Filtering RP by LIMA grades and 20%+ K-BB%

The initial set of BaseballHQ projections is on the board, and we initially wade through it for three things: (1) LIMA A or B+, (2) at least a 20% K-BB%, and (3) at least one projected save. We will clump these relievers into a few different groups, starting with RPs projected to meet these filters and grab 10 or more saves:

projections	SV	HD	IP	xERA	WHIP	K%	K-BB%	ADP	LIMA
Devin Williams (NYM)	26	10	65	2.47	1	39%	29%	81	A
Garrett Cleavinger (TB) (LHP)	12	22	58	3.07	1	31%	22%	586	A
Bryan Abreu (HOU)	12	0	58	3.15	1.16	34%	23%	278	B+
Phil Maton (CHC)	10	23	65	3.26	1.09	29%	20%	578	A
Edwin Uceta (TB)	14	22	58	3.54	1.19	30%	21%	280	A
Griffin Jax (TB)	14	22	58	2.51	1	36%	29%	246	B

Note that there are plenty of closers who are higher on the board in terms of dollar value, ADP, projected saves. This column is focused just on value for skill sets.

There are two relievers who make this list from the Tampa Bay Rays: Garrett Cleavinger (LHP, TB) and Edwin Uceta (RHP, TB). It would be impossible to discuss their value without also discussing Griffin Jax (RHP, TB) so he is noted here as well in italics, despite just a LIMA “B” grade. The current projection divides the Rays saves fairly equally between these three relievers. As good as Cleavinger and Uceta are projected to be in 2026—certainly closer-worthy skills—Jax is even better. In fact, Jax has one of the best projected skill sets among all relievers for 2026.

As the Rays mix and match with these three relievers, expect one to emerge as the guy getting most of the save chances. If it is by skill set, Jax should have the upper hand. If Jax is instead used by the Rays as the highest leverage reliever regardless of inning, expect Uceta to get more of the save chances early on. If Jax ends up the main closer here, that 246 ADP is going to be a tremendous bargain, regardless of the LIMA grade.

Devin Williams (RHP, NYM) is widely expected to close for the New York Mets in 2026. After a down 2025, the projections are still very strong with a projected 2.47 xERA, 1.00 WHIP, 39% K% and 29% K%-BB%. Williams is going at a 81 ADP so far and among all of the top closers, he is the only one with the high LIMA grade. The Mets have added Luke Weaver (RHP, NYM) as well in their raid on the New York Yankees bullpen—and you will see his skill set in the third grouping. Weaver will serve as a Plan B, should that become necessary. Otherwise, he will set up Williams, giving the Mets a quality duo in leverage.

The Chicago Cubs have Phil Maton (RHP, CHC) on this list with 10 projected saves in support of closer Daniel Palencia (RHP, CHC). In the second grouping, the Cubs have lefty Caleb Thielbar (LHP, CHC) as well, giving the Cubs a formidable group in leverage for 2026. Maton's role will be pivotal, and he can stack up a lot of holds of Palencia is pitching well. And if not, Maton will get the first shot at saves.

Bryan Abreu (RHP, HOU) is on this list every year as set-up and Plan B closer for the Houston Astros and he always delivers strong skills. This year should be no different. The projected 12 saves are likely a hedge against Josh Hader's (LHP, HOU) health in 2026, after some issues in 2025 with his left shoulder. If that happens again, Abreu is the best alternative. 

The next grouping is comprised of seven left-handers who hit these filters:

projections	SV	HD	IP	xERA	WHIP	K%	K-BB%	ADP	LIMA
Jose A. Ferrer (SEA) (LHP)	4	14	58	2.69	1.05	26%	20%	449	A+
José Alvarado (PHI) (LHP)	2	3	58	2.89	1.16	30%	22%	708	A+
Gabe Speier (SEA) (LHP)	2	14	58	3.19	1.07	30%	23%	731	A
Dylan Lee (ATL) (LHP)	2	20	65	3.35	1.05	29%	24%	722	A
Alex Vesia (LA) (LHP)	2	25	58	3.47	1.07	34%	23%	690	A
Caleb Thielbar (CHC) (LHP)	4	23	58	3.51	1.03	28%	21%	751	A
Matt Strahm (KC) (LHP)	6	21	65	3.82	1.12	30%	21%	680	A

These relievers are typically less about saves and more about quality innings, excellent WHIP and ERA, holds, sim leagues, contingencies. High leverage moments in the playoffs often come down to whether a team has one of these relievers for the biggest moments.

The Seattle Mariners are the only team with two elite lefties on this list: Jose A. Ferrer (LHP, SEA) and Gabe Speier (LHP, SEA). They will work in leverage in support of closer Andrés Muñoz (RHP, SEA) and give the Mariners a very deep set of options in leverage, especially when you also count in Matt Brash (RHP, SEA) in the third grouping below. 

While these Ferrer and Speier may end up splitting holds, the roles will be better defined by the time April arrives, and we can see how usage will shape their value. Keep them both on your elite ERA/WHIP list for now and if you play in sim leagues, these two are worth knowing. 

Speaking of holds, look at the projection for Atlanta Braves lefty Dylan Lee (LHP, ATL), Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Alex Vesia (LHP, LA), Chicago Cubs lefty Caleb Thielbar (LHP, CHC) and Kansas City Royals left-hander Matt Strahm (LHP, KC). Good skills, helpful in sim leagues, solid in holds, ERA and WHIP. Maybe some vulture wins too from one of these relievers, as San Diego Padres lefty Adrian Morejon (LHP, SD) provided from a deep Padres pen in 2025.

The Philadelphia Phillies still have José Alvarado (LHP, PHI). He has been a closer, he has been a high leverage set-up lefty, he has been whatever the Phillies have needed. He is something of a forgotten man with Jhoan Duran (RHP, PHI) in the closer role, but he can really rack up some holds with good ERA and WHIP if given the chance.

This last grouping is the remaining right-handed relievers who hit the filters:

projections	SV	HD	IP	xERA	WHP	K%	K-BB%	ADP	LIMA
Grant Taylor (CHW)	9	0	58	2.82	1.26	34%	22%	386	A
Matt Brash (SEA)	2	18	58	2.84	1.14	31%	22%	581	A+
Garrett Whitlock (BOS)	4	18	58	3.05	1.09	29%	23%	539	B+
Andrew Kittredge (BAL)	8	22	65	3.2	1.11	27%	21%	566	A
Jeremiah Estrada (SD)	4	27	65	3.23	1.14	35%	26%	417	A
Luke Weaver (NYM)	6	19	65	3.57	1.18	30%	23%	564	A
Jordan Leasure (CHW)	9	0	58	3.61	1.17	31%	22%	315	A+

These are the high skills jack-of-all-trade right-handers, who serve in set up but could take over as a Plan B if called upon. ADP says they are excellent skills value even if the saves projections require some closer to lose their job.

The interesting team from the standpoint of this list is the Chicago White Sox with Grant Taylor (RHP, CHW) at the top of this list with a projected 2.82 xERA, 1.26 WHIP, 34% K% and 22% K%-BB% as well as Jordan Leasure (RHP, CHW) at the bottom of this list with just a 3.61 xERA but similar projections in every other way. Leasure is a 315 ADP and Taylor is a 386 ADP so far—make of that what you will. Taylor's skills are partly hidden from his usage in multiple roles. If he can just pitch in leverage relief, he could be a value closer. And if not, then Leasure can.

The Mariners and Mets were covered earlier. Baltimore Orioles reliever Andrew Kittredge (RHP, BAL) is currently expected to set-up new closer Ryan Helsley (RHP, BAL). If projections hold true, Kittredge is the better skill set over Helsley. Time will tell. For now, expect Kittredge to set-up with the potential to pass Helsley on the depth chart. Helsley had a subpar 2025, but he was terrific in 2024. Watch closely in the early going to see which version the Orioles are getting.

The Boston Red Sox retained Aroldis Chapman (LHP, BOS) as closer. Garrett Whitlock (RHP, BOS) will work in set-up and if anything happens with Chapman, is the most likely Plan B. There is the possibility that the Red Sox improve on the current stable of relievers--and they should. Regardless, Whitlock is an elite right-hander and can fill any number of leverage roles, but will certainly add value in deep leagues, sim leagues, and potentially in holds leagues.

The San Diego Padres closer is Mason Miller (RHP, SD), possibly the best skill set among all relievers, with apologies to Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz (RHP, LA). It would take something crazy for Jeremiah Estrada (RHP, SD) to see saves in the current set-up. But Estrada has been a big holds provider with strong ERA/WHIP numbers and that should continue in 2026.  

This time of the season, making these kinds of lists helps you differentiate one type of reliever from another. You can make value judgments about where projections see static value, while knowing that dynamically, better skill sets will force their way into higher leverage roles. 

The next column in a few weeks will focus on ADP and where hidden value might be found in February NFBC drafts. Find me on Blue Sky @dougdennis.bsky.social

More From Relief Pitchers