RP gambles: Taking risks now can hurt later
Mar 9 2025
Pitching chaos. That is what you typically get during a season when you take closers with weaker skill sets. This “gambles” column calls out some of the bullpens where the projected saves options are weaker, in hopes that you can avoid the chaos and constant scrambling and FAAB overpays that come with it.
We start with the Detroit Tigers who embraced their pitching chaos all the way into the playoffs in 2024. Incumbent Jason Foley (RHP, DET) rewarded the risk-takers with plenty of saves despite a weaker skill set. Foley is projected for 24 saves in 2025. But look at the projected skills data:
| DET | SV | HD | IP | xERA | WHIP | K% | K-BB% | HR9 |
| Foley, Jason | 24 | 7 | 44 | 4.00 | 1.32 | 18% | 10% | 0.6 |
| Holton, Tyler L | 6 | 14 | 44 | 3.75 | 1.07 | 21% | 15% | 0.8 |
| Kahnle, Tommy | 4 | 14 | 44 | 3.55 | 1.18 | 25% | 15% | 1.0 |
| Vest,... |
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
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am
Jul 5 2026 3:09am
Returning closers and ineffective closers--this column has both and what to expect.
Jun 28 2026 3:07am
Jun 28 2026 3:07am
This column gets away from closers and looks at relievers who are being used in leverage by their teams. They are divided into groups by current xERA.
Jun 21 2026 3:07am
Jun 21 2026 3:07am
A look at skills in four more unsettled pens.
Jun 14 2026 3:05am
Jun 14 2026 3:05am
