Who Is The Royals' Closer? Fantasy Baseball Saves Candidates For 2023

The Kansas City Royals aren't considered one of the favorites to win the World Series in 2023. They haven't been in the contender conversation for a very long time.

Last season, the Royals had yet another disappointing campaign. They finished 27 games out of first, good for last place in the AL Central. Coming off an embarrassing 66-97 record, they are looking to expedite a rebuild with their pitching staff being one major area of focus. One player the organization is excited about is a 30-year-old reliever by the name of Scott Barlow.

But do they like him enough to make him the closer in 2023? Let's take a look at his numbers, the reports, and all the speculation.

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Is Scott Barlow The Favorite To Be The Royals' Closer?

If you're a Royals fan, not all is lost. Not only is Kansas City leading the Cactus League this spring with 19 wins, but they are playing good baseball, and their expected closer is having a phenomenal camp.

With Spring training almost in the books, Barlow has cruised through the month of March, registering a 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and at times has looked dominant. Yes, it's only Spring training; however, the right-hander has looked sharp from the get-go. His general manager, J.J. Picollo, says he is the closer for 2023.

Barlow has spent his entire major league career with the Royals since making his MLB debut in 2018. His last two seasons have been excellent, and in 2022, he was outstanding. It was his best year in the majors, finishing 7-4 with 24 saves, a 2.18 ERA, and a 1.00 WHIP. The former Omaha Storm Chaser deserves the closer job, and it sure sounds like it's his to lose as we approach the first pitch of 2023.

Viable Alternatives

If Barlow stumbles early in the season, the team does have other options to replace him. Newly acquired lefty flamethrower Aroldis Chapman and RHP Dylan Coleman appear to be next in line for saves should their services in the ninth inning be required. The former, a long-time New York Yankee, has struggled the past few seasons but is looking to regain his form in KC. Coleman, entering only his second full season in the big leagues, has recorded a solid 5-2 record and 2.66 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched.

If your fantasy draft is approaching, wait for the run-on closers before grabbing Barlow. He almost certainly will be available in the later rounds and you can likely get him on the cheap. Then grab Chapman or Coleman if you are desperate for insurance. Don't overreach for either, as neither should offer very much fantasy value. The Royals are looking at another struggling season, which should translate to limited production from a fantasy perspective for most of their roster.

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