Fantasy Baseball Dilemma: Drop Devin Williams Or Emmanuel Clase?

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Post on May 10, 2025

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Fantasy Baseball Dilemma: Drop Devin Williams or Emmanuel Clase?

Fantasy baseball managers everywhere are facing a tough choice: Do you drop the struggling Devin Williams or the seemingly underperforming Emmanuel Clase? Both elite closers entering the season, their recent performances have left many owners scratching their heads. This article will break down the arguments for and against dropping each pitcher, helping you make the best decision for your fantasy team.

The Case of the Faltering Fireballer: Devin Williams

Devin Williams, known for his devastating changeup and dominant presence in the Brewers' bullpen, has experienced a significant downturn in 2024. His ERA has ballooned, his WHIP is higher than expected, and his strikeout rate, while still impressive, isn't at the level we've come to expect.

Reasons to Drop Devin Williams:

• High ERA and WHIP: These key metrics paint a concerning picture of his current performance. In fantasy baseball, these stats matter significantly.
• Loss of Control: Williams' command hasn't been as sharp, leading to more walks and less consistent results.
• Injury Concerns: While not officially injured, subtle hints of discomfort or a reduced velocity could signal a potential underlying issue impacting his performance.
• Roster Crunch: If your roster is tight and you need to make room for a hot waiver wire pickup, Williams might be the regrettable casualty.

Reasons to Hold Onto Devin Williams:

• Track Record: He's proven himself as an elite closer with an exceptional strikeout rate. A bounce-back is certainly possible.
• Potential for Regression to the Mean: His current stats might be an outlier; statistical regression suggests he could return to his previous form.
• High Upside: Even with his struggles, the potential for a sudden turnaround and dominant performance makes holding onto him a gamble worth taking for some.

The Case of the Quietly Consistent (But Less Impressive) Emmanuel Clase:

Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians' closer, hasn't been quite as disastrous as Williams, but his performance hasn't met the sky-high expectations set before the season. His numbers are decent, but lack the dominance that catapulted him to top-tier closer status in previous years.

Reasons to Drop Emmanuel Clase:

• Subpar Strikeouts: While still getting saves, his strikeout rate has dipped, a worrying sign for a fantasy closer.
• Increased WHIP: A higher than average walks and hits per inning pitched indicates vulnerability.
• Lack of Dominance: He’s getting the saves, but without the overpowering performances that fantasy managers crave.
• Potential for Replacement: The Guardians’ bullpen is deep, and a younger pitcher could be poised to take over the closing role.

Reasons to Hold Onto Emmanuel Clase:

• Consistent Saves: He's still reliably earning saves, a vital stat in fantasy baseball. Consistency matters, especially in the closer role.
• Proven Closer: His past performance demonstrates his ability to handle the pressure of closing games.
• Team Context: The Guardians are a competitive team, implying a consistent supply of save opportunities.

The Verdict: Which One to Drop?

This is ultimately a team-specific decision. If you need immediate help and have better options on the waiver wire, dropping Williams might be the more prudent move, despite his higher upside. His current struggles are more pronounced. However, if you’re in a deeper league or prefer to ride out a potential bounce-back, holding onto him might be a risk worth taking. Clase's relatively steadier performance, albeit less exciting, makes him a slightly safer bet to hold, unless you're desperate for a roster spot and can find a replacement closer with comparable or better upside. Ultimately, consider your team's needs and your risk tolerance. Good luck!