In most standard league we really try not to push up closers to high in the rankings. The uncertainty around many bullpen situations coupled with free agency delay has forced many of us to embrace the uncertainty through early draft season.
While some of the dust has settled, a number of situations remain murky throughout the league. The top two tiers of closers contain 18 names that we consider “safe” to get you some saves early in the season and even some of those are on rocky footing.
ADP Targets
Kenley Jansen lands in Atlanta and boots Will Smith out of fantasy relevance (we think). I except his ADP to rise from its current level right around pick 100, but I’ll likely still be in even with a few rounds of helium… Jordan Romano (106) was an absolute stud in 2021 and if he gets the role consistently could easily breeze into the top five at the position… Blake Treinen (135) may be one of the most fun relievers to watch and he’s could pile up a TON of saves for the loaded Dodgers. Joe Barlow (208) and Gregory Soto (209) are safer than you think while pitching for teams that will be better than you think. Paul Sewald (284) proved worth it without the saves last season, maybe he can take the job and run with it.
ADP Fades
They are both awesome, but I’m out on both Josh Hader (37) and Liam Hendriks (40), there is just too much talent on the board to justify a top-40 pick on a closer.
2022 Relief Pitcher Rankings
| Rank | Name | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | ||
| 1 | Liam Hendriks | CWS |
| 2 | Josh Hader | MIL |
| 3 | Kenley Jansen | ATL |
| 4 | Raisel Iglesias | LAA |
| 5 | Emmanuel Clase | CLE |
| 6 | Edwin Diaz | NYM |
| 7 | Aroldis Chapman | NYY |
| 8 | Jordan Romano | TOR |
| 9 | Ryan Pressly | HOU |
| 10 | Giovanny Gallegos | STL |
| Tier 2 | ||
| 11 | Mark Melancon | ARI |
| 12 | Camilo Doval | SF |
| 13 | Blake Treinen | LAD |
| 14 | Taylor Rogers | MIN |
| 15 | Scott Barlow | KC |
| 16 | Paul Sewald | SEA |
| 17 | Gregory Soto | DET |
| 18 | Matt Barnes | BOS |
| Tier 3 | ||
| 19 | Corey Knebel | PHI |
| 20 | Andrew Kittredge | TB |
| 21 | David Bednar | PIT |
| 22 | Devin Williams | MIL |
| 23 | Craig Kimbrel | CWS |
| 24 | Will Smith | ATL |
| 25 | Garrett Whitlock | BOS |
| 26 | Pete Fairbanks | TB |
| 27 | Kyle Finnegan | WSH |
| 28 | Lucas Sims | CIN |
| 29 | Joe Barlow | TEX |
| 30 | Alex Colome | COL |
| 31 | Dylan Floro | MIA |
| Tier 4 | ||
| 32 | Alex Reyes | STL |
| 33 | Mychal Givens | CHC |
| 34 | Ian Kennedy | ARI |
| 35 | Hector Neris | HOU |
| 36 | Ken Giles | SEA |
| 37 | James Karinchak | CLE |
| 38 | Rowan Wick | CHC |
| 39 | Brad Hand | PHI |
| 40 | Lou Trivino | OAK |
| 41 | Diego Castillo | SEA |
| 42 | Jordan Hicks | STL |
| 43 | Brusdar Graterol | LAD |
| 44 | Dinelson Lamet | SD |
| 45 | Jake McGee | SF |