Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Addressing The Underperformance Of Devin Williams And Emmanuel Clase

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Post on May 10, 2025

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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Addressing the Underperformance of Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase

Fantasy baseball managers often face the daunting task of navigating the waiver wire, particularly when star players like Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase underperform. This week, we're diving deep into the struggles of these two closers and exploring potential waiver wire replacements to bolster your bullpen. Are they droppable? Let's find out.

Devin Williams: A Closer's Conundrum

Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers' flame-throwing closer, has been anything but dominant this season. His ERA is inflated, his strikeouts are down, and his typically reliable control has wavered. This unexpected dip in performance has left many fantasy managers scrambling for answers.

• The Issue: Williams' struggles aren't easily explained. While some speculate about a potential injury, the Brewers haven't offered any official updates. His velocity hasn't significantly dropped, suggesting the issue may be mechanical or even mental. Whatever the cause, the results are undeniable: he's no longer a reliable source of saves.

• Should you drop him? This is a tough call. Williams' track record is undeniably impressive. If you have the roster space and patience, holding onto him might be worthwhile, hoping for a return to form. However, in shallower leagues or if your team needs immediate bullpen help, cutting bait might be the more strategic move.

• Waiver Wire Alternatives: Consider these closers as potential replacements for Williams:

  • Alex Lange (DET): Lange has been consistently excellent for the Tigers, showcasing a strong strikeout rate and low ERA.
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU): While part of a committee, Abreu has emerged as a reliable option for the Astros, offering save potential.
  • Jordan Romano (TOR): Although injured for a period, Romano's return represents a high-upside option when healthy. Monitor his status closely.

Emmanuel Clase: A Closer's Slump

Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians' closer, has also experienced a period of inconsistency. While not as dramatic as Williams' decline, Clase's performance hasn't matched his previous dominance. His save numbers are slightly lower than expected, and his WHIP has risen, causing concern among fantasy owners.

• The Issue: Unlike Williams, Clase's struggles seem more related to a slight dip in command and an increase in walks. This, coupled with a less potent strikeout rate than last season, makes him a less desirable fantasy asset.

• Should you drop him? Similar to Williams, the decision to drop Clase depends on your league's depth and your team's overall needs. Given his pedigree and the potential for a rebound, holding onto him might be worth considering, especially in deeper leagues.

• Waiver Wire Alternatives: If you choose to move on from Clase, explore these options:

  • Felix Bautista (BAL): Bautista is a high-strikeout closer with significant save potential.
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS): Despite his age, Jansen remains a reliable closer, although his velocity has slightly decreased.
  • David Bednar (PIT): While not a traditional closer in the same vein as Clase, Bednar offers consistent high-value relief pitching.

Conclusion:

The underperformance of Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase presents a significant challenge for fantasy baseball managers. The decision to keep or drop either player depends largely on your league's context, your team's needs, and your risk tolerance. Carefully consider the alternatives available on the waiver wire and make the best decision for your roster. Remember to always monitor player performance and news closely to make informed choices throughout the season. Good luck!