Disaster Relief: Fantasy Baseball Closers on the Waiver Wire

By Chris McBrien
Updated: May 7, 2012

In the wake of the Mariano Rivera injury, we are reminded just how volatile the closer position is in fantasy baseball.

No other position is the sole contributor of an entire fantasy category (saves) and no other position sees as much turnover. With the recent demotion of Carlos Marmol, along with a rash of injuries to closers around Major League Baseball, it’s time to look to the waiver wire for relief on your fantasy roster:

Rafael Soriano (NYY) –

With Mo’s injury, a huge hole is left in the Yankees bullpen.

Rafael Soriano might be a waiver wire pick-up for your fantasy league

In fantasy terms, this is a potentially very lucrative position to be filled. Manager Joe Girardi has not officially named a closer as this was written but the general consensus is that David Robertson is the best pitcher in the Yankees ‘pen. However, Robertson has held up well to use stretched over 1+ innings thus making him more valuable to the team in a set-up role. If you are looking for a gamble, grab Soriano, with his proven track record of closing games and suitability for one inning or less of work at a time.

Francisco Cordero (TOR) –

It may not always be pretty, but Cordero has a solid track record of getting the job done in the ninth inning.

Blue Jays manager John Farrell has voiced his support for Cordero as the teams interim closer until Sergio Santos returns from injury, which could mean a month or more of save opportunities off the waiver wire.

David Hernandez (ARI) –

Sure, J.J. Putz is the closer for the Diamondbacks and has stayed relatively healthy over the past few seasons.

However, Putz has a long history of being injury-prone and can easily get hurt and miss an extended stretch at any given moment. Hernandez was a horrible starting pitcher, but since being shifted to the ‘pen has been outstanding. Consider him a nice handcuff for Putz. He even provides value to your team as you await him to step in for Putz.

Steve Cishek (MIA) –

Heath Bell may not have lost the closer’s role in Miami just yet.

However, if he keeps up his horrendous performance, he may find himself out of the job, at least temporarily. If he is demoted, look for Cishek to get the first opportunity to step in and collect saves for the Marlins. He sports a decent strikeout rate, doesn’t give up many home runs or even hits for that matter. Worth a look.

If your fantasy baseball roster is a disaster when it comes to saves, hit the waiver wire. A position as volatile as this is always presenting some surprises.