Emelbostad

Manage Your Bullpen

For the first time in history, the HumBabe Dynasty League Constitution has revised the format of Starting Lineups.

THE GOAL: increase the value and importance of rostering Relief Pitchers

THE MEANS: incorporate three different starting lineup positions for Relief Pitchers (RP, RP 2, and RP 3) and weighted point values for Saves and Holds

This evolution to HumBabe Dynasty strategy makes it essential to roster elite bullpen arms. Gone are the days when General Managers could overload on starting pitchers and SP/RPs to maximize the number of innings thrown. Not only will we see a prioritized focus on RPs in the coming draft, but teams may choose to keep RPs that they hadn’t originally planned to – exposing more hitters and starting pitchers to the Free Agent / Rookie (FAR) Draft.

According to Fantrax 2025 projections, the most valuable arms for Saves and Holds are ranked in this order…

Elite Closers (most projected Saves):

  1. Emmanuel Clase (GCG) – 45 SV
  2. Ryan Helsley (SPLT) – 38 SV
  3. Robert Suarez (SPLT) – 37 SV
  4. Devin Williams (GCG) – 37 SV
  5. Josh Hader (LON) – 35 SV
  6. Raisel Iglesias (STRO) – 34 SV
  7. Edwin Diaz (LoD) – 33 SV
  8. Felix Bautista (SPLT) – 32 SV
  9. Alexis Diaz (GCG) – 32 SV
  10. Jhoan Duran (LBJ) – 32 SV

Reliable Setup Men (most projected Holds):

  1. Jason Adam (LSD) – 33 HLD
  2. Bryan Abreu (SQZ) – 32 HLD
  3. Yannier Cano (LSD) – 32 HLD
  4. Tyler Rodgers (N/A) – 30 HLD
  5. Hunter Gaddis (GCG) – 28 HLD
  6. JoJo Romero (N/A) – 28 HLD
  7. Cade Smith (LSD) – 26 HLD
  8. Luke Weaver (STRO) – 26 HLD
  9. Griffin Jax (SPLT) – 25 HLD
  10. Joe Jimenez (SPLT) – 24 HLD

Strategy Tips:

  • Balance Saves and Holds – with different point values for Saves and Holds across the RP, RP 2, and RP 3 positions, it’ll be critical to balance your roster accordingly. Prioritize elite closers for RP roster spots and reliable setup men for RP 2 and RP 3.
  • Monitor Roles – keep an eye on evolving bullpen roles throughout the MLB season. Injuries and performance changes can shift relievers’ roles, impacting their Save and Hold opportunities.
  • Leverage Rest and Matchups – utilize favorable matchups to your advantage and shift rested closers into RP spots when other arms have thrown multiple days in a row.

By strategically selecting and managing your bullpen, you can take an edge up on your HumBabe competition this season. Good luck, and may the best General Manager earn their place in the rafters!

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