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MLB free agents 2017-18 Ranking the 10 best relievers on the
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One winter ago, relievers seemed to be the center of attention.
That was because dominant closers Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and, to a le ser extent, Mark Melancon hit the open the market. Combined, the three finishers signed for an astronomical $228 million as the Dodgers, Yankees and Giants emptied their wallets.
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This years free-agent cla s of relievers wont get the same buzz, but there are still some talented pitchers available, including another trio of closers. The case can be made that this years crop has a lot more depth than last years star-studded group.
With that in mind, here are the top 10 relievers up for grabs this offseason.
1. RHP Wade Davis, 32
Few relievers have been as succe sful as Davis after he made the switch from the rotation to the bullpen in 2012. Since then, he has a 2.78 ERA, 1.195 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 in 447 innings pitched. Mychal Givens Jersey Having only been a closer for the past 2 1/2 years, he has 76 saves since 2015 to go along with a 1.65 ERA in that time. On top of that, his previous life as a starter has allowed him to throw multiple innings when needed. While Richard Bleier Jersey Davis is up there with Jansen and Chapman in terms of talent, his age will likely keep him from cashing in the way they did. That said, expect him to top the relief market with something comparable to Melancons four-year, $62 million.
2. RHP Greg Holland, 32
After mi sing all of 2016 after Tommy John surgery, Holland took a prove-it deal with the Rockies. The move paid off for both sides, as he saved 41 games while posting a 3.61 ERA for a Colorado team that surprisingly made the playoffs. Health aside, Hollands numbers shouldnt have surprised, though, as he was a dominant closer with Royals from 2013-15(he was the reason it took so long for Davis to become a closer). Now Holland is set up for a nice deal alongside his old bullpen buddy.
3. RHP Brandon Kintzler, 33
After saving 17 games for the Twins in 2016, Kintzler became an All-Star closer this past season. He had 28 saves and a 2.78 ERA before Minnesota shipped him to the bullpen-needy Nationals prior to the deadline. Kintzler finished just four games after that, but he has shown he can handle the ninth.
4. RHP Brandon Morrow, 33
Morrow set himself up for a beautiful payday this offseason, a suming his arm is still attached. It seemed like the Dodgers reliever pitched every night during the playoffs, as Dave Roberts called on him 14 times before Los Angeles ultimately lost the World Series. While the workload may scare some teams, Morrow showed he is capable of going multiple innings and pitching back-to-back (to-back-to-back-to ) games, especially when the pre sure is on. Last season was Morrows first full one as a reliever after years of injuries, and he dominated allowing zero homers in 43 2/3 innings to go with a 2.06 ERA, 0.916 WHIP and 10.3 K/9.
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5. RHP Steve Cishek, 31
A closer on and off again throughout his career and as recently as 2016, Cishek enters free agency with a 2.73 ERA and 9.6 K/9. A sidearming sinkerballer, he can handle both righties and lefties, making him all kinds of versatile. After pitching to the Pedro Alvarez Jersey tune of a 2.01 ERA between Seattle and Tampa Bay in 2017, Cishek should be well-compensated on the open market.
6. LHP Tony Watson, 32
After starting his career in Pittsburgh, Watson has quietly been one of the more reliable relievers in baseball over the past seven years. The Dodgers found that out when they traded for him at the deadline this past summer, as the southpaw recorded a 2.70 ERA in 24 games. Watson is a workhorse, too, having pitched Roberto Alomar Jersey at least 70 games and in each of the past four seasons. Hes thrown at least 66 frames in each of the past five.
7. RHP Pat Neshek, 37
Another pitcher who refuses to throw overhand, Neshek still has it despite getting up there in age. He split 2017 between the Phillies and Rockies and put up the best season of his life. In 71 appearances, Neshek had a 1.59 ERA, 0.866 WHIP, 0.4 HR/9, 0.9 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 to go with 2.8 WAR. Being a bit more seasoned than the other names on this list, Neshek wont get a ton of security in his next deal, but hell be paid well and would upgrade any bullpen. Jonathan Villar Jersey
8. RHP Addison Reed, 28
Reed is coming off a splendid two-year run, putting up a 2.40 ERA over 157 games. He also filled in as a closer for the Mets last year before being traded to Boston. He was a regular closer for the White Sox and Diamondbacks from 2012-14, but has since looked better when operating as a set-up man. The Red Sox added him to give their bullpen quality depth last season, which is exactly why teams will pursue his services this winter.
9. LHP Jake McGee, 31
After a few strong seasons with the Rays, McGee had trouble adjusting to the Rockies in 2016; however, he figured out how to pitch at Coors Field last year, totaling a 3.61 ERA and just four home runs allowed. None of his career numbers really jump off the page, but hes dependable and has gotten the job done for eight years. Hes also not limited to being a specialist, a plus for any lefty.
10. RHP Matt Albers, 34
Take an abysmal 2016 and an injury-plagued 2014 out of the picture, and Albers has been a durable and effective middle-inning man for a while. Since 2012, he has had an ERA of 3.14 or better in all but one year and posted marks below 2.00 in 2015 and 2017. The Nationals got lucky with him last year, inviting him to spring training, cutting him and then re-signing him. This time, Albers should have a lot more interest in free agency.
Honorable mentions
LHP Brian Duensing, 34: A former starter, the southpaw had his best season as a reliever, recording a 2.74 ERA in his first season with the Cubs.
RHP Huston Street, 34: A career closer, Street has made just 30 appearances over the past two years thanks Hanser Alberto Jersey to injuries.
RHP Joe Smith, 33: The sidearmer has a 2.97 career ERA pitching mostly late in ballgames.
RHP Drew Storen, 30: It has been a while since the ex-Nationals closer has had a strong season, but hes far from old and was healthy in 2017 for Cincinnati.
RHP Seung-hwan Oh, 35: After coming over from Korea two seasons ago, Oh became a closer in his second year with the Cardinals, saving 20 games in 24 tries.
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