With the pitchers and catchers set to report this upcoming week, it’s clear the MLB season is fast approaching and that means preparing for the year from both a betting and a fantasy perspective. There is more emphasis on bullpen strength than ever before in baseball but heading in to a new year it’s clear that some teams are better situated than others. Here is a look at the outlook for the AL Central bullpens based in order of perceived strength heading in to the 2017 season.
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland’s dominant bullpen was a big reason they went to the World Series a year ago when Andrew Miller was absolutely dominant in September and October. Miller almost completely shut down opponents as he finished the season with a 1.45 ERA, 14.89 K/9 and a 1.09 BB/9. His dominance in the postseason helped the Indians take down the Toronto Blue Jays and book their spot in the World Series. Miller might be the best non-closer reliever in the majors while Cody Allen is still above average in the closer role. The Indians reloaded this offseason for another World Series run and their bullpen will play a big role in their ability to get back there.
The Indians bullpen tied the Kansas City Royals unit last season to post an ERA of 3.45. That’s the third-best mark in all of baseball, which is one of the reasons they were so successful – especially in the playoffs.
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City traded Wade Davis while he still has some value and they should feel comfortable with their staff heading in to 2017. Kevin Herrera is coming off a breakout 2016 season when he finished with a 2.75 ERA and a 1.50 BB/9 so he should be a stud as the Royals closer this season. Meanwhile, Joakim Soria is a strong late inning relief option but Herrera should be your focus as a strong fantasy closer pick.
Taking a look back to 2016, the Royals had one of the best bullpens in the big leagues. Their unit posted an ERA of 3.15, which is about as good as it gets. Only three other teams in baseball did better. The Royals did lose Greg Holland to free agency (signed with the Colorado Rockies) but remember that they were without him in 2016 due to Tommy John surgery, so they’re equipped to handle that loss.
Chicago White Sox
David Robertson is the most likely closer to be traded before the season actually begins and even if he is still a member of the White Sox on Opening Day he could be moved at some point. The good news for Chicago fans is that they have some talent waiting in the wings with Nate Jones set to assume the closer role. The bad news is their depth will take a hit and they might not have the talent to be better than a .500 team anyways. Robertson is an obvious risky pick from a fantasy perspective so consider looking elsewhere if need be.
Detroit Tigers
Detroit is still waiting for Bruce Rondon to seize the closer job but he has been very inconsistent over the past couple of years and that is why Francisco Rodriguez is still the closer. Rodriguez owns an elite changeup but his other stuff isn’t great and it’s only a matter of time before he loses the closer job. That could happen this year if Rondon could become more consistent after posting a career-best 11.15 K/9 and a 2.97 ERA last season. The Tigers have been banking on Rondon for a while so maybe this is the year he finally reaches his immense potential.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins have the ugliest bullpen situation in the AL Central with closer Brandon Kintzler better suited for a middle reliever role while neither Glen Perkins or J.T. Chargois are ready to succeed him. Perkins will likely start the season on the disabled list while Chargois features an intriguing fastball and a nasty slider but needs to prove he can handle the pressure of the closer role. Minnesota is a tream in transition and its bullpen situation reflects that.
The MLB season is still a couple of months away, but if you’re looking at some early lines and futures, click here to bet on MLB (or any other sports) at BetDSI!
