March 29, 2022
The Hold is becoming more fashionable in fantasy leagues who want to reward bullpen pitchers who perform well but don’t get the 9th inning for whatever reason. This list aims to identify players who fit that model. Players who we have listed as a team’s closer aren’t listed, as they will have value no matter what league you play in.
Tier I
Devin Williams
Chad Greene
Jonathan Loaisiga
The top tier is where you’ll find elite set up men who have great numbers in their own right, but who are blocked by an equally good closer ahead of them. This tier gets smaller and smaller each year as more teams move away from a set closer.
Tier II
Seth Lugo
Ian Kennedy
Paul Sewald
Aaron Bummer
Will Smith
Genesis Cabrera
Archie Bradley
Brad Boxberger
Art Warren
David Robertson
The 2nd tier is a place for solid options who have a single question mark. That question is usually a possible ascent to the closers role at some point, but sometimes is injury or age related. These players may be more valuable than the Tier I group in many leagues, as they are often in position to take over as a primary closer, but this will bring down their overall holds numbers.
Tier III
Hector Neris
James Karinchak
Jake McGee
Lucas Sims
Daniel Hudson
Trevor Richards
Kendall Graveman
Josh Staumont
Tanner Rainey
Aaron Loup
Luke Jackson
The 3rd tier is for slightly less than elite pitchers who will still generate a good amount of holds for you. These guys are usually not lights out relievers, or have injury concerns, but they can eat innings and routinely find themselves in valuable spots. Their ratios may leave a little bit to be desired, but they should see plenty of chances over the year.
Tier IV
Ryan Brasier
Tyler Rogers
Michael Fulmer
Brusdar Graterol
Amir Garrett
Colin McHugh
Deolis Guerra
Adam Ottavino
The 4th tier is where you’ll find some high risk/reward guys. There will be a good amount of value here, but you’ll have to take on some of the bad with the good. This is where you’ll find effective relievers who need to grow into a role, or those who may be due for a regression. If they become a go to set up option, they are likely to keep that spot and put up solid numbers for you
