OTW 246 - Shopping At The Save-A-Lot; Drafting Saves

On The Wire - In this episode of On The Wire, hosts Kevin Hasting and I break down the Saves category and how to approach closers in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts. We discuss draft strategy, bullpen volatility, and how to identify which closers are worth paying for versus targeting value later in drafts. We also look at several bullpens that could produce surprise saves and highlight relievers who could emerge during the season.

Whether you prefer paying up for elite closers or waiting and building a bullpen through value picks and waiver wire churn, this episode will help you navigate one of fantasy baseball’s most unpredictable categories.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 – Intro and episode overview
We open the show discussing the volatility of the saves category and why bullpen roles change so frequently in fantasy baseball.

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader

3:00 – Draft philosophy for saves
Kevin and Adam discuss whether fantasy managers should draft elite closers early or take a “save-a-lot” approach by targeting multiple value arms later in drafts.

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley

11:30 – The elite closer tier
Discussion of the top-tier closers who provide strong strikeout rates, stable roles, and league-leading save potential.

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Félix Bautista

23:00 – Mid-tier closers with strong job security
Relievers who may not go in the early rounds but still project to deliver reliable saves totals with strong skills.

Players discussed: Tanner Scott, Robert Suarez, Kenley Jansen, David Bednar, Yohan Duran

36:30 – Riskier closers and uncertain bullpens
Teams where the closer role could shift during the season and relievers whose job security may not be stable.

Players discussed: Luke Weaver, Andrew Kittredge, Jeremiah Estrada, Matt Brash, Cade Smith

50:00 – Late-round saves targets
Relievers going later in drafts who could still provide meaningful saves or emerge as their team’s closer.

Players discussed: Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Garrett Whitlock

1:02:00 – Speculative relievers and potential breakout arms
Setup men and high-skill bullpen arms who could move into the closer role if situations change.

Players discussed: Jeremiah Estrada, Dylan Lee, Aroldis Chapman, Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis

1:11:30 – Final saves strategy thoughts
We wrap up with key takeaways for approaching the saves category and how to manage bullpen volatility during the fantasy season.

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Tanner Scott

 

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