Josh Staumont (RP, KC) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 46% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Despite the early season questions, there's been no doubt who the closer is for the Kansas City Royals over the past month. Josh Staumont has recorded five saves since April 24. No other Royal has earned a save over that stretch. While Staumont has had a few shaky outings, he's yet to blow a save and should be seen as the clear closer for now.

Staumont has a 2.91 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the year. He has a decent 27.2% strikeout rate and has gotten fantastic results from his second pitch, his curveball this year. The pitch has generated a 58.8% whiff rate and a 29.4% put-away percentage. He might be due for a bit of negative regression based on some of his metrics. He has allowed a 49.1% hard-hit rate and his xERA is 3.40. But until we see that negative regression manifested, the closer spot should remain his.

By most metrics, Staumont has been the second or third-best Royals reliever this year. Scott Barlow (2.22 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 33.3% strikeout rate) has been their best arm out of the pen, but manager Mike Matheny likes to use him in a setup role. Jake Bretnz has also been solid with a 2.79 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, but has a lower strikeout rate than Staumont at 24.7% and has a scary 15.3% walk rate.

Staumont should be added in all leagues and he should remain on rosters for as long as he remains the clear closer for the Royals.

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