So this is why everyone preaches patience when drafting closers.
“Don’t draft a relief pitcher early” has become fantasy baseball’s slightly less stern version of “Never take a kicker until the final round.” They’re at the mercy of a manager’s ideologies and his team producing save opportunities.
Also, closers change all the time.
There’s a high turnover rate near MLB‘s trade deadline, which especially caused chaos this summer. Last week‘s waiver-wire column discussed Dellin Betances, Tony Watson, Kelvin Herrera, Jake Barrett and Edwin Diaz, but there are three more movements to document.
The Houston Astros reversed course by bequeathing the ninth innings to Ken Giles, whom everyone expected to serve as their closer all along. With the announcement made Tuesday, fantasy gamers have had ample time to skyrocket his Yahoo Sports ownership rate above the 50 percent barrier.
It’s too late to tout Giles, but two more new closers remain available in over half of Yahoo leagues. Before the revolving door settles down, some gamers have one last chance to snatch a major upgrade for free.