With spring training right around the corner for the 2017 MLB season, the focus has already started to shift to MLB fantasy league drafts with preparations for this year’s competitions. We have taken the time to break down a number of potential sleeper candidates that could help in different areas including when it comes to saves. Here is a look at the best sleeper candidates for saves heading in to the 2017 MLB fantasy season.
RP: Cam Bedrosian, Los Angeles Angels
After struggling through his first two major league seasons, Bedrosian delivered as a dominant close last season after he established his control and lowered his BB/O by two walks to 3.1. His ERA dropped to an impressive 1.12 and he showed off his velocity with a slider pitch that baffled opposing hitters. Bedrosian should have the edge on Andrew Bailey for the closer role in Los Angeles this season and if he can build off last year’s dominant performance then he will be a sleeper pick worth investing in for help in the saves category.
A lot of people will push back and say that the Angels were the second-worst team in their division last year and could be on the way down. However, they still won 74 games and for the most part, have fairly decent management running the team. They have the talent to be .500 or better. If that’s the case, a guy like Bedrosian could be a great sleeper in MLB fantasy in terms of saves.
RP: Carter Capps, San Diego Padres
Capps suffered an injury that needed Tommy John surgery last year but he was dominant prior to the injury with a 1.16 ERA and a 16.8 K/9 in 2015. The Miami Marlins traded Capps to the Padres as part of the Andrew Cashner trade so there is a good chance that Capps will compete for the closer role in San Diego. Brandon Maurer finished last season with a 4.52 ERA so the Padres should be eager to give Capps the opportunity in spring training. Capps has all of the tools to be a quality closer on a National League club and if he wins the job before the season he could be a quality sleeper pick to help in the saves category.
The Padres finished dead last in the National League West last year, registering just 68 wins. However, remember that they’re in a pitcher’s park and if they can improve slightly, that will create more save opportunities in friendly confines. Capps is a player that is a little under the radar in terms of MLB fantasy drafts but he could be a solid investment for where he’s going in drafts.
RP: Drew Storen, Cincinnati Reds
Storen signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Reds to bolster their bullpen and he immediately becomes their most experienced relief pitcher. Cincinnati could turn to Storen in the closer role after rolling with a committee approach a year ago when Raisel Iglesias, Tony Cingrani and Michael Lorenzen all made appearances in that role. Storen has struggled with his velocity over the years but if he can pitch the way he did late last season with the Seattle Mariners then he could take over the closer role for the Reds and become a quality sleeper pick for saves. The Reds won just 68 games last season but could be slightly better in 2017 if their development is ahead of schedule.
RP: Addison Reed, New York Mets
Reed has dominated since joining the Mets in August of 2015 with a sub-2.00 ERA. Last season he made 80 appearances and showed off his arm with a 1.5 BB/9 and a 10.5 K/9 to go along with a 1.97 ERA in 77.2 innings of work. Mets closer Jeurys Familia has been excellent but he is expected to receive a suspension for an alleged offseason domestic violence incident so that could mean Reed moves into a closer role at least temporarily. Reed’s save potential will hinge on Familia’s status so keep an eye on the situation and determine whether it warrants grabbing Reed as an MLB fantasy sleeper pick for saves.
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