Although injuries forced most of the hierarchal changes in the first half of the season, the trade deadline should provide more role changes before August. For now, looking back at the top performers helps fantasy managers prepare for the stretch run. There will also be risers and fallers in some key categories comparing first-half results against the second-half from 2023.
Save Totals
- 2024: 737 saves
- 2023: 704 save
Blown Saves
- 2024: 418 blown saves
- 2023: 401 blown saves
Save Opportunities
- 2024: 1,115
- 2023: 1,105
Save Percentage of Wins
- 2024: 50.9 percent
- 2023: 51.9 percent
Save Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JMwVD/3/
One notices a rise in relievers in this year’s first half, recording more than 14 saves and Ryan Helsley surpassing 30 saves before the All-Star break.
2024 First Half Leaderboards
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kKz2V/1/
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jriBu/1/
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WmfTq/1/
*This represents relievers with at least 20 innings, not qualified
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MSw8X/2/
*This represents relievers with at least 20 innings, not qualified
2024 First Half Risers and Decliners versus 2023 Second Half Splits
Strikeouts minus Walks Percentage (K-BB%)
- If Texas decides to sell ahead of the trade deadline, teams will line up for David Robertson and Kirby Yates, two of the top six risers in this list comparing qualified relievers in the last two halves of the season.
- Washington already traded Hunter Harvey, and if the offer is right, it could also move Kyle Finnegan. This bodes well for Robert Garcia‘s potential second-half save chances.
- Many will be tracking Camilo Doval closely in the second half. He’s blown four save chances and his bloated 1.62 WHIP could get him on the “hot seat” with a slow start following the break. This is a Ryan Walker note.
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3pDiw/2/
- Will Tampa Bay move Pete Fairbanks?
Swinging Strike Percentage
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ysCGi/1/
- Although Mason Miller headlines the A’s relievers, a savvy team may add a solid set-up reliever if they acquire Lucas Erceg before the deadline.
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RORMS/1/
- Alexis Díaz has been on our radar following a rough first half, and seeing his drop in whiffs causes more concern. Speaking of which, will the real Jhoan Durán emerge after the break?
Contact Rate Allowed
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GF8eW/1/
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IpLaL/1/
Last Statistical Year (through the end of the first half on July 14)
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nWDqk/3/
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/u9Cqc/1/
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.
Please consider becoming a premium subscriber for a one-time $20 donation to the site, featuring full-text emails with charts, column blurbs, and ad-free analysis.
Statistical Credits:
