Archie Bradley (RP, ARI) - 2018 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers & Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target ~165

CURRENT ADP:  190

ANALYSIS: Does anyone really expect Brad Boxberger to take the closer role away from Bradley? In Bradley, we’re talking about a guy who, after a move to pitching full-time in 2017, posted a 1.73 ERA, 1.041 WHIP, and a 9.7 K/9. His ERA was better than all but seven relief pitchers last season. Bradley also finished 12th among relievers last season in fWAR, sandwiched between Felipe Rivero and Ryan Madson. That alone doesn’t get fantasy points but is a good barometer of just how well Bradley performed in 2017.  

Bradley was not worth more in fantasy in 2017 because the ancient Fernando Rodney was snapping up save chances. With Rodney gone, and no discernible competition (again, Boxberger? Really?) Bradley becomes the de facto closer for 2018. Had Bradley gotten just 20 saves in 2017, he would have been a top-20 relief pitcher (#17, to be exact), and I expect him to get far more than that in 2018. Considering he is currently going as the #20 relief pitcher, and 190th overall (according to NFBC), you would be foolish not to nab Bradley where he is going, or even a few rounds earlier to ensure you get this stud on your team for 2018.