Opening Day is right around the corner, and these are the players that can help bolster your roster. If you have already drafted your team, you can add these guys, and if you haven't drafted yet, be sure to rank the following players accordingly.
The Nats made it official earlier in the week. Treinen beats out
Koda Glover and
Shawn Kelleyfor the ninth inning. Treinen has a power sinker and will get first crack at the save chances. However, Dusty Baker has been known to rely on "veterans" so Kelley could see the role later in the season. For now, Treinen is the closer, but certainly keep an eye on the situation.
Addison Reed, RP, New York MetsJeurys Familia is suspended to start the season, but his overall value doesn't take much of hit. Until Familia is back, Addison Reed will hold down the ninth inning until April 20th for the Mets. Reed struck out 91 hitters over 77 2/3 innings in 2017, while serving as the primary setup man. Although he only has 2 saves as as member of the Mets, Reed is no stranger to the closer's role, recording 101 saves from 2012-2014.
Zack Wheeler, SP, New York MetsStaying with the Mets, RHP Zack Wheeler will start the Mets' fourth game of the season against the Miami Marlins. LHP
Steven Matz will start the season on the DL and the Mets will look to Wheeler to fill that role, at least to start the season.
After missing all of the 2016 season due to injury, Greg Bird is making a strong case for the everyday first base job for the Yankees. Bird, 24, had a .871 OPS in 46 games for the Yankees in 2015. Bird figures to split time with slugger
Chris Carter, but Bird will see a bulk of the playing time.
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that DeShields could be in line for the leadoff spot and everyday left field job, at least to open the 2017 campaign. Delino posted a strong rookie campaign in 2015, stealing 25 bases and posting a .344 on-base percentage; however, he stole a total of 8 bases in 74 games last season, striking out 54 times in 182 at-bats. The Rangers have
Carlos Gomez in centerfield and have converted
Jurickson Profar to a utility role. While DeShields may start in LF, his leadoff role may be short-lived.