RELIEVERS: 2023 Week 1 insights

It's been a little over one full week. One week is only a few days in a long regular season, and yet it has been a week for relievers. 34 relievers converted one save. Only four converted more than one. The Royals, Phillies, Cubs and strangely, the Rays, didn't get one. Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen (RHP, BOS) got one the day after the first week ended. Saves come in bunches and then there is a drought. You just have to roll with it and resist the temptation to throw all your hard off-season work out the window because of what happened the first week.

This column is going to run through the 38 relievers who converted at least one save the first week, and point out some rather obvious differences and hopefully some helpful observations....

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

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
Here are your high skills relievers projected to come at a discount and earn a profit, per LIMA grades.
Feb 22 2026 3:04am
These five pens are going to figure out roles during Spring Training. Kevin Ginkel appears to be the favorite in Arizona, but let's look at the known options from a skills perspective.
Feb 15 2026 3:07am
An early February run through closers by NFBC ADP.
Feb 6 2026 3:04am

Tools