Last week we profiled closers to avoid for the 2015 season. Searching for replacements can be a tough task, as we are partially at the whim of managers that, unfortunately, don’t always promote the right man for the job. Still, for fantasy owners in deep leagues and with deep benches, it’s an important exercise and one that can be the difference in a fantasy championship.
Kyuji Fujikawa, Rangers
Fujikawa has failed to make a name for himself in the States due to injury, but the Rangers got a bargain in the offseason when they signed him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal in the offseason. The former Japanese closer has a 5.04 ERA in 27 major league appearances, but he also has an impresssive 11.2 K/9 and 3.88 K/BB ratio over those innings. He certainly has the command to be a force in the majors, and had a career 1.77 ERA with 220 saves in Japan. Neftali Feliz’s declining velocity and command could open the door for a replacement in Texas later this season, and Fujikawa has the experience to adequately fill the role for the Rangers.
Jason Motte, Cubs
Motte did a great job as the Cardinals closer in 2012, converting 42 saves with a 5.06 K/BB ratio. He went down with a torn elbow ligament in 2013, and was just working his velocity back last season. The converted catcher works almost exclusivity off of his fastball, so his velocity is of utmost importance to his success. The Cubs signed Motte in the offseason, taking a gamble that the velocity will return this season. Hector Rondon did a solid job as Chicago’s closer last season, but Motte has the most experience in the role among Chicago’s relievers should Rondon falter. If his velocity looks good in the spring, Motte could also be a valuable innings filler for fantasy owners.
Adam Ottavino, Rockies
Ottavino became one of manager Walt Weiss’ favorite arms last season, making 75 appearances in the always overworked Rockies bullpen. He’s made huge progress with his control since his early days in the Cardinals farm system, with an outstanding 2.2 BB/9 last season. Weiss said this week that Ottavino would be the man should 42-year-old LaTroy Hawkins be unavailable, and there should be some concern that the veteran will lose his stuff at such an advanced age. The Rockies have other relievers with closing experience in John Axford and Rex Brothers, but Ottavino has the ear of his manager.
Joakim Soria, Tigers
Some fantasy owners are wary of Soria after he struggled with Detroit last season, but the peripherals look far better than the results. He finished the 2014 season with a superb 9.7 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9, showing the best control of his career. The former Royals and Rangers closer produced the ERA indicators of an elite relief pitcher, and his velocity has returned following his second Tommy John surgery. Soria’s stock is further spurred by the struggles of Joe Nathan last season, with questions about whether the veteran can maintain the closer role much longer. The Tigers added Soria down the stretch last season, but that move clearly wasn’t just with the 2014 season in mind.
Rafael Soriano, Free Agent
Soriano still sits in free agency, hoping for a call with the right price tag behind it. Presumably, he’s also looking for a closing opportunity with 207 saves for his career. The veteran’s velocity isn’t what it was early in his career, but he did rebound last season with a strong 8.6 K/9 and 3.11 K/BB ratio. The Scott Boras client continues to play the waiting game, and it could be for good reason if he’s able to get the call to close by Opening Day. He’s a reliever most fantasy owners have forgotten about without a team, but could make an astute speculative play.
Matt Stites, Diamondbacks
Stites is admittedly better categorized as a deep closing sleeper, as he needs plenty to go right in order to find saves this season. Arizona’s bullpen is deep, and will only get better if and when David Hernandez returns from injury. Still, Stites has the profile of a future closer with a consistent mid-90’s fastball and terrific control in the minors, with a career 1.5 BB/9. He converted 47 saves during his four-year minor league career, with an outstanding 1.76 ERA. While Stites struggled during his major league debut last season, the control numbers weren’t representative of what we’ve seen of him in the past. With Addison Reed not exactly blowing hitters away over the last two seasons and the Diamondbacks among the bottom feeders in win over/under according to Vegas, Stites could get a shot for saves during the second half of the season.
-Seth Trachtman