Fantasy Baseball: Devin Williams And Emmanuel Clase Struggling? Here's What To Do

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Post on May 10, 2025

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Fantasy Baseball: Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase Struggling? Here's What to Do

Fantasy baseball managers everywhere are facing a tough question: what to do with struggling closers Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase? Both were considered top-tier fantasy assets heading into the season, but recent performances have left many owners scratching their heads. This article will dive into their struggles, analyze potential causes, and offer actionable advice for navigating this challenging situation.

The Fall From Grace: Analyzing Williams and Clase's Recent Slumps

Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers' flame-throwing closer, has seen his ERA balloon, largely due to a concerning increase in walks. His once-dominant cutter isn't fooling hitters as effectively, leading to more baserunners and ultimately, more runs allowed. This isn't just a small blip; it represents a significant shift in his performance, prompting many fantasy managers to consider dropping him or exploring trade options.

Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians' closer, presents a slightly different picture. While not experiencing the same dramatic increase in walks as Williams, Clase has allowed more hits and home runs than expected. His typically overpowering fastball hasn't been as consistently effective, leading to higher scoring opportunities for opposing teams. This inconsistency raises significant questions about his reliability moving forward.

Identifying the Root Causes:

Several factors could be contributing to the struggles of both Williams and Clase:

• Command Issues: Both pitchers are experiencing command problems, resulting in more walks and less effective pitch sequencing. This could stem from mechanical adjustments, fatigue, or simply a temporary slump.

• Increased Hitting Proficiency: Major League hitters are constantly adapting. It's possible that hitters have adjusted their approach against Williams' and Clase's pitches, exploiting weaknesses that weren't previously apparent.

• Injury Concerns (Unconfirmed): While not officially reported, subtle hints in their pitching mechanics or post-game comments could indicate underlying injuries impacting their performance. Keep an eye on team news and injury reports.

• Simple Regression to the Mean: Sometimes, elite performers experience periods of regression. It's important to remember that even the best pitchers have bad stretches.

What to Do With Your Struggling Closers:

The decision on what to do with Williams and Clase depends heavily on your team's overall situation and league format:

• Don't Panic (Yet): Before making rash decisions, consider the sample size. A few bad outings don't necessarily signal the end of their fantasy value. Monitor their performance closely for signs of improvement.

• Explore Trade Options: If you have a deep bullpen, consider trading Williams or Clase for a more consistent closer or another position of need. Capitalize on the other managers’ anxieties and potentially snag a valuable asset.

• Stashing in the DL: If your league allows for designated disabled list spots, consider moving them there to free up a roster spot for a more productive player. This gives you the option to re-evaluate their performance later in the season.

• Drop Only as a Last Resort: Dropping a top-tier closer should be a last resort, especially if your waiver wire isn't promising. Consider the opportunity cost – is the potential reward of picking up a replacement greater than the risk of losing a potential rebound?

Looking Ahead:

The performances of Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase will continue to be closely watched. Fantasy managers need to remain flexible, adaptable, and make informed decisions based on the latest news and performance data. Continuously monitor their stats, news, and potential injury reports to make the best choices for your fantasy team. Remember, patience and strategic decision-making are crucial in fantasy baseball.