2013 Fantasy Baseball: AL Central Closers

If the theme among the AL East closers was regression, the theme among the AL Central closers is youth. Three of the divisions closers will be in their first full season handling the closing duties, and it will be amazing if all five of the closers finish the season as their team’s respective closer.

The Kansas City Royals dealt Jonathan Broxton at the trade deadline last season paving the way for Greg Holland to emerge as the team’s closer. Over the past several seasons in the minors and majors, Holland has posted a double digit k/9. While he is no Craig Kimbrel, he will give you plenty of strikeouts to go along with a decent number of saves. Expect around 32 saves, 84 strikeouts, an ERA around 3.08, with a WHIP of 1.28. Don’t wait too late to draft him, as he can be one of this season’s elite closers.

It took awhile for Addison Reed to emerge as the Chicago White Sox closer in 2012. In 2013, he will enter the season with that role. You can expect 31 saves, 64 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.40, and a WHIP of 1.19.

The Cleveland Indians‘ Chris Perez could end up being the best closer in the AL Central. Of course, that is if he doesn’t continue to blast the Indians fans and get shipped out of town. With the Indians late off-season signings of Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, they are in a go for it now situation. Which is good news for Perez. As long as the Indians stay in the wild card race, Perez figures to stay in Cleveland. Expect around 36 saves, 56 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.20, with a WHIP of 1.25.

Glen Perkins will open the season as the Minnesota Twins closer. Of course, that is if he isn’t on the disabled list. Perkins couldn’t seem to stay healthy last season, and if you draft him, expect a DL stint or two. Look for around 27 saves, 69 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.80, and a WHIP of 1.32.

The Detroit Tigers are the favorite to repeat as division winner, so of course, they have the biggest question mark at closer. Heading into Spring Training Bruce Rondon has the best shot to be the team’s opening day closer. It is kind of stunning that the Tigers don’t have a better option, as Rondon’s numbers in the minors are nothing spectacular. Expect around 25 saves, 39 strikeouts, an ERA of 4.50, and a WHIP of 1.50. Rondon only has two saves above Double A for his career.