This list highlights the top sleepers who are closers/relief pitchers for the 2013 MLB season. My fantasy sleeper lists contain players that I believe will strongly outperform expectations and are worth considering during your fantasy baseball draft. Although not all of the players on this list will be worthy of a draft pick, players may prove their value after the season has started and may be a smart waiver wire acquisition for your team. View my list for top ten sleepers regardless of position for the 2013 season here on Yahoo! Voices.
– Joakim Soria – Texas Rangers
Joakim Soria was a strong closer for four seasons for the Kansas City Royals before having a rough 2011 and missing all of 2012 due to injuries. Soria recently signed a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers and will start the season as the setup man behind Joe Nathan. Soria should be a dominant setup man who will rack up holds for your fantasy team, and he should have an opportunity to take over the closing role in Nathan is struggling or suffers an injury. Adding him to your fantasy team at the end of your draft if you have an extra pitching spot open is a smart move.
– Brian Wilson – Free Agent
Once one of the top relief pitchers in all of baseball, Brian Wilson is now without a team and a sleeper candidate for fantasy baseball. Wilson played in only two games last season, but looks to be healthy and ready to contribute. He is sure to get some attention from fantasy owners when a team signs him, but he should be a cheap pickup in your draft.
– Bruce Rondon – Detroit Tigers
Bruce Rondon finds himself in a perfect situation as a young star pitcher. The defending American League Champion Detroit Tigers have an open spot at closer after allowing the struggling Jose Valverde to leave via free agency. Rondon is a 22 year-old pitcher who can throw a 103 MPH fastball. In 2012 as a closer in the Minors, Bruce saved 29 games in 32 opportunities with a 1.53 ERA and an impressive 66 strikeouts in only 53 innings. Rondon is a prime candidate not only to win and keep the position as Tigers’ closer, but to compete for the American League Rookie of the Year.
– Jason Grilli – Pittsburgh Pirates
You usually wouldn’t consider someone who broke into MLB in 2000 a sleeper 13 years later, but Jason Grilli will have significant value as a fantasy baseball relief pitcher in 2013. Grilli had 90 strikeouts in 58.2 innings last season as the Pirates’ setup man. The Pirates recently traded closer Joel Hanrahan and were quick to name Jason Grilli their new starting closer. Although Grilli may not be a top 5 fantasy baseball closer in 2013, he will add significant value to your fantasy team.
– Ryan Madson – Los Angeles Angels
As the Philadelphia Phillies closer in 2011, Ryan Madson saved 32 games in 34 opportunities with a 2.37 ERA. Madson missed all of 2012 due to having Tommy John surgery but was recently signed by the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels should give Madson plenty of save opportunities as they are set to have a great season, and Madson looks like he will come back as strong as ever.
*All statistics from MLB via MLB.com
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