February 2, 2020

Ryan Pressly had a dominant 2019 season that backed up his 2018 breakout which included a midseason trade from Minnesota to Houston. Pressly posted a 2.32 ERA with a sparkling 0.90 WHIP and 72 strikeouts in 54.1 innings and seems poised to repeat those numbers based on his advanced metrics. His 17.7 percent swinging-strike rate was seventh among all relievers and led to a 34.1 percent strikeout rate that was top-20 in baseball. His 2.21 xFIP led all qualified relievers and he finished in the top one percentile of pitchers in wOBA allowed at .233. Where Pressly really stands out is leagues that reward holds. The 31-year-old righty led the league in holds last season and has the fifth most in baseball over the last two years. His fantasy value for 2020 depends on league format, but Pressly can be expected to rack up more holds while pitching to a mid two's ERA, a WHIP near one, and plenty of strikeouts. Pressly only recorded three saves last year, but in leagues that reward holds he is a must-start reliever who should be drafted shortly after top closers are off the board. In traditional fantasy leagues, he's still a worthy starting RP option. There are worse players to draft late than Pressly who should contribute in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts while being next-in-line for saves in Houston should something happen to Roberto Osuna.--Mike Schwarzenbach - RotoBaller