👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2016 Fantasy Baseball Tiered Rankings: Relief Pitching (January)

Welcome back RotoBallers to the end of our second round of 2016 fantasy baseball rankings. We'll take a look at relief pitching in this final segment, from closers to holders.

Saves are always a volatile category for fantasy owners, with the selection after the first few tiers leaving much to be desired in either performance or job security. But that doesn't mean there isn't value to be found. Think of Brad Boxberger and his AL-leading 41 saves, Jeurys Familia, Luke Gregerson, Hector Rondon, Shawn Tolleson. These players were available for cents on the dollar on draft day and were all valuable pieces to any winning roster.

This round of rankings features seven of our experts. They are Brad Johnson, Max Petrie, Kyle Bishop, Harris Yudin, Jeff Kahntroff, Bill Dubiel, and Nick Mariano. Assume a standard 5x5 redraft league when reading. And don't forget to also check out our 2016 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard. In case you missed it, we've been churning out dynasty rankings, keeper values, and top MLB prospect rankings for the 2016 fantasy baseball season. Let's get to it.

 

2016 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Relief Pitching

Tier One

You know what you're getting with this quartet, and so will your auction budget on draft day. Wade Davis led all relievers in ERA (0.94) and BAA (.143). His fastball did most of the work - it ranked as the third among relievers. Aroldis Chapman led all relievers with a 15.79 K/9 rate and now joins a loaded  Yankee bullpen. How stacked you ask? Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances finished second and third in K/9 behind Chapman. The Yankees should have no problem getting Chapman the ball with a lead. Kenley Jansen was dominant after returning from injury; his 36.0% K-BB% and 0.78 WHIP led all relievers.

Tier Two

I was this close to placing Britton in Tier One. He led all relievers in xFIP (1.75), GB rate (79.1%), and soft contact (34.0%). My concern is save opportunities from Britton in 2016 considering the Orioles inability to build a strong rotation.

Trevor Rosenthal secured 48 saves in 2015 (2nd among RP) despite of a .337 BABIP. Look for Rosenthal to have another great year.

Familia was a great example of not paying for saves. Ranking closer to 20th in 2015, he finished third in saves (43) and seventh in ERA (1.85) among RP. Ken Giles finished sixth in ERA (1.80) and will have a full-year in the closer role for a contending Astros squad. Don't let him slip in drafts.

Tier Three

Mark Melancon led all RP in saves (51) and his cutter graded out as the best among relievers. He has a 1.86 ERA over his last three seasons with Pittsburgh.

Cody Allen loves his curveball, and for good reason. He threw it 37.0% of the time (first among RP) and it was third best among relievers (first among closers).

David Robertson's 3.41 ERA isn't pretty at first glace, but a peek at his xFIP (2.27 - third among RP) hints that he was the victim of bad defense. He was one of two pitchers (Jansen) with a K/9 above 12.0 and a BB/9 below 2.0.

Glen Perkins 32 saves and low walk rate (1.58 BB/9) are appealing, but his 1.42 HR/9 was worst among current closers. I would much rather pay for the trio mentioned in this tier before Perkins.

Tier Four

Boxberger led the AL with 41 saves, but his high HR rate (1.29 HR/9) and BB% (11.8%) leave much to be desired. The one positive is Jake McGee is no longer a threat to claim the role.

Huston Street's 40 saves were fifth among RP, but he saw increases in his fly ball rate, HR/FB%, and hard contact. His slider is still nasty; his 8.2 wSL finished seventh among RP.

Rondon deserves more love than he's received to this point. His 1.10 ERA after the All-Star break led all closers. The Cubs are going to be competitive once again in 2016 and Rondon should be a lock for 30+ saves.

Miller is downright filthy, but the lack of a closing role hinders his value. Miller had the top performing slider for a reliever.

Tier Five

These rankings were submitted before the news broke that Carter Capps would compete for the closer role with A.J. Ramos, or they would likely be flipped. Ramos' issues with location (3.33 BB/9) may open the door for Capps. Hopefully we have a better understanding of the situation come draft day, but for now I'd target Capps. If Capps qualified, his 16.84 K/9 would have been tops among relievers while his 1.10 ERA was behind only Davis. If he becomes the closer, he launches to Tier Two.

K-Rod kept on trucking in 2015; he had 38 saves (T-7th among RP) while his changeup graded at 17.8 wCH and he threw it 42.0% of the time, both tops among relievers.

The same issue for Miller applies to Betances; excellent pitcher, no closer duties. Betances' 1.50 ERA was second among RP.

Jonathan Papelbon isn't going to win Teammate of the Year anytime soon, but he's still a viable closer. His fastball has diminished in the past few seasons and is closer to 91 than 94, which is why he's in Tier Four. Roberto Osuna was excellent serving as the Blue Jays closer, but the acquisition of Drew Storen hinders his value until roles are sorted out.

Tier Six

Brad Ziegler had 30 saves while throwing smoke and mirrors. His 4.76 K/9 was easily the lowest among closers. Jason Grilli should be ready by Spring Training after suffering a torn Achilles. He had 24 saves before the injury, although the Braves have not confirmed whether there will be an open competition with Arodys Vizcaino.

Tolleson is an intriguing closer to target later in your drafts. His 22 saves after the All-Star break were tops among relievers, and he'll have the role all season in Texas.

Santiago Casilla had 38 saves last season, but he probably raised your blood pressure in the process. His walk rate rose (3.57 BB/9) and his groundball rate plummeted ten points (46.5%). Tread carefully.

If Sean Doolittle's shoulder holds up, he has a great chance at 30 saves this year. He's a personal favorite that can be found in the bargain bin come draft day. Steve Cishek had a terrible first half with Miami but rebounded nicely in St. Louis (1.94 ERA in second half) and will open the season as Seattle's closer.

McGee was recently traded to Colorado for Corey Dickerson and is in line to compete for the closer role with Jason Motte. McGee has the tools to succeed in the closer role, but his low ground ball rate (38.9%) could spell trouble in the thin air of Coors. The trade happened after we submitted our rankings.

Tier Seven

David Hernandez will close for Philadelphia and has a heavy fastball that sits at 94 MPH. He needs to work on the long balls (1.60 HR/9) if he's going to survive in the bandbox that is Citizens Bank Park.

Will Smith will close in Milwaukee, but I would look elsewhere; his 37.2% hard contact rate was worst among relievers. Hoover will probably replace Chapman in Cincinatti, but his questionable control (11.8% BB rate) makes it difficult to trust him. Darren O'Day would replace Zach Britton should an injury occur, a role he would succeed in. His 1.52 ERA was third among relievers.

Kelvin Herrera continues to be an X-factor in the Royals bullpen. His 98.1 mph fastball was second behind only Chapman. Herrera would become a must-own if Davis suffered an injury. Gregerson's 42.0% O-Swing% led all relievers, although his value takes a hit with Giles' arrival. He'd be the next man up in Houston.

Tier Eight

Nothing to see here for closer duties, but there's plenty of handcuffs to consider. I mentioned Hoover in the previous paragraph closing for the Reds, but Jumbo Diaz profiles better for the role. His 97 mph heater was equal to Craig Kimbrel's fastball. Another hard thrower is Hunter Strickland. He posted the best results with his fastball while his 0.86 WHIP was tied for third. He's the closer in waiting for San Francisco.

Cishek is expected to close in Seattle, but Joaquin Benoit has the better arsenal. He features three plus pitches and had a 2.34 ERA.

 

Relief Pitcher Rankings for 2016 Fantasy Baseball

Rank Tier Name Brad Max Kyle Nick Harris Jeff Bill
1 1 Aroldis Chapman 4 1 1 3 1 4 1
2 1 Wade Davis 3 3 2 1 3 1 2
3 1 Craig Kimbrel 1 2 4 4 2 3 3
4 1 Kenley Jansen 2 4 3 2 4 2 4
5 2 Zach Britton 5 5 9 6 5 6 5
6 2 Ken Giles 7 6 5 9 9 5 9
7 2 Jeurys Familia 10 8 6 5 8 7 8
8 2 Trevor Rosenthal 8 9 8 8 6 8 6
9 3 David Robertson 11 7 7 7 11 9 10
10 3 Cody Allen 6 11 10 10 10 10 15
11 3 Mark Melancon 9 10 11 11 7 12 12
12 3 Glen Perkins 13 14 13 17 13 13 11
13 4 Andrew Miller 12 26 14 20 12 11 7
14 4 Brad Boxberger 17 13 19 12 14 14 13
15 4 Huston Street 19 16 12 13 18 16 14
16 4 Hector Rondon 14 12 16 18 20 17 16
17 4 A.J. Ramos 16 19 18 14 27 15 17
18 5 Dellin Betances 15 24 15 21 17 20 18
19 5 Francisco Rodriguez 20 15 22 15 22 19 20
20 5 Roberto Osuna 20 20 22 15 21 19
21 5 Jonathan Papelbon 21 17 17 19 23 18 22
22 5 Carter Capps 18 27 21 16 16 32 26
23 6 Santiago Casilla 24 21 28 25 19 25 21
24 6 Shawn Tolleson 32 18 24 26 24 24 24
25 6 Brad Ziegler 26 29 27 29 26 26 29
26 6 Jake McGee 23 32 23 28 29 33 27
27 6 Sean Doolittle 36 22 29 30 21 30 -
28 6 Arodys Vizcaino 25 25 26 24 39 35 23
29 6 Jason Grilli - 30 - - - 27 -
30 6 Steve Cishek 27 31 35 34 25 22 -
31 7 Drew Storen 22 23 25 27 28 34 30
32 7 David Hernandez 37 28 31 33 41 23 -
33 7 Luke Gregerson - 42 - 23 32 41 28
34 7 Will Smith - 33 - - 38 29 -
35 7 Jason Motte - 36 - - - 31 -
36 7 Carson Smith - 38 34 32 33 40 25
37 7 Darren O'Day 28 47 30 31 34 39 32
38 7 JJ Hoover - 34 - 38 40 28 -
39 7 Kelvin Herrera - 35 - - - - -
40 7 Hunter Strickland - 40 32 37 - 37 -
41 7 Joakim Soria 30 43 - - 36 43 31
42 8 Kevin Siegrist 35 48 - - 31 - -
43 8 Joaquin Benoit - 37 - 40 - 38 -
44 8 Tony Watson - 39 33 - 43 42 -
45 8 Tyler Clippard 33 50 - - 35 - -
46 8 Sergio Romo - 41 - 36 - 45 -
47 8 Drew Pomeranz - 45 - - 30 47 -
48 8 Tom Wilhelmsen 31 51 - - 37 49 -
49 8 Ryan Madson 38 52 - - 45 36 -
50 8 Brandon Maurer - 54 - - 42 44 -
51 8 Jumbo Diaz - 44 - 39 - 46 -
52 8 Kevin Jepsen 34 49 - - - 50 -
53 8 Koji Uehara - 46 - - 44 - -
54 8 Seung-Hwan Oh - 53 - 35 - 48 -
55 8 Chad Qualls - 55 - - - - -

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mack Hollins

Can Mack Hollins Maintain a Starting Role in New England in 2026?
Malik Washington

Has Breakout Potential After Offseason Movement in Miami
Mike Gesicki

Is Mike Gesicki a Buy-Low Candidate After Down 2025?
Jayden Reed

Poised for Larger Role in Green Bay Following Offseason Movement
Matthew Golden

Does Matthew Golden Have a Clear Path to a Starting Role in His Sophomore Season?
Jaylon Tyson

Rejoins Cavaliers Lineup as Starter
Klay Thompson

Misses Friday's Game Due to Illness
Kevin Huerter

Back in Action Friday
Sam Hauser

Cleared to Play Friday
Neemias Queta

Ready to Take on Pelicans
Derrick White

Good to Go Friday
Jaylen Brown

Active on Friday
Josh Giddey

Still Out Friday
Miles McBride

Exits Knicks Lineup Friday
Mitchell Robinson

Sidelined on Friday
Norman Powell

Won't Play Against Wizards
Tyler Herro

Out on Friday
Saddiq Bey

Herbert Jones Resting Friday
Immanuel Quickley

Unavailable Friday
Julius Randle

Misses Second Straight Game
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play Friday
Dontayvion Wicks

Eagles Acquiring Dontayvion Wicks From the Packers
Brent Rooker

A's Place Brent Rooker on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
J.T. Realmuto

Back in Friday's Lineup
Parker Meadows

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Broken Arm, Concussion
Seiya Suzuki

Back From the Injured List
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
DJ Giddens

an Easily Replaceable Insurance Back
Kenny Moore II

and Colts Seeking a Trade
Hunter Henry

Could Be Impacted by NFL Draft
AJ Barner

a Mispriced Dynasty Asset
Cedric Tillman

Nearing Cut Candidacy in Dynasty Leagues
Josh Jacobs

Has a Health-Related Production Dip Left Josh Jacobs Undervalued?
Sam Carrick

to Miss Start of Playoffs
Alex Lyon

Questionable for Start of Postseason
Dakota Joshua

Unlikely to Return This Season
John Gibson

Exits Thursday's Game Due to Neck Problem
Miro Heiskanen

Uncertain for Playoffs
Brandon Hagel

Expected to Return Before End of Regular Season
Roman Josi

Nursing Upper-Body Injury
Trey Murphy III

Unavailable Against Celtics
Dejounte Murray

Remains Out Friday
Zion Williamson

Won't Suit Up Friday
Jalen Williams

Out on Friday
Jarrett Allen

Won't Play Against Hawks
Moritz Seider

has Five-Point Game on Thursday
Xavier Legette

Trending Down Ahead of Year 3
Rashod Bateman

a Cut Candidate in All Dynasty Leagues?
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Can Ja'Tavion Sanders Break Through in the Panthers' Offense?
Cole Caufield

Reaches 50 Goals
Jayden Reed

Can Jayden Reed Bounce Back as a WR3/Flex in 2026?
Travis Hunter

to be Full-Time Cornerback, Part-Time Wide Receiver in 2026
Blake Coleman

Unavailable Thursday
Quinton Byfield

Cleared to Play Thursday
Thomas Chabot

Makes Surprise Return Thursday
Luke Hughes

to Miss Rest of Season
Stuart Skinner

Faces Devils Thursday
Nazem Kadri

to "Miss Some Games" With Finger Injury
Seth Jones

to Miss Rest of Season Due to Broken Foot
Corbin Carroll

Dealing With Hip Injury, Not Expected to Miss Much Time
NFL

Jordyn Tyson to Hold Individual Workout on April 17
Brent Rooker

Exits Early on Thursday Due to Apparent Injury
NFL

No New Injury Issues for Francis Mauigoa
Travis Hunter

to be "Limited Participant" During Offseason Workouts
Carolina Panthers

Denzel Boston Visiting With Panthers on Thursday
Zach Benson

Scores Twice in Comeback Victory
Logan Thompson

Shuts Out the Leafs
Zach Eflin

Undergoes Successful Elbow Surgery, Will Miss Remainder of 2026
Andrei Kuzmenko

to Be Re-Evaluated in 7-8 Days
Mason Appleton

Won't Play Thursday
Tony DeAngelo

Expected to Return Thursday
Cole Ragans

"Should be Good" for Next Start
Reynaldo López

Reynaldo Lopez Handed Seven-Game Suspension
Jorge Soler

Suspended Seven Games, Will Appeal
Cole Ragans

Diagnosed With Thumb Contusion
Cole Ragans

Leaves Early on Wednesday After Being Hit in the Hand
Jacob deGrom

Expects to Make his Next Start
Konnor Griffin

Pirates Sign Konnor Griffin to Nine-Year Extension
Tyrrell Hatton

a Steady Option at The Masters
Justin Thomas

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Masters
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Option at the Masters
Nicolai Hojgaard

Carrying Momentum Into The Masters
Si Woo Kim

in Strong Form Heading to The Masters
Chris Gotterup

Ready to Make His Masters Debut
Patrick Reed

Brings Momentum to The Masters
Jon Rahm

Looks Poised for His Second Green Jacket
Jacob deGrom

Doesn't Have Structural Damage in his Knee
J.T. Realmuto

Leaves Game on Tuesday Due to Bruised Right Foot
Cody Ponce

to Have Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Six Months
Alejandro Kirk

Facing Six-Week Absence
Jacob deGrom

to Undergo MRI on Tuesday
Mike Trout

Back in the Lineup on Tuesday
Hunter Brown

Diagnosed with Grade 2 Shoulder Strain
Adam Scott

Form Points to Him Competing at Masters
Jordan Spieth

Finding Consistency Heading to Masters
Hideki Matsuyama

Trending In Right Direction For Masters
Tommy Fleetwood

a Contender if his Putter Cooperates at The Masters
Collin Morikawa

Vegas has Lost Confidence in Collin Morikawa Ahead of Masters Tournament
Ludvig Aberg

One of the Top Plays For This Week's Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy

Set to Defend his Long-Awaited Masters Victory
Bryson DeChambeau

Looks to Finally Claim a Green Jacket
Patrick Cantlay

Needs Plenty to Go Right at Augusta
Harris English

Playing Solid Golf Heading to Masters
Sam Burns

Bouncing Back Nicely After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Corey Conners

Quietly Putting Together A Strong 2026 Season
Russell Henley

Looks to Bounce Back At Masters
Chris Duncan

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Renato Moicano

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tabatha Ricci

Gets Outgrappled
Virna Jandiroba

Bounces Back
Brendson Ribeiro

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Earns First-Round Submission Win
Rafael Estevam

Suffers His First Loss
Ethyn Ewing

Dominates At UFC Vegas 115
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF