2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Closer and RP

Matt Lutovsky

2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Closer and RP image

Closer has long been the bane of fantasy baseball owners' existences. Around two-thirds of major league teams change their closer at some point during the season, and with more committees and "openers" becoming en vogue, it's not long before we have no idea what to expect from ninth-inning situations heading into the season, making these rankings even more of an exercise in futility. High-strikeout middle relievers are becoming more than just late-round sleepers, and you should have more than a few circled on your cheat sheet. While you might not draft more than one or two, knowing who can rack up innings and Ks (and possibly wins and saves) while keeping peripherals low is important.

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It's important to note that for our rankings below, we rank the projected closers above the projected middle relievers. Josh Hader could easily be more valuable than the majority of the guys ranked above him, but given that saves is its own category in most leagues, the importance of getting guys who contribute in that stat can't be understated (especially H2H leagues). (Update: Hader has been moved up with both Corey Knebel and Jeremy Jeffress injured to open the season, but it's unclear if Milwaukee really wants Hader in the closer's role.) Also, with several teams yet to officially name a closer (and Craig Kimbrel still unsigned), it's fair to say these rankings will undergo quite a few changes before opening day. 

2019 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | Starter | Each team

Because closer is such a volatile position, rankings can swing wildly from year to year. Save opportunities can dry up, and even just a couple more homers allowed or a little worse batted-ball luck can really inflate ERAs and WHIPs. That's why we're taking a bit of a cautious approach with someone like Blake Treinen, who was dominant last year but hadn't show that level of brilliance at any point in his career. Still, he should have plenty of job security, at least to open the season, which gives him a boost over some other, perhaps more talented, pitchers.

2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Tiers, Draft Strategy
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | StarterCloser

Job security is definitely important but it changes rapidly, so as much as it's valued throughout our preseason rankings, especially early, it isn't everything, especially when you get into the RP2 range.

2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | Starter | Top 300

Drafting at least one secure closer feels like a necessity, although we all know it doesn't mean much over the course of an entire season. Injuries and cold streaks will happen, and you'll definitely be hitting the waiver wire at some point. If you don't overdraft your RPs and get a few high-upside options late in the draft, you can help mitigate the pain. Ultimately, though, you're guessing and hoping on a lot of these guys. Good luck.

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 cheat sheet

Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Closer and RP

These rankings are for standard 5x5, non-keeper leagues. Eligibility based on Yahoo default settings.

* = closer battle in spring training
**= Not eligible at that position on draft day but expected to play there

 

Ranking Player Team
1 Aroldis Chapman Yankees
2 Edwin Diaz Mets
3 Kenley Jansen Dodgers
4 Josh Hader Brewers
5 Robert Osuna Astros
6 Sean Doolittle Nationals
7 Blake Treinen A's
8 Felipe Vazquez Pirates
9 Brad Hand Indians
10 Raisel Iglesias Reds
11 Kirby Yates Padres
12 Jose Leclerc Rangers
13 David Robertson Phillies
14 Will Smith* Giants
15 Wade Davis Rockies
16 Ken Giles Blue Jays
17 Alex Colome White Sox
18 Craig Kimbrel FA
19 Brandon Morrow Cubs
20 Trevor May Twins
21 Jose Alvarado* Rays
22 Matt Barnes* Red Sox
23 Arodys Vizcaino Braves
24 Jordan Hicks* Cardinals
25 Brad Boxberger* Royals
26 Sergio Romo* Marlins
27 Greg Holland Diamondbacks
28 Cody Allen Angels
29 Shane Greene Tigers
30 Hunter Strickland Mariners
31 Mychal Givens* Orioles
     
32 Andrew Miller* Cardinals
33 Jeremy Jeffress Brewers
34 Dellin Betances Yankees
35 Archie Bradley Diamondbacks
36 Adam Ottavino Yankees
37 Alex Reyes Cardinals
38 Ross Stripling Dodgers
39 Pedro Strop* Cubs
40 Corey Knebel Brewers
41 Chad Green Yankees
42 Seranthony Dominguez Phillies
43 Jace Fry White Sox
44 Jose Castillo Padres
45 Ty Buttrey Angels
46 Joe Jimenez Tigers
47 Ryan Pressly Astros
48 Jeurys Familia Mets
49 Will Harris Astros
50 Keone Kela Pirates
51 Tony Cingrani Dodgers
52 Ryan Brasier Red Sox
53 Drew Steckenrider* Marlins
54 Adam Conley* Marlins
55 Wily Peralta* Royals
56 Blake Parker* Twins
57 Mark Melancon* Giants
58 Diego Castillo Padres
59 A.J. Minter Braves
60 Oliver Perez Indians
61 Darren O'Day Braves
62 Ray Black Giants
63 Hector Neris Phillies
64 Richard Rodriguez Pirates
65 Lou Trivino A's
66 Yoshihisa Hirano Diamondbacks
67 Richard Bleier Orioles
68 Carl Edwards Jr. Cubs
69 Seth Lugo Mets
70 Nate Jones White Sox
71 Kyle Barraclough Nationals
72 Cam Bedrosian Angels
73 Ryan Yarbrough Rays
74 Craig Stammen Padres
75 Taylor Rogers Twins

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.