Blue Jays Roberto Osuna Will Remain the Closer: 2017 Fantasy Value
Roberto Osuna is one of the best young closers in the game, but there were some wondering if he could be moved to the rotation in 2017. Now that he will remain the closer next season, does his fantasy value change?
When it comes to a closer’s fantasy value, effectiveness and job security are paramount. Roberto Osuna is one of the best closers in the game, but there were some rumblings that he may be moved into the rotation in 2017 for the Jays. But, those rumblings were put to rest today when the Jays said that he was the team’s closer moving forward. But, does his fantasy value change any?
Osuna is amazingly still only 21-years-old, and since coming to the big leagues, he has been lights out. For the 2016 season he posted a, 36 SV/2.68 ERA/0.932 WHIP/82 K line. He finished 10th in the league in SV, and only blew six chances in 42 attempts. He is an elite option, especially with his 10 K/9, and a minuscule .206 BA against this season.
He really only had to two real tough stretches, in June and August, where his ERA floated over the 5.00 mark, but other than that he did not have a monthly ERA over 3.38. He logged a career high 74 IP this season, so it is encouraging to see him do well even though owners have to believe that he was adjusting to his first full season of usage.
One thing that is unquestioned about Osuna though, is his moxie. He was nasty this postseason, not surrendering a hit nor run, while striking out 10 over eight innings of work. He routinely shows up when the lights are the brightest, and fantasy owners know that he is a proven commodity. He will remain in the top tier of closers thanks due to his electric arsenal, quality situation, and now a track record.
Fantasy owners have to think that with another year under his belt, Osuna will be even better than last season, especially in terms of stamina. The Blue Jays will bank on the quartet of J.A. Happ, Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, and Marco Estrada next season, making them one of the better 1-4 in the AL.
Stroman will can certainly bounce back next season, and the rest of the staff provides quality innings, so save chances should be there. One of the knocks on Osuna is that the Jays’ offense was so powerful, that close games were tough to come by. That leads us to the next point. Toronto will lose either Edwin Encarnacion or Jose Bautista, maybe even both, in the offseason so the Blue Jays will have to turn to their pitching to keep things close. Do not be surprised if next season Osuna gets over 50 SV opportunities.
It is admittedly too early to start ranking players, but Roberto Osuna is locked in as a top-5 RP. He is one of the safest, and most talented closers available to select, so the news today that he will keep the job, is a welcome sight. Draft him with confidence.
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