Devin Williams & Emmanuel Clase: Fantasy Baseball Advice For Their Recent Struggles

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Post on May 10, 2025

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Devin Williams & Emmanuel Clase: Navigating the Rough Patches in Fantasy Baseball

Fantasy baseball managers are often faced with tough decisions, especially when star players hit a slump. This season, two prominent closers, Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase, have experienced recent struggles, leaving fantasy owners scratching their heads. Should you hold onto them, trade them, or cut your losses? Let's dive into the performance dips of these elite relievers and offer some strategic advice for navigating this challenging situation.

Devin Williams: A Closer's Control Issues

Devin Williams, the Brewers' flame-throwing closer, has been a fantasy stalwart in recent years. Known for his devastating changeup and near-unhittable slider, Williams' recent struggles stem primarily from a loss of command. Walks are up, and hitters are making more solid contact. While his strikeout rate remains impressive, the increased walks are significantly impacting his ERA and WHIP, two crucial fantasy statistics.

• The Issue: A lack of pinpoint control, leading to more walks and higher pitch counts.
• The Outlook: Williams' track record suggests this is likely a temporary blip. He's shown the ability to bounce back from similar stretches in the past. However, fantasy managers need to closely monitor his performance in the coming weeks. A continued struggle with command might warrant a closer look at potential replacements.

Emmanuel Clase: The Guardians' Ace in a Slump

Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians' closer, has been equally perplexing for fantasy owners. While not experiencing a complete meltdown like Williams, Clase has shown uncharacteristic vulnerability. His typically dominant fastball hasn't been as effective, leading to more hits and runs allowed.

• The Issue: A slight dip in fastball velocity and effectiveness, coupled with a higher than usual number of hard-hit balls.
• The Outlook: Unlike Williams, Clase's struggles might warrant more immediate attention. While he’s still racking up saves, his underlying metrics are cause for concern. Fantasy managers should explore alternative closer options, especially in leagues with deeper benches.

Fantasy Baseball Strategies: Hold or Fold?

The decision of whether to hold or trade Williams and Clase depends largely on your league's depth, your overall team performance, and your risk tolerance.

For Devin Williams:

• Hold: If you're in contention and have a deep bullpen, holding onto Williams remains a viable option. His talent remains undeniable, and he's likely to regain his form.
• Trade: Consider trading Williams if you need immediate help in other areas. His current value might be lower than usual, but a savvy trade could net you valuable assets.

For Emmanuel Clase:

• Monitor Closely: Clase's situation is more precarious. Continue to monitor his performance very closely. If the struggles persist, a trade or replacement is strongly recommended.
• Consider a Trade: His current performance warrants a serious look at trading him before his value drops further.

Beyond the Box Score: Analyzing the Underlying Metrics

Don't solely rely on ERA and WHIP. Dig deeper into the underlying statistics like strikeout rate, walk rate, hard-hit percentage, and xFIP (expected Fielding Independent Pitching) to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their performances and potential for future success.

Conclusion: Patience and Strategic Adjustments

Dealing with the struggles of star players is a common challenge in fantasy baseball. Careful analysis, a keen eye on underlying metrics, and a strategic approach are crucial to navigating these tough decisions. Remember, patience is a virtue, but sometimes, decisive action is needed to ensure your fantasy team's success. Good luck!