2023 Fantasy Baseball Week 12 Closer Tracker: Jordan Hicks, Scott McGough, More
Welcome to the Week 12 Closer Tracker update! There hasn't been a ton of closer turnover this week (though there are a few important ones I'll identify below), but there's been a LOT of setup man churn so make sure you're paying extra close attention to the "handcuffs" for the closers you have on your fantasy baseball team.
If you're new to this article, here's a quick primer (if not, skip down to the Closer Tracker and Top Takeaways!):
In the chart below, I’ve created a Closer Tracker that will hopefully stay ahead of the closer curve. I’m going to update this every Friday for the rest of the season, so please feel free to send feedback if there’s anything you’d like to see.
The Closer Tracker is organized in three ways:
- In the left column, you’ll find my closer power rankings. This order is based on a mix of current statistics weighted (in my mind) with how I think these players will perform over the rest of the season.
- In the third column, you’ll see my best attempt at quantifying how stable a closer’s job is. Or said another way, how closely do you have to pay attention to this situation?
- In the right column, you’ll find the player who looks to be next in line. If you see SHAKY in the third column, you should probably grab the player next in line off the waiver wire.
Lastly, keep scrolling all the way to the bottom for my top takeaways. I promise this isn’t a marketing trick – I just don’t want to spoil the Closer Tracker.
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Top Week 12 Closer Takeaways:
- Jordan Hicks has emerged as the closer for the Cardinals and is a must-add in all leagues. Ryan Helsley's timetable for a return is very much unclear and Hicks has grabbed the job over Giovanny Gallegos.
- Evan Phillips has seemingly emerged as the closer for the Dodgers (even though they're saying it's still a committee). I'm making a call that Phillips will be a top-15 closer for the rest of the season.
- Scott McGough has been fantastic for the Diamondbacks and looks to be their closer. While the save chances might be fewer for him on a lackluster team, he's worth adding if he's floating around on your waivers.
- The Yankees' committee situation is a mess. I think Clay Holmes will emerge somehow, but Tommy Kahnle needs to be picked up if you have an extra spot.
- Pete Fairbanks is back as the Rays' closer. Jason Adam has been great, but he'll move into a setup role now.
- Josh Sborz is a guy to keep an eye on if you're looking for high-strikeout numbers from a potential future closer.
- Craig Kimbrel is holding off Jose Alvardo for now, but I still think Alvardo will grab the Phillies' closer job at some point this season.
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