Relief pitcher rankings: Lock-down closers are an endangered species
With more and more MLB teams turning to closer committees, the importance of having a lock-down source of saves has risen considerably. On the other hand, relief pitchers who demonstrate an ability to produce in high-leverage situations can occasionally take over the closer's role during the season -- as Ryan Helsley, Felix Bautista, Camilo Doval and Clay Holmes did last year.
In the National League, the Mets' Edwin Diaz was the undisputed No. 1 until he suffered a season-ending knee injury at the World Baseball Classic. David Robertson looks like the early favorite as his replacement. The Phillies loaded up on bullpen arms during the offseason, so keep an eye on whether Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel or someone else assumes the ninth-inning role.
In the American League, the Guardians' Emmanuel Clase led the majors last season with 42 saves and is a good bet to do so again. All-Star closer Liam Hendriks is out indefinitely while battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, so Kendall Graveman is his likely successor in Chicago.
FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023
CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position by position rankings
Relief pitcher rankings
Emmanuel Clase, Guardians AL1
Josh Hader, Padres NL1
Ryan Pressly, Astros AL2
Jordan Romano, Blue Jays AL3
Raisel Iglesias, Braves NL2
Ryan Helsley, Cardinals NL3
Felix Bautista, Orioles AL4
Devin Williams, Brewers NL4
Camilo Doval, Giants NL5
Kenley Jansen, Red Sox AL5
Clay Holmes, Yankees AL6
Alexis Diaz, Reds NL6
David Bednar, Pirates NL7
Jhoan Duran, Twins AL7
Andres Muñoz, Mariners AL8
Pete Fairbanks, Rays AL9
David Robertson, Mets NL8
Scott Barlow, Royals AL10
Seranthony Dominguez, Phillies NL9
Paul Sewald, Mariners AL11
Jose Leclerc, Rangers AL12
Daniel Bard, Rockies NL10
Alex Lange, Tigers AL13
Craig Kimbrel, Phillies NL11
Jorge Lopez, Twins AL14
Evan Phillips, Dodgers NL12
Dylan Floro, Marlins NL13
Kendall Graveman, White Sox AL15
Giovanny Gallegos, Cardinals NL14
Jason Adam, Rays AL16
Taylor Rogers, Giants NL15
Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL16
Liam Hendriks, White Sox AL17
James Karinchak, Guardians AL18
Trevor May, A's AL1
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 35 relief pitchers for 2023