If you don't have your full complement of seven closers, fear not, dearest and most resilient Fantasy Baseball Genius. Here are three arms most likely to be available (and dominant) in your league.
You are welcome, my friend.
Kyle Barraclough (RHP) Marlins - 10.5% ESPN Leagues
Armed a big fastball he can run up to 98, and two plus off-speed offerings, King B looks like he's finally putting it all together for a wretched Marlins team this year. 1.48 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP regardless of the standings looks like dominance. Odds are this guy is closing if not within the next few weeks then by the trading deadline at the latest. A strong 25.3% Strikeout Rate means points regardless.
Worth rostering if you are running a closer short. Worth keeping an eye on should he win the closer's role in Miami, regardless. Potential to a post top 5 closer points.
Seranthony Dominguez (RHP) Phillies - 7.8% ESPN Leagues
Philles manager Gabe Kaplar made a trip to Double A to see this guy and for good reason. The 98, 99 mph fastball and a 92 mph frisbee slider thingie are un-hittable. Factor in the obvious; Hector Neris has been god-awful for almost two full seasons now, and despite Kap's new agey-ness in regards to the bullpen, it's almost always smartest to save your best arm for the last three or four outs. Dominguez will get his shot, and has the potential be a top 10 closer for a contenting team. Worth rostering right now.
A.J. Minter (LHP) Braves - 8.3% ESPN Leagues
A left-hander who touches 102, and throws a plus, plus slider-cutter at 92, it's not surprising that Minter has drawn comparisons to Billy Wagner. The comparisons aren't completely off base as Minter's two-pitch mix was dominant in the minors and has him posting a healthy 21.4% Strikeout Rate in the Show. There's a few flies in the ointment however, which make Minter worth watching but not necessarily rostering.
Number One, the most obvious is that Minter is pitching for a playoff team and they already have a really really good closer. Number Two, Minter's stats aren't completely overwhelming. The strikeout rate is decent, but not great, especially considering a 5.2 BB/9, a 3.57 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. Without the saves, Minter could very well play as a liability.
That said, Minter has the stuff to not only close, but dominate, is second in line and Arodys Vizcaino does have a history of getting hurt, so keep on eye on this guy.
