In fantasy baseball Roto leagues, drafting a winning bullpen requires a strategic approach. Here's a bold strategy to consider:
A Three-Tiered Bullpen Blueprint
The secret to success on draft day is adaptability and spotting hidden gems. Categorizing players at each position into tiers is an effective method to assess their value and construct a dynamic roster.
Relief pitchers, due to their volatile nature, deserve a unique approach. Unlike other positions, the top relievers can vary significantly from year to year. Remember, just two years ago, names like Emmanuel Clase and Kirby Yates dominated the top spots. But here's where it gets controversial: should you loosen your tier structure for relievers?
For other positions, a 12- or 15-team league might have five or more tiers. However, for relievers, we propose a simplified three-tier system. Why? Relievers' performance can be heavily influenced by role changes, injuries, and small sample sizes, making them unpredictable.
The Elite Eight
The top tier is reserved for projected closers with a proven track record and consistent skill indicators. This elite group includes:
- Mason Miller (SDP): Back-to-back seasons with a strikeout rate above 40% make him a standout.
- Edwin Díaz (LAD)
- Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
- Jhoan Duran (PHI)
- Cade Smith (CLE)
- David Bednar (NYY)
- Devin Williams (NYM): Excels at avoiding contact in the strike zone.
- Josh Hader (HOU): His opening-day status is questionable due to injury.
Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias are close contenders, but their inclusion in the top tier is debatable due to recent performance fluctuations.
The Second Tier
The second tier consists of closers from teams with unclear save distribution or a lack of elite skill profiles. These include:
- Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
- Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
- Ryan Helsley (BAL)
- Jeff Hoffman (TOR)
- Pete Fairbanks (MIA)
- Emilio Pagán (CIN)
- Daniel Palencia (CHC)
The Best of the Rest
Carlos Estévez, despite his impressive 42 saves in 2025, is not in the top two tiers. His skill indicators suggest regression, and the changes to Kauffman Stadium could impact his performance. Trevor Megill, Griffin Jax, and Edwin Uceta are worth considering as RP2, but their roles may be less defined.
The Third Tier and Beyond
Ryan Walker, despite a challenging season, retains his bat-missing ability and could be a valuable addition. When drafting a third reliever, consider non-closers like Bryan Abreu, who offer strikeouts, low ratios, and potential saves.
As the draft progresses, targeting a fourth reliever is a smart move. Robert Garcia, Riley O'Brien, and Taylor Rogers could be valuable additions, or you could aim for primary closers like Seranthony Dominguez and Victor Vodnik.
This three-tiered strategy doesn't guarantee save-chasing success, but it provides a solid foundation for your bullpen without compromising the rest of your roster.
And this is the part most people miss: the key to a successful bullpen is finding the right balance between elite closers, consistent performers, and hidden gems. Are you willing to take the risk on a few controversial picks to build a championship-caliber bullpen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
