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Ryan Walker: Uncertain Role, But Possible 25+ Saves Candidate
15 mins agoSan Francisco Giants pitcher Ryan Walker was a revelation in 2024 as one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball. Walker posted 10 wins, 10 saves, 21 holds, a 1.91 ERA, a 0.85 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts in 80 innings. It was a remarkable season in that Walker did not start the season in the closer role; incumbent Camilo Doval held that role. Walker even started a game for the Giants. There will be some regression in the wins and ratios this year, and Walker's role remains unclear despite the success in 2024. His current ADP of 111 shows that fantasy players believe him to be the closer and most likely candidate to earn saves, but Doval is still on the roster and had been an excellent source of saves the two years prior. Walker boasted a 31.2%K% and a minuscule 5.8%BB% last season, and if he keeps in those ranges (both of which were career highs for him) he should retain the closer's role. Yet even if he is in a high-leverage role, Walker will have value on fantasy rosters. If he is the full-time closer, expect 25 saves.
