With another week in the rearview mirror, things have not settled across the high-leverage landscape. Due to recent usage patterns and outcomes, Detroit has joined a few teams in the unsettled leverage ladders department. Although rankings change rapidly, here are our tiered rankings entering game play on May 27. They are a blend of in-season results with eyes on the rest-of-the-season and should by no means be taken as gospel.
Tier One
- Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
- Robert Suarez (SDP)
- Ryan Helsley (STL)
- Mason Miller (OAK)
- Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
Over the last statistical year (365 days), Clase led all relievers with 44 saves, though two only trailed him by three. Still, his team concept and durability keep him atop our rankings. Miller finally had a tough outing, but his strikeout advantage keeps him in the top-tier.
Tier Two
- Clay Holmes (NYY)
- Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
- Evan Phillips (LAD) – will be activated this week
- Josh Hader (HOU)
- David Bednar (PIT)
- Jhoan Durán (MIN)
- Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
- Tanner Scott (MIA)
- Camilo Doval (SFG)
- Alexis Díaz (CIN)
- Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
- Paul Sewald (ARI)
- Trevor Megill (MIL)
The two relievers behind Clase with 41 saves over the last 365 days reside in this tier: Bednar and Iglesias. It’s with trepidation that Durán moves up, not based on his talent but rather his deployment. He’s recorded six straight games finished. Maybe his role as the preferred save share will cement?
Tier Three
- José Alvarado (PHI)
- Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
- Jordan Romano (TOR)
- James McArthur (KCR)
- Kenley Jansen (BOS)
- Kirby Yates (TEX)
- Héctor Neris (CHC)
- Carlos Estévez (LAA)
One could put these names in a hat and redraw the order, and except for Estévez, there may not be an argument. Volume plus recent performance have moved Romano down the rankings. He’s on watch but not the proverbial hot seat yet.
Tier Four
- Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
- Tyler Kinley (COL)
- Michael Kopech (CWS)
- Edwin Díaz (NYM)
- Adam Ottavino (NYM)
- Griffin Jax (MIN)
- Jalen Beeks (COL)
- Jason Foley (DET)
There are some relievers in save timeshares and an elite reliever during a rough patch. It’s like a game of one thing, not like the others. Baseball’s better with trumpets. Here’s hoping Edwin turns things around soon.
Tier Five
- Matt Strahm (PHI)
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP)
- Ryan Walker (SFG)
- Jason Adam (TBR)
- A.J. Minter (ATL)
- Daniel Hudson (LAD)
- Hunter Harvey (WSH)
- Yimi García (TOR)
- Lucas Erceg (OAK)
- Tyler Holton (DET)
Strahm has been erasing ratios and Estrada is on a streak of strikeouts, making both appealing in mixed leagues with daily moves. This tier also features a few next-man-up relievers in the event of injuries or eventual trades.
Tier Six
- Justin Slaten (BOS)
- Jordan Leasure (CWS)
- Alex Faedo (DET)
- A.J. Puk (MIA)
- Tyson Miller (CHC)
- Luke Weaver (NYY)
- Bryan Hudson (MIL)
- Fernando Cruz (CIN)
This tier contains more relievers capable of receiving save chances later this season and ancillary saves based on upcoming schedules.
Relievers on the Rise
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP): He’s recorded 18 strikeouts over his last 8.1 innings with two wins, a save, and a hold.
- Tyson Miller (CHC)
- Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis (CLE)
- Tyler Kinley (COL)
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.
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