriks (RHP – CWS): 2022 Projection: 30 Saves/98 K/2.79 ERA/0.96 WHIP Hendriks finished tied for second with 38 saves in 2021. He’s been a high-strikeout candidate for most of his time in the Majors, and 2022 shouldn’t be any different. 2022 should be an even better season for the White Sox, so Hendricks could end up with 40+ saves. His current ADP sits at the end of the second round, perhaps sneaking into the third. His production, and ability to reach 40+ saves and 100+ strikeouts, justifies anyone willing to spend such a high draft pick to solidify the saves category.

2. Josh Hader (LHP – MIL): 2022 Projection: 28 Saves/107 K/2.62 ERA/0.99 WHIP Last season, Hader finished with a third-straight full season of 100+ strikeouts. Finally cemented in the ninth inning, for the Brewers, Hader is arguably the best bet to lead MLB in strikeouts from the closer spot. With an ADP one selection higher than counterpart Liam Hendriks , he’s another safe closer to take in terms of save opportunities and strikeouts. For what it’s worth, Hader did not allow a single run when ahead in the count in 2021.

3. Raisel Iglesias (RHP – LAA): 2022 Projection: 31 Saves/90 K/3.08 ERA/1.05 WHIP Of the Angels’ 77 2021 wins, 44% were saves by Iglesias. He had one of the best percentages in terms of saves compared to a team’s wins, and should have even more opportunities this upcoming season. He’s been a safe closer choice for most of his career and has an ADP two rounds later than the first two closers off the board. The only negative for Iglesias was his 11 home runs given up in 70 innings of work.

4. Edwin Díaz (RHP – NYM): 2022 Projection: 33 Saves/97 K/3.05 ERA/1.09 WHIP After a hiccup during the 2019 season, his first in New York, Diaz rebounded nicely during the shortened 2020 season as well as last season. Diaz has 100-strikeout potential from the closer spot, and his late-fifth round ADP makes him more of a value pick rather than having to spend a second or third round pick on a closer. If a fantasy owner doesn’t want to use a first through fourth round pick on a closer, Diaz is a guy that can easily be drafted.

5. Emmanuel Clase (RHP – CLE): 2022 Projection: 31 Saves/79 K/2.67 ERA/1.11 WHIP There’s no questioning Clase’s arm. His electric fastball can touch 100 MPH, and he’s going to get all the save opportunities early on. He was part of the return in a 2019 deal by Cleveland that saw Corey Kluber move to the Rangers. The Guardians won that trade and should be happy to have an electric arm at the end of their bullpen. Expect 30+ saves, and if any issues were to arise, James Karinchak would be the handcuff you want to own.

6. Aroldis Chapman (LHP – NYY): 2022 Projection: 32 Saves/97 K/3.00 ERA/1.18 WHIP Even after giving up a career-highs in home runs (nine) and earned runs (21) Chapman still managed 30 saves, in 34 chances and posted better than 90 strikeouts. At 34, his fastball still has the velocity we’ve become accustomed to, and there’s no reason to believe Chapman will slow down this season. One thing to note is the fact that hitters were jumping on Chapman at 0-0 and 1-0 counts. He’s almost untouchable when behind in the count, and hitters made note of that in 2021. I'm sure Chapman has made note of this trend, so look for him to stay away from the middle half of the plate early in counts, which could lead to him finishing the season as the top closer in fantasy baseball.

7. Ryan Pressly (RHP – HOU): 2022 Projection: 31 Saves/77 K/2.96 ERA/1.09 WHIP Pressly took over the closer job for Houston in the shortened 2020 season and he’s been as reliable as it gets. He’s 38 for 44 in save opportunities and he should see an ample of opportunities in 2022. While he may not post eye-popping save numbers playing behind a potent offense, he’s arguably one of the better values if he falls past the seventh round of fantasy drafts.

8. Jordan Romano (RHP – TOR): 2022 Projection: 27 Saves/82 K/3.31 ERA/1.16 WHIP Romano finished the 2021 season 23 of 24 in save chances. He also had a high strikeout rate, accumulating 85 strikeouts in 63 innings of work. This up-and-coming Blue Jays offense should keep them in numerous games, so Romano could be headed for 30+ saves on the season as well as being one of the league leaders in the category. If you’re a fantasy owner that doesn’t reach for closer early, Romano could be there as the early middle rounds approach.

9. Will Smith (LHP – ATL): 2022 Projection: 29 Saves/82 K/3.85 ERA/1.20 WHIP The World Series champion set a career-high with 37 saves in the 2021 campaign. The only knock against Smith was surrendering 11 home runs in 68 innings. The Braves are again the darling of the NL East and Smith should get every opportunity to close the ninth inning in Atlanta. After the hot commodity closers come off the boards, Smith should follow as the closer carousel goes around. While he may not be the hot name, he’s going to finish with similar numbers as the top closers off the board.

10. Giovanny Gallegos (RHP – STL): 2022 Projection: 24 Saves/84 K/3.40 ERA/1.09 WHIP It remains to be seen whether the Cardinals go with Gallegos, Alex Reyes , or a closer-by-committee role. Reyes could be destined for the starting rotation, and if it’s Gallegos, he possesses the high strikeout ability to warrant a number one closer spot on fantasy teams. His ADP currently sits around round 10, and this is a dynamic spot to lockdown a closer that should push for 30+ saves and north of 80 strikeouts.

11. Blake Treinen (RHP – LAD): 2022 Projection: 27 Saves/75 K/3.43 ERA/1.21 WHIP As a setup man and one-inning pitcher, Treinen has been elite. He’s had his fair share of hiccups as a full-time closer, but with Kenley Jansen a free agent, Treinen should enter the year as the closer for the Dodgers. Last season, as a setup man, he led MLB with 32 holds. His 15th-round ADP is extreme value if he holds onto the job all season long. Again, he’s been known to struggle as a full-time closer, so proceed with caution.

12. Taylor Rogers (LHP – MIN): 2022 Projection: 23 Saves/76 K/2.93 ERA/1.10 WHIP Rogers is two seasons removed from 30 saves. Last season, the Twins went with a closer committee between Rogers, Alex Colomé and Hansel Robles . The latter are free agents, so Rogers looks to assume ninth inning duties again in 2022. His current ADP sits around the 18th round, and if he gets back to 2019 form, he will be one of the best closer values this season.

13. Lucas Sims (RHP – CIN): 2022 Projection: 25 Saves/88 K/3.75 ERA/1.22 WHIP The talent is there, but Sims needs to cut down on hits allowed having given up nearly a hit per inning in 2021. Saves will be scarce playing for the Reds, but if he goes after hitters early, Sims could be a solid source of saves and strikeouts.

14. Scott Barlow (RHP – KC): 2022 Projection: 25 Saves/82 K/3.67 ERA/1.27 WHIP Barlow is the exact type of pitcher fantasy teams want from the closer position especially with a K/9 at 11.0. He’s hard to hit, and has yet to give up more than six home runs in a given season. The Royals could surprise people as a competitive team and Barlow could be the beneficiary in the ninth inning. He will be there after the big names come off the board, and his strikeout rate makes him valuable to fantasy teams.

15. Andrew Kittredge (RHP – TB): 2022 Projection: 18 Saves/72 K/3.19 ERA/1.13 WHIP The Rays are an interesting team. They compete, they win, but they use starters and multiple closers to do so. With that said, Kittredge is one of the elite pitchers out of their bullpen. He was better than a strikeout per inning with 77 in 71.2 IP. Even with a closer-by-committee, Kittredge should get their first crack in the ninth inning. One thing to make note of were Kittredge’s four starts, as an opener, last season. It remains to be seen what Tampa does, but Kittredge should be the first man up to close out games.

16. Garrett Whitlock (RHP – BOS): 2022 Projection: 20 Saves/75 K/3.71 ERA/1.25 WHIP 2021 saw Matt Barnes lead the Red Sox with 24 saves, but concerns were high all season in terms of giving up runs. A bright spot in the bullpen was rookie Garrett Whitlock . Not only did he strikeout 81 batters in 73.1 innings of work, but he also had a miniscule 1.96 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. The Red Sox have no choice but to give the first looks to Whitlock. As a second, or third, closer on your team, Whitlock could be headed for 30+ saves and 100+ K.

17. David Bednar (RHP – PIT): 2022 Projection: 23 Saves/76 K/3.56 ERA/1.21 WHIP The Pirates won’t be in many games, but Bednar should have a long leash in the ninth inning. In his first year with the Pirates, Bednar had 77 strikeouts, a 0.97 WHIP, and was three of five in save opportunities. He’s not going to get numerous save opportunities, but he should fare well as a third or fourth closer as the strikeouts should be plentiful.

18. Camilo Doval (RHP – SF): 2022 Projection: 23 Saves/78 K/3.69 ERA/1.36 WHIP Camilo Doval or Jake McGee , that’s the question the Giants will need to answer during Spring Training. McGee was fantastic in 2021, accumulating 31 saves, but the strikeouts have never been there. With that said, Doval is the young arm you want in the ninth inning. The second-year player will be competing for the ninth-inning job this Spring. If he wins the job, expect solid numbers overall, but even if he starts as the setup man, he should supply holds and high strikeout numbers.

19. Mark Melancon (RHP – AZ): 2022 Projection: 29 Saves/51 K/3.87 ERA/1.36 WHIP No one saw Melancon leading the league in saves (39) last season. Not only did he win the ninth-inning job, and hold on for the entire season, but he had his most saves since 2015’s 51. Fast-forward to 2022 and Melancon finds himself in Arizona. The Diamondbacks secured 22 saves last season, and nothing should change in 2022. Melancon should be useful, but he’s moving from a pitcher-friendly ballpark in San Diego to a hitter-friendly ballpark in the Arizona desert. New signing Ian Kennedy could also vulture some save opportunities, so be wary of taking a flier on Melancon. The best outcome for his fantasy value would be a trade to a team needing a closer at the deadline.

20. Kyle Finnegan (RHP – WAS): 2022 Projection: 26 Saves/66 K/4.17 ERA/1.40 WHIP Finnegan was a great waiver addition in 2021. He came out of nowhere, posting respectable numbers with 11 saves and 68 strikeouts (66 IP). He will enter 2022 with the ninth-inning role locked down, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t outdo last season’s numbers. As a mid-to-late round target, his strikeout ability makes him desirable as an extra closer on your roster.

21. Gregory Soto (RHP – DET): 2022 Projection: 23 Saves/80 K/3.85 ERA/1.37 WHIP Only three seasons into his MLB career, Soto has gotten better each year. He’s an elite bullpen arm, although control has been a problem, with him issuing a walk in 60% of his innings pitched. Last season, Soto split time with Michael Fulmer in the ninth inning. Coming back from injuries, Fulmer has a chance to move back to the starting rotation after having a successful 2021 season in the bullpen. If Soto solidifies ninth-inning duties, he should push for 30 saves and 80+ strikeouts. The runs caused by walks are tough for owners to stomach, but he could be valuable regardless.

22. Lou Trivino (RHP – OAK): 2022 Projection: 23 Saves/63 K/4.13 ERA/1.36 WHIP There’s no greater feeling than grabbing a closer off waivers, and that’s what fantasy owners did with Trivino last season. He set a career-best mark with 22 saves and looks destined to reclaim the closer role in 2022. His 23rd-round ADP is extreme value for a closer, and he’s arguably the best value for a third or fourth closer on a fantasy team.

23. Rowan Wick (RHP – CHC): 2022 Projection: 25 Saves/62 K/4.05 ERA/1.35 WHIP A rib issue caused Wick to miss a majority of the 2021 season but he showed poise closing out games. He’s a high-strikeout candidate and has every opportunity to secure the closer’s role for Chicago. His main competition was going to be Codi Heuer , but Heuer's recent Tommy John surgery has taken him out of the mix . Now Wick will compete with new signing David Robertson , who has a lot of closing experience and could steal the job. Either play will do well for a bullpen, but saves could be far and few in between for a Cubs team that may not be ultra-competitive in 2022.

24. Matt Barnes (RHP – BOS): 2022 Projection: 12 Saves/85 K/3.70 ERA/1.26 WHIP In his first full season closing for Boston, Barnes was anything but a safe option. Walks and hits saw him post an inflated ERA and six blown saves. Fellow reliever Garrett Whitlock fared better and has the inside track to secure the closer role. Monitor the situation, and if Barnes wins the job he will be on a short leash, while Whitlock should secure holds until he takes over ninth-inning duties.

25. Dylan Floro (RHP – MIA): 2022 Projection: 19 Saves/57 K/3.67 ERA/1.20 WHIP It’s tough placing faith in a Marlins closer. Saves opportunities aren’t plentiful, but Floro does carry value if his 2021 season wasn’t a fluke. He set a career-high with 64 innings pitched as well as 62 strikeouts and 15 saves in 21 chances. Floro will be available late in drafts, and he’s a low-cost investment. Even if it doesn’t work out, it won’t be hard to drop him during the season.

26. Pierce Johnson (RHP – SD): 2022 Projection: 17 Saves/74 K/3.77 ERA/1.27 WHIP The waiver wire gem in Mark Melancon is now out of the picture and the closer role is wide open again in San Diego. Johnson has shown he’s more than capable of closing out games as well as protecting leads. He ended 2021 with 77 strikeouts in 58.2 IP and racked up 12 holds. He’s going to have contenders for the closer role but given his repertoire he could have the inside track winning the job. He’s currently going undrafted and could have the same waiver wire impact as Melancon did a season ago.

27. Corey Knebel (RHP – PHI): 2022 Projection: 17 Saves/66 K/3.70 ERA/1.22 WHIP Héctor Neris is gone and Knebel has the inside track to being the Phillies closer in 2022. He’s only a few seasons removed from saving 39 games for the Brewers in 2017. He looks completely healthy after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019 and could be one of the best values in fantasy drafts. The NL East will be competitive and there should be an ample number of opportunities to collect saves. Don’t sleep on Knebel if he wins the closer job.

28. Tyler Wells (RHP – BAL): 2022 Projection: 18 Saves/71 K/4.46 ERA/1.22 WHIP It’s hard to imagine an Orioles closer having much of an effect on fantasy teams. The Orioles have lost 100+ games in the past three full seasons, and 2022 may not be any better. If you’re in need of a reliever with high strikeout attribute, Wells can help, but without the ability to accumulate saves he’s better left on waivers.

29. Pete Fairbanks (RHP – TB): 2022 Projection: 9 Saves/76 K/3.46 ERA/1.23 WHIP The Rays have numerous bullpen arms with fantasy relevance. After Andrew Kittredge , Fairbanks is the arm to target. Not only will he get holds, but the Rays have been shown to go with a closer-by-committee so Fairbanks should have save opportunities. If you need a Swiss Army Knife that can get you holds, strikeouts and saves, Fairbanks is a solid bet late in drafts or off waivers.

30. Paul Sewald (RHP – SEA): 2022 Projection: 7 Saves/86 K/3.73 ERA/1.16 WHIP Seattle was a surprise team last season, and Sewald was dynamite out of the bullpen, striking out 104 batters in 64.2 innings pitched. Sewald and Drew Steckenrider will compete for the closer role in 2022, and if 2021 was a sign Sewald should get every opportunity to win the job. If he does, he’s going to be a great late-round value.

31. Devin Williams (RHP – MIL): 2022 Projection: 2 Saves/91 K/3.00 ERA/1.18 WHIP If it’s the eighth inning, and a team is trailing Milwaukee, good luck coming back. Last season, Williams was the bridge to Josh Hader , securing 23 saves and racking up 87 strikeouts in 54 innings. He finished the season with a 2.50 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. If your league counts holds, Williams is going to be one of the league leaders, and he’s one of the top handcuffs should Hader miss any time.

32. Joe Barlow (RHP – TEX): 2022 Projection: 22 Saves/64 K/4.49 ERA/1.41 WHIP In his rookie debut Barlow fared well in 29 innings, securing 11 saves (12 opportunities) and striking out nearly a batter per inning. The Rangers should be more competitive in 2022, and Barlow could be a low-floor closer for cheap saves and strikeouts. Should he stay on par with last season, he’s going to be one of the better values in terms of relievers even if he doesn’t get many save opportunities.

33. Chad Green (RHP – NYY): 2022 Projection: 2 Saves/83 K/3.59 ERA/1.10 WHIP Aroldis Chapman will not lose the closer job, but Green provides the best value or any reliever that isn’t at all a team’s closer. His ability to consistently strikeout 90+ batters and add to the holds category makes him a must-have for fantasy teams. He’s never appeared in less than 70 innings during full seasons, and that won’t change in 2022. Add him to your team, and if anything were to happen to Chapman he immediately assumes closer duties.

34. James Karinchak (RHP – CLE): 2022 Projection: 3 Saves/91 K/3.36 ERA/1.21 WHIP Karinchak is the ultimate handcuff to Emmanuel Clase . His electric arm led to 78 strikeouts in 55.1 2021 innings pitched, and he was a solid source for holds. If your league counts hold, he’s a must have. If you’re an owner looking for a reliver with high strikeout ability, Karinchak is a player that you can draft in the late rounds.

35. Craig Kimbrel (RHP – CWS): 2022 Projection: 5 Saves/90 K/3.64 ERA/1.18 WHIP The White Sox have one of the best late-inning batteries in Liam Hendriks, Kendall Graveman , and Craig Kimbrel . The ninth inning job is Hendriks’, but the eighth inning will be shared by Graveman and Kimbrel. Kimbrel is coming off a season that saw him reach 100 strikeouts between both Chicago teams. He’s going to be available in later rounds of drafts, and should he get a high number of eighth-inning appearances, he could be a league leader in holds.

36. Aaron Ashby (LHP – MIL): 2022 Projection: 1 Save/107 K/3.58 ERA/1.29 WHIP The rookie fared well as a lefty specialist in 2021, striking out better than a batter per inning. With Devin Williams and Josh Hader cemented in the eighth and ninth innings, Ashby does carry value in terms of potential holds and leagues that count inherited runners stranded plus holds (IRS+H). He’s a player that is best suited to go undrafted, but one to monitor. If his workload is worthy of a roster spot, he will become a hot commodity.

37. Kenley Jansen (RHP – FA): 2022 Projection: 7 Saves/80 K/3.66 ERA/1.18 WHIP Jansen has seen an inflated ERA since 2017, but he’s still managed 30+ saves yearly. Currently a free agent, his track record is too good for a team to not take a chance on him. His value depends on whether he will close out games for a team. There’s still a chance he returns to Los Angeles is the price is right. If he signs with a team and immediately becomes their closer, he should be safe for 30+ saves.

38. Jonathan Loáisiga (RHP – NYY): 2022 Projection: 3 Saves/73 K/3.32 ERA/1.18 WHIP Loaisiga has started and come out of the bullpen for the Yankees. 2021 was arguably his best season in pinstripes, having featured in a career-high 57 games while setting career-best marks in innings pitched (70.2), ERA (2.17), WHIP (1.02) and strikeouts (69). It remains to be seen what route the Yankees will go with him, but should he split time between the rotation and bullpen he will carry value in terms of strikeouts and holds with a high number of wins from a bullpen arm.

39. Drew Steckenrider (RHP – SEA): 2022 Projection: 14 Saves/59 K/4.25 ERA/1.27 WHIP It could be a Spring Training competition between Steckenrider and Sewald for Seattle’s closer role. Sewald looks like the front runner, but Steckenrider has shown electric stuff since his first few seasons playing with the Marlins. If he’s the setup man he carries value with strikeouts and holds, but for fantasy owners he’s better suited being the closer.

40. Héctor Neris (RHP – HOU): 2022 Projection: 4 Saves/86 K/3.83 ERA/1.23 WHIP 2021 saw hiccups for Neris. He gave up a career-high 30 earned runs and ultimately lost his grasp on the Phillies closer role. After, Neris settled down with late-inning duties and still finished the season with 98 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched. He will be the eighth-inning bridge to Ryan Pressly and should fare well in terms of holds with the occasional save. Should Pressly miss time, Neris will become the most sought-after reliever off waivers.

41. Carlos Estévez (RHP – COL): 2022 Projection: 19 Saves/63 K/5.01 ERA/1.43 WHIP Daniel Bard was horrendous as the Rockies closer in 2021 and Carlos Estévez wasn’t much better. New signing Alex Colomé will put the pressure on, but Estevez has a shot at winning the job out of Spring Training. If not, Estevez could get the job back after Colomé is likely traded midseason. It’s hard putting stock in a Rockies pitcher let alone a closer. Still, Estevez has the track record with better than a strikeout per inning throughout his career. Save opportunities will be thin, but fantasy owners needing any type of saving grace from a closer can find Estevez on waivers at any given point this season.

42. Anthony Bender (RHP – MIA): 2022 Projection: 10 Saves/68 K/3.68 ERA/1.26 WHIP Dylan Floro looks to have the inside track on the ninth-inning duties for Miami, but Bender is the handcuff and still provides value for leagues that count holds. He reached 71 strikeouts in 61.1 innings pitched and racked up 12 holds. There’s not a lot of hope Miami will win many games, but Bender’s ERA (2.79) and WHIP (1.06) shows he can provide fantasy value.

43. Jake McGee (LHP – SF): 2022 Projection: 10 Saves/60 K/3.94 ERA/1.19 WHIP The Giants closer role needs to be monitored in Spring Training. McGee led the Giants with 31 saves last season, but he’s dependent on his fielders. Doval possesses the electric stuff you want from a closer so the Giants could ultimately decide to go with Doval. Still, McGee should be in line for eighth-inning duties and can provide owners with holds. If McGee keeps the closer job, he should be in line with last year’s number and reach 30+ saves.

44. Dinelson Lamet (RHP – SD): 2022 Projection: 6 Saves/71 K/3.61 ERA/1.21 WHIP There’s no questioning Lamet’s talent, but health has been a major concern the past few seasons. To preserve the righty, the Padres moved him into the bullpen where he had success in 47 innings of work. Lamet’s value is dependent on whether he makes the starting rotation or is destined for the bullpen in 2022. His value will be higher as a starter given his strikeout ability and the fact the Padres have a handful of pitchers that will be competing for the closer role.

45. Brusdar Graterol (RHP – LAD): 2022 Projection: 6 Saves/57 K/3.58 ERA/1.25 WHIP Graterol possesses an elite fastball but relying on the pitch saw him give up a hit per inning pitched which led to an inflated ERA. There are adjustments the young righty needs to make and if he’s successful he could compete for the ninth-inning role. Even if he’s destined to be the team’s setup man, he could not only lead all setup men in strikeouts, but in holds as well.

46. Alex Reyes (RHP – STL): 2022 Projection: 7 Saves/75 K/4.13 ERA/1.37 WHIP Gallegos or Reyes? That’s the question St. Louis will have on their minds all Spring Training. Reyes is coming off a season in which he saved 29 games and set career-highs in innings pitched (72.1) and strikeouts (95). The Cardinals always planned to have Reyes in the starting rotation, but after Tommy John surgery in 2017, the Cardinals wanted to ease him back into game action. If he’s in the rotation he will be drafted in the middle rounds of drafts, but if he ultimately wins the closer job he should be among the top-10 closers drafted.

47. Ken Giles (RHP – SEA): 2022 Projection: 9 Saves/58 K/3.68 ERA/1.19 WHIP A year removed from Tommy John surgery, Giles provides Seattle with not only reliever depth, but a reliever that’s had success in the ninth inning. It remains to be seen if Giles is eased back into Major League action, but he should provide support in holds and strikeout categories. If he shows he’s completely healthy, there’s no reason to believe he wouldn’t make a push for the closer role in Spring Training.

48. Cole Sulser (RHP – BAL): 2022 Projection: 7 Saves/71 K/4.02 ERA/1.29 WHIP Playing for a team that lost 100 games, Sulser and Tyler Wells were two bright spots in the Orioles bullpen. Appearing in 60 games, Sulser finished the season with career-highs in innings pitched (63.1), strikeouts (73), ERA (2.70) and WHIP (1.12). He accumulated eight saves (11 attempts) and six holds. He will compete for the ninth-inning duty with Wells, but how often will a save opportunity arise? If your league has value in relievers that aren’t closers, Sulser will help with strikeouts and holds as well as the occasional save.

49. José Alvarado (LHP – PHI): 2022 Projection: 8 Saves/80 K/3.76 ERA/1.45 WHIP Alvardo has been a reliable left-handed reliver in years past playing in Tampa Bay. In his first season with the Phillies, he had mixed results finishing the season with a 4.20 ERA but striking out 68 batters (55.2 IP) and reaching 16 holds. He won’t get many save opportunities but carries value in leagues that count holds. If your league doesn’t have holds as a scoring category, Alvarado carries little value.

50. Michael Fulmer (RHP – DET): 2022 Projection: 9 Saves/65 K/4.02 ERA/1.29 WHIP The once-promising starter underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and has put in hard work to get back to the Majors. After making 10 starts in the shortened 2020 season the Tigers elected to have Fulmer be a full-time reliever last season. Not only did this keep him healthy, but he was dynamic, finishing the season with 14 saves, a 2.97 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Spring Training will be telling if Fulmer is positioned back into the starting rotation or destined for the bullpen. Should he break Spring Training in the bullpen, it will be interesting to see who gets the early save opportunities between Fulmer and Gregory Soto . As a reliever, he carries great late-round value given his strikeout ability and chances for saves and holds.

Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Profiles

Relief Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Profiles

1. Liam Hendriks (RHP – CWS): 2022 Projection: 30 Saves/98 K/2.79 ERA/0.96 WHIP

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