Gregory Soto - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Gregory Soto picked up the save this past Wednesday in a 2-1 victory over the Angels, which was his second save of the year. Notably, Jose Alvarado pitched the eighth inning, giving way to Soto in the ninth. Technically speaking, Alvarado's task was more difficult as he had to pitch to the "heart" of the Angels order in the eighth, but Taylor Ward, Luis Rengifo, and Matt Thaiss aren't exactly Murderers' Row. Since then, Alvarado has picked up two saves of his own, so it doesn't appear as though his job is in jeopardy. Other than his first appearance of the year, Alvarado has been solid overall.

For managers in need of saves, though, it was an interesting development, as it happened the day prior as well in a 7-5 victory over the Angels, with Alvarado pitching the eighth (4-5-6 hitters), and Jeff Hoffman collecting a save in the ninth. In Soto's case, it wasn't a matchup preference since they are both left-handers. It's also worth pointing out that Orion Kerkering was not used in either case, so it doesn't seem like he's next in line were Alvarado to falter, as some had thought to potentially be the case when he returned from the IL.

If Alvarado were to falter or get injured, it seems it would be a combo of Soto and Hoffman that would take over closer duties. Like Alvarado, Soto has basically had one bad outing that makes his ERA look very poor (6.10). Take away that one outing, though, and the 29-year-old would have a 1.80 ERA on the season with 10 hits allowed and a 5:11 BB:K over 10 innings pitched.

Gregory Soto, 99mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/g0VvMBtWG1

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 13, 2024

We likely haven't seen the last of Alvarado's use in the eighth inning, which means there will likely be additional opportunities for saves for Soto (and Hoffman). Soto is available in nearly all Yahoo leagues for managers in need of saves and who want to take a flier on the southpaw.

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