Not much has changed across the league in the last week regarding the saves landscape aside from Ryan Helsley returning to the Orioles and Daniel Palencia landing on the IL for the Cubs. Considering Palencia has recorded just 3 saves this season (without a blown save), his owners may not even notice he’s gone. Of course, the day after he was shelved, the Cubs had a save opportunity. Life can be kooky like that sometimes. Let’s take a quick run through our top ten and see who might be worth adding this week.
The Top Ten:
1- Mason Miller (Padres)
2- Cade Smith (Guardians)
3- Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox)
4- Jhoan Duran (Phillies)
5- Louis Varland (Blue Jays)
6- Bryan Baker (Rays)
7- David Bednar (Yankees)
8- Raisel Iglesias (Braves)
9- Josh Hader (Astros)
10- Riley O’Brien (Cardinals)
FAAB Targets:
Ryan Helsley (Orioles). If he was dropped for some reason, grab him. He’s going to slide right back into the closer role for the Orioles. If you own him, you might want to consider selling high on him as soon as he logs his first save or two. I have a feeling he may get traded. If Baltimore can move his contract to a contender, they have Felix Bautista coming back as a cheaper option for next year.
Emilio Pagan (Reds). He’s owned in most normal leagues that have unlimited injured reserve spots, but if you play in a league with a limited bench, he may have been dropped. He’s getting close to returning, and the Reds desperately need him back in the 9th.
Jacob Webb (Cubs). He’s the one who stepped in and grabbed the save for the Cubs after Palencia was placed on the IL. Considering that Ben Brown is now a starter (and a really good one), the other options to close games in Chicago are Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton, and Hoby Milner. It will likely be a committee, but I like Webb and his 37 K’s across 31+ innings. I would put a backup bid in on Thielbar as well, since he did close out two games earlier when Palencia went down.
Elvis Alvarado (A’s). He’s closed two games in the last week, and he’s probably been picked up by now. I’ve been on him since the pre-season, and I think he’s the real deal. Grab him if he’s still out there.
Victor Vodnik (Rockies). He’s back from the IL and will likely have to wait until Senzatella is traded to regain the closer role. If you play in a deep league and want to stash somebody who could get you 8-10 saves over the second half of the season, go ahead and pick him up if he was dropped.
Gus Varland (Nationals). The “other” Varland is now up to 6 saves and seems to be the preferred option over Clayton Beeter in Washington at the moment.
Good luck! Just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Use your FAAB budget wisely.
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