RADIO
Chris Stratton is a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup for closers and saves. Target Stratton as a free agent relief pitcher for saves on the waiver wire.
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: William Smith was the presumptive closer for Kansas City to begin the season, but after a shaky start that included six earned runs on four hits, a 4:2 BB:K, and a blown save, the veteran was removed from a save situation on Friday in favor of James McArthur. On Saturday, it was Chris Stratton who was given the save chance and McArthur again on Sunday, while Smith pitched the eighth inning Sunday.
Stratton earned the save Saturday, pitching a clean ninth inning with no walks or hits and striking out one. The 33-year-old had eight saves for Pittsburgh back in 2021, but had three combined over the last two seasons prior to 2024. Stratton doesn't have big strikeout stuff like many closers of today, but pitched to a decent 3.92 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 82 2/3 IP in 2023. He averages just under a K per inning, again atypical of closers.
Chris Stratton. 80 MPH Curveball ⚔️#Royals pic.twitter.com/4bVNstpHMb
— The Royals Rundown Podcast (@RoyalRundownPod) April 6, 2024
Nevertheless, save-needy managers in deeper leagues should pick up Stratton, just know that with McArthur in the mix -- and potentially Smith again -- there may not be many save opportunities to go around in Kansas City. The righty is available in almost all Yahoo leagues for managers interested in his services.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Zac Veen - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 2)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 25% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Colorado Rockies are promoting their No. 8 prospect, Zac Veen, ahead of the team's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. When Veen appears in his first MLB game, he will be making his career debut. The 23-year-old was selected by the Rockies […]
3 Fantasy Baseball Prospects Outlooks - Roman Anthony, Kumar Rocker, Jacob Wilson
Even though the regular season has just begun, it is never too early to begin stashing young prospects. Last season, several top prospects received an early MLB promotion and became must-start players during the remainder of the season, like Paul Skenes. In addition, some prospects even broke camp with the MLB roster and became top […]
Quinn Mathews, Rhett Lowder, Zebby Matthews - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Draft Values
Rookie starters rarely make a big splash in year one, but there is a talented crop of pitchers set to start in the minor leagues that could be impactful. Quinn Mathews, Rhett Lowder, and Zebby Matthews are all interesting fantasy baseball prospects this year, but which of these three can be considered "sleepers" at their […]
Matt Shaw, Jordan Lawlar, Drake Baldwin - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Draft Values
Rookies don't always pay off their price tag in redraft leagues, but some prospects are teeming with so much upside that they are worth drafting in case they bust out in a big way. Matt Shaw, Jordan Lawlar, and Drake Baldwin are all interesting fantasy baseball prospects this year, but which of these three are […]
Jackson Jobe, Bubba Chandler, Noah Schultz - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Draft Values
Rookie starters rarely make a big impact in year one, but there is a talented crop of pitchers set to start in the minor leagues that could come up and find success early. Jackson Jobe, Bubba Chandler, and Noah Schultz are all interesting fantasy baseball prospects this year, but which of these three can be […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
