Closer reports: AL West | AL EAST| AL Central
Atlanta Braves
Craig Kimbrel is the best closer in baseball. He should be the first closer taken in every fantasy format.
Closer: Craig Kimbrel
Status: No. 1 option in baseball
Sleeper: Jordan Walden
Miami Marlins
Steve Cishek racked up 34 saves with a 2.34 ERA last season and is undervalued in fantasy leagues. The frugal Marlins gave him a one-year, $3.8 million contract and the closer role is all his entering the season. Cishek’s 74 Ks in 69.2 innings and low WHIP (1.08) help his fantasy outlook.
Closer: Steve Cishek
Status: Underrated
Sleeper: Mike Dunn
New York Mets
Bobby Parnell’s velocity isn’t all the way back after offseason neck surgery, but he posted a 2.16 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 22 saves in 2013. He’s the closer until he blows the job… but every season, a few “established” closers seem to blow their jobs. Something in my gut makes me scared of Parnell. Would it really shock anyone if the closer of the Mets imploded and lost his job by, say, June 1?
Closer: Bobby Parnell
Status: Servicable
Sleeper: Vic Black
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies reportedly shopped Jonathan Papelbon in the offseason, but didn't find a taker. Perhaps it is because he’s owed $26 million over the next two seasons and could be due $39 million over three seasons if he reaches an attainable vesting option for 2016.
Closer: Jonathan Papelbon
Status: Steady
Sleeper: Antonio Bastardo
Washington Nationals
Rafael Soriano doesn’t pick up too many Ks and his 1.23 WHIP from last season leaves plenty to be desired. That said, he’s making $14 million this season and managed 43 saves in 2013 despite a mediocre 51 Ks over 66.2 innings. Soriano won’t lose the job unless he absolutely implodes, but the Nats do have two capable alternatives in Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen.
Closer: Rafael Soriano
Status: Steady, unless he implodes
Sleeper: Tyler Clippard
Questions? Hit me on Twitter @briansflood
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