Bruce Rondon (RP, CHW) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 4% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Chicago White Sox reliever Bruce Rondon got a save opportunity on Sunday night and could be in a place to unseat Joakim Soria as the closer in Chicago. Soria and Nate Jones have each had opportunities to finish games for the White Sox, but have a combined 4.23 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 27 2/3 innings. This could open the door for the big 27-year-old Rondon.

Once the closer of the future in Detroit (after saving 29 games in the minor leagues in 2012, posting a 1.53 ERA in 53 innings across three levels), Rondon had a strong 2016 season with the Tigers (2.97 ERA in 36 1/3 innings) before allowing 19 earned runs in just 15 2/3 innings last season. The White Sox took a flier on Rondon in 2018 and, while he has allowed six earned runs in 13 innings, he does have a 2.53 FIP. Rondon walks too many batters (59 in 124 2/3 career MLB innings), but does also have 149 strikeouts, posting a 3.47 FIP against a 4.91 ERA.

If Rondon becomes the closer for the White Sox, he is immediately a must-add in all formats. Considering that Soria and Jones each have more of a pedigree in the big leagues, Rondon is a speculative hold, albeit one with upside.