A Strategic Three-Tier Approach to Building a Bullpen in Fantasy Baseball Roto Leagues
Mastering the art of drafting in fantasy baseball Roto leagues hinges on flexibility and a keen eye for bargains. One powerful strategy is organizing players by position into tiers, which helps assess their value and construct a dynamic roster. However, the landscape of relief pitchers is particularly volatile, making a more flexible tier system for them essential. Reflecting on recent years, the top five relievers in Roto value have included a mix of players who are now considered long shots, such as Emmanuel Clase, Kirby Yates, Ryan Helsley, Ryan Walker, Félix Bautista, and Evan Phillips.
For other positions, a 12- or 15-team league can be divided into five or more tiers. But for relievers, a simpler three-tier approach is recommended due to the high variability in their projected value. This variability stems from potential role changes, injuries, and the statistical noise inherent in small sample sizes.
The Top Tier: Projected Closers with Consistency
The top tier comprises projected closers with a proven track record of strong skill indicators and a clear path to regular saves. This group includes:
Mason Miller (SDP): With back-to-back seasons of a strikeout rate above 40%, Miller stands out. His 44.4% strikeout rate last season was unmatched by any other qualified reliever within 6 percentage points.
Edwin Díaz (LAD): Díaz is nearly as effective as Miller at inducing swinging and called strikes (33.6% CSW%).
Andrés Muñoz (SEA): Muñoz excels at avoiding contact on pitches in the strike zone (73.7% Z-Contact%).
Jhoan Duran (PHI): Duran shares similar skill indicators with the above relievers.
Cade Smith (CLE): Smith also demonstrates strong performance metrics.
David Bednar (NYY): Bednar is another top-tier option.
Devin Williams (NYM): Williams is highly effective at avoiding contact on pitches in the strike zone.
Josh Hader (HOU): Hader's inclusion is tenuous due to his ongoing recovery from biceps inflammation.
The Second Tier: Risky Closer Situations
Fifteen teams have closer situations that are risky for fantasy managers. Eight of these teams are represented in the top tier, leaving the remaining seven teams' closers for the second tier:
Aroldis Chapman (BOS): Chapman's newfound affinity for first-pitch strikes makes him a strong contender.
Raisel Iglesias (ATL): Iglesias set career highs in fly-ball rate and average exit velocity last season.
Ryan Helsley (BAL): Helsley is a solid option.
Jeff Hoffman (TOR): Hoffman is another contender.
Pete Fairbanks (MIA): Fairbanks is a potential addition.
Emilio Pagán (CIN): Pagán is a viable choice.
Daniel Palencia (CHC): Palencia is a strong candidate.
The Best of the Rest: Carlos Estévez and Beyond
Carlos Estévez, despite leading the majors with 42 saves in 2025, is conspicuously absent from the top two tiers. His 2.45 ERA and 42 saves suggest luck, as he struggled with chase rate, barrel rate, and swing-and-miss rate. However, Estévez's ability to induce popups and limit base hits on batted balls remains strong.
Trevor Megill, typically drafted among second-tier pitchers, is a strong contender. Brewers manager Pat Murphy's approach to matchups and health suggests that Abner Uribe could also claim save opportunities.
Griffin Jax and Edwin Uceta of the Rays are worth drafting as RP2 if they are assured of being primary closers. However, exercise restraint in targeting them.
The Third Tier: Balancing Skill and Save Opportunities
The third tier includes relievers who can provide strikeouts, low ratios, and occasional saves. Bryan Abreu stands out with a strong skill set and potential early save opportunities due to Hader's injury.
Other names to consider for RP3 include Garrett Whitlock, Braydon Fisher, Phil Maton, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Grant Taylor, and Will Vest.
Exploring a Fourth Tier?
As the draft progresses, you might encounter underwhelming position player and starting pitcher options. In such cases, targeting a fourth reliever becomes a strategic move. Skilled relievers in closer committees, like Robert Garcia, Riley O'Brien, and Taylor Rogers, could be available. Seranthony Dominguez and Victor Vodnik are also potential options.
Adopting a three- or four-pronged approach to drafting relievers is a strategic move. While it doesn't guarantee avoiding save chases during the season, it positions you to build a solid bullpen without sacrificing picks or auction dollars needed for other roster positions.
