RELIEVERS: Skill sets for 2021

Time to shift gears and look at 2021. At BaseballHQ, we talk a lot about "draft skills, not roles." That is more true than ever when it comes to bullpens, and relievers really did not get much of a chance to demonstrate skills over a 60-inning or 80-inning sample. What we have is 10-20 innings. But that's what we have, so we are going to try to safe-side it with some filters that are a little more stringent and try to draw some conclusions regarding skill sets from that.

So here are the filters to whittle down the list of relievers who pitched in 2020: 10 more more innings, at least a 10.0 Dom (K/9), at least a 3.0 Cmd ratio (K/BB), no more than a 1.2 HR/9, and an xERA under 4.00. Not too harsh in 2020. Milwaukee's Devin Williams (RHP,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Checking in on the Twins, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and Athletics pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Checking in on the Nationals, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rockies pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
These relievers are the ones with the best chance at profit after the first 30 relievers are taken (and after the first 125 pitchers overall) in NFBC 15-team mixed leagues.
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am

Tools