March 22, 2023
Below are our top middle relievers/save sleepers for 2023. Please note that these rankings are based on traditional (saves only) leagues and are therefore weighted toward players with the best chances of getting save opportunities at some point this season.
1. David Robertson – The Mets’ bullpen is unsettled after the Edwin Diaz injury and although we have Adam Ottavino at the top of the hierarchy currently, the veteran David Robertson is certainly in the mix. The Mets should win a lot of games this year and there is chance Robertson could end up leading this bullpen if Ottavino falters or is used as a high leverage reliever prior to the 9th inning.
2. Jason Adam – Jason Adam had fantastic numbers last year including a 0.76 WHIP, which was good for third among qualified relievers. He had 8 saves last year and should have the opportunity to get close to double digit saves this year as one of the primary members of the expected Rays’ committee alongside Peter Fairbanks.
3. Michael Fulmer – Michael Fulmer signed with the Cubs this off-season and should compete for save chances alongside fellow newcomer Brad Boxberger. Fulmer has expressed a strong desire to claim the closer’s job and we think he is worth targeting after the primary closers are off the board as a potential cheap source of saves,
4. Andrez Muñoz – Andrez Muñoz struck out 96 batters in 65 innings last year while averaging about 100 MPH on his fastball. Munoz only recorded 4 saves last year versus Paul Sewald’s 20 saves but if Muñoz can stay healthy and pitch like he did last season, he has a good chance on improving that total.
5. Seranthony Dominguez – Seranthony Dominguez was one of the Phillies’ best relievers last year and proved he could close out games, finishing with 9 saves on the season. The Phillies brought in Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto this off-season but both of those guys have enough question marks that Dominguez could be worth a late round selection as somebody who could end up taking the closers’ job.
6. Jorge Lopez – After struggling as a starter, Jorge Lopez moved to the bullpen last year and was very successful in the role for the Orioles at the beginning of the season. Lopez was traded to the Twins mid-season and struggled a little bit after the trade. Jhoan Duran is the best reliever in the Twins bullpen and should see the majority of saves, but Duran will also likely have some nights where he will be used in a high leverage spot prior to the 9th inning and in those instances, Lopez is likely to end up with the save chance.
7. Jimmy Herget – Jimmy Herget shined in the Angels’ bullpen after the trade of closer Raisel Iglesias and finished the season with 9 saves. The Angels brought in veteran Carlos Estevez and he is expected to get the first shot at closing but Estevez is far from a shore thing and Herget could be in the mix for saves if he pitches like he did down the stretch last season.
8. Rafael Montero – The Astros brought back Rafael Montero this season after he excelled as a set-up man and back up closer to Ryan Pressly last season. Montero ended up with 14 saves last year and could be in line for double digit saves again this year since the Astros are expected to win a lot of games and Pressly needed a couple IL stints last year.
9. Brusdar Graterol – The Dodgers bullpen is wide open right now and Graterol has a chance to claim the closer’s role if he can stay healthy. Graterol saved four games last year and if he had been able to stay healthy, he could have established himself as the primary closer for the Dodgers.
10. A.J. Puk – The Marlins are another team with a lot of questions at the back-end of their bullpen. A.J. Puk is another starter turned reliever that had a lot of success out of the bullpen last year and he has a good chance at seeing save chances as the lefty in a potential committee.
11. Taylor Rogers – Taylor Rogers was leading the league in saves at the All-Star break last year and although he struggled for the remainder of the season, he is still a solid lefty with lots of closing experience. Giants manager Gabe Kapler likes to mix and match and that could lead to save chances for Rogers this season.
12. Jonathan Loaisiga – Jonathan Loaisiga battled injuries last year but finished the season strong. Clay Holmes is expected to get the first shot at closing but Holmes struggled in the second half of last season and Loaisiga could be an option to close if Holmes falters this season.
13. Aroldis Chapman – Aroldis Chapman missed time due to injuries last year and the results weren’t great when he was on the field but he struck out almost 100 batters two seasons ago. If he can regain some of that form, he could challenge for saves in Kansas City.
14. Hunter Harvey – Hunter Harvey posted some solid numbers for the Nationals last year and although he is clearly behind Kyle Finnegan, there are rumors that Finnegan may be used more in a fireman role this season. If Finnegan is not used as a traditional closer, Harvey could see save chances on nights when Finnegan is needed prior to the 9th inning.
15. Jose Cisnero – Jose Cisnero led the Tigers in appearances from 2020-2021 and although he missed some time last season, he proved to be a reliable reliever, finishing the season with an ERA of 1.08. He doesn’t have the upside of Alex Lange, but he is more consistent so if Lange struggles, Cisnero could be a good fall back option for the Tigers.
