Let’s face it, not all starting pitching prospects turn out to be starters long-term in the major leagues, and that is ok. For the savvy dynasty baseball manager, this isn’t a problem when a top prospect doesn’t stick as a starter. On the contrary many play in deep 30-team leagues where you start seven relief pitchers in a given week. If you play in a salary league this can eat up a good chunk of your budget, but once again the savvy managers doesn’t sweat these things. No, they know who to target and can negotiate to stay one step ahead. In this article, I’m going to give you 70 relief pitcher prospects you can target for your dynasty league in 2024.
If you enjoyed Rick’s analysis of the top relief pitcher prospects in baseball, make sure to check out all of our Positional Prospect Rankings!
Top 10 Relief Pitcher Prospects
Mason Miller, RHP OAK
(10 GP, 6 GS, 33.1 IP, 38 K, 10.3 K/9, 1.200 WHIP, 3.78 ERA- MLB)
Hard-throwing Mason Miller made a splash in 2023 with the Athletics primarily being used as a starter before going down with forearm tightness in May. The Athletics have come out and said they plan to use Mason Miller in the bullpen going forward. Now dynasty managers what to expect going forward; a high 90s fastball that touches triple-digits paired with a slider and change-up that can flash plus at times coming out of the bullpen to lock down games? We know that strikeouts are very high for Miller who had a 17.25 K/9 in 12 innings pitched at Triple-A and if he can continue to limit the walks he could be a force to be reckoned with.
Abner Uribe, RHP MIL
(32 GP, 30.2 IP, 39 K, 11.4 K/9, 1.174 WHIP, 1.76 ERA- MLB)
It looks like Milwaukee has done it again, developing one of the game’s best relievers from the ground up. Abner Uribe impressed in his MLB debut but his numbers in the minor leagues say we might not have seen anything yet. Before the call to the majors, Abner Uribe had a 16.8 K/9 in 15 innings at Double-A Biloxi with a 1.80 ERA and seven saves. With results like that, how do you follow that up? Well go to Triple-A and put up a 14.63 K/9 in eight innings pitched across seven appearances while finishing with a 2.25 ERA of course.
Abner Uribe is a fastball and slider pitcher and is extremely effective at getting hitters out with just two pitches. The closing experience in the minor leagues tells me he is ready for the big moments and locking down the game when it counts. Devin Williams only has a few more years of control and the Brewers will need to make some difficult decisions. With a strong season in 2024, It might not be so hard to see Williams walk or the Brewers make a move at the trade deadline with Uribe in the wings.
Ben Joyce, RHP LAA
(12 GP, 10 IP, 10 K, 9 K/9, 1.800 WHIP, 5.40 ERA- MLB)
Tell the truth. You probably are still watching the filthy stuff Ben Joyce was throwing as a member of the Tennessee Volunteers. Maybe it’s just me but a reliever coming out of the draft throwing 101 mph was something to be excited about. The Angels were aggressive moving Ben Joyce up their system in haste. Across 17.2 innings pitched Joyce struck out 26 batters good for a 13.2 K/9 with a not-so-savory 4.08 ERA in 16 appearances. This was enough to get the call to the majors in 2023.
Joyce seems like the future closer for the Angels if he can control where the fastball is going and add some velocity to his low-80s slider to bridge the gap between the two pitches. If Joyce is able to do so, look out, this could be fun.
Joe Boyle, RHP OAK
(25 GS, 117.1 IP, 168 K, 12.9 K/9, 1.500 WHIP, 3.84 ERA)
Who doesn’t like 6’7” right-handers who throw triple-digits and might not know where it’s going? It’s not only his fastball that makes Joe Boyle exciting, He also features a plus curveball that has an excellent break and a slider that will flash plus at times. Surprisingly Joe Boyle has only had one appearance out of the pen since being drafted back in 2020 by the Reds but I say who cares! Joe Boyle was a reliever while he played at Notre Dame and frankly, the control is scary which leads me to believe it’s time for him to take his place in the Athletics bullpen.
⛽️🔥Straight heat for 6’7” Joe Boyle who has compiled 26 Ks in 13.2 IP keeping batters to a .200 AVG and holding a 1.98 ERA in 3 starts. Just a 17.12 K/9 🤣 Nothing to see here. 👀 #ATOBTTR @ChattLookouts @Reds @RedsMiLB @NDBaseball @Fantrax @BallySportsCIN https://t.co/bmXhue5WUz
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) April 26, 2023
In 2023 Boyle had a combined 25 starts with 168 strikeouts in 117.1 innings pitched good for a 12.9 K/9 and finished with a 3.84 ERA before making his major league debut. While with the Athletics Boyle started three games with 15 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched finishing with a 1.69 ERA. If he is moved to the bullpen like Mason Miller this could be the best one-two punch at the back end of a bullpen in the major leagues.
Kyle Hurt, RHP LAD
(26 GP, 16 GS, 92 IP, 152 K, 14.9 K/9, 1.228 WHIP, 3.91 ERA)
Making his major league debut in 2023 was Kyle Hurt. It looked like the Dodgers committed to Kyle Hurt being a reliever after the promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. In the minor leagues last year Kyle Hurt had 152 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched with a stellar 14.9 K/9 across 26 games played (16 games started).
Kyle Hurt is a fastball and change-up pitcher who has a slider and curveball but struggles to command them and they don’t grade out as even an average offering. At 25 years old Kyle Hurt could crack the Dodgers opening-day roster and if things go well he could climb his way to a high-leverage role in 2024.
Ronan Kopp, LHP LAD
(30 GP, 21 GS, 72.1 IP, 107 K, 13.3 K/9, 1.313 WHIP, 3.24 ERA)
One of the rising stars in the Dodgers organization in 2023 was Ronan Kopp who was used primarily as a starting pitcher in High-A Great Lakes. Across 30 appearances (21 starts) Kopp struck out 107 batters in 72.1 innings pitched, which was good for a 13.31 K/9. This was helped in large part by the high 90s fastball and slider Kopp throws effectively but not with the best control. In fact Kopp finished the 2023 season with a 6.22 BB/9 this more than likely contributed to his deployment as strictly a reliever in the Arizona Fall League.
🌵 ⛽️ LAD LHP Ronan Kopp has put together a fantastic performance all season long in @greatlakesloons.
• 30 GP
• 21 GS
• 72.1 IP
• 107 K
• 13.31 K/9
• 2.99 ERA
• .184 AVGAt only 20 years old @rkopp27 has made himself a must watch prospect as he heads to the AFL. https://t.co/Yo5gmXKIpt
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) September 26, 2023
With the lack of command and an effective change-up, I believe Kopp will be used as strictly a reliever going forward and has the upside to climb to the majors quickly.
Prelander Berroa, RHP SEA
(43 GP, 5 GS, 65.1 IP, 101 K, 13.9 K/9, 1.286 WHIP, 2.89 ERA)
Is the future closer for the Mariners? Could be. Prelander Berroa is coming off his first season as “more or less” strictly a reliever and how did it go? Across 43 appearances (5 starts) Berroa struck out 101 batters in 65.1 innings pitched (13.91 K/9) with a .191 average against and finished with a 2.89 ERA. I’m talking elite fastball touching triple digits regularly and a sweeping slider that makes hitters look silly. This is the future of the Mariners bullpen and could give Munoz and Brash a run for their money in 2024.
DL Hall, LHP BAL
(18 GP, 19.1 IP, 23 K, 10.7 K/9, 1.190 WHIP, 3.26 ERA- MLB)
It looks like the Orioles have accepted what might be best for DL Hall converting him strictly a reliever after he was called back to the major leagues. In 19.1 innings pitched Hall had a 10.71 K/9 with a .237 average against and finished with a 3.26 ERA in 18 appearances. This could be huge for Hall who has four borderline plus offerings in a high 90s fastball, slider, curveball, and change-up but has dealt with injuries, command, and control problems for years. Baltimore is on the rise and they are relying on the young talent to make a difference so they don’t have to pay Craig Kimbrel to shut down games for them.
DL Hall first K of the night. #theweeklystreamer @EricCross04 @ProspectsLive @RotoClegg @RealJRAnderson pic.twitter.com/vKWUeCFxF7
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) June 5, 2021
Royber Salinas, RHP OAK
(20 GP, 18 GS, 71.2 IP, 93 K, 11.7 K/9, 1.340 WHIP, 5.90 ERA)
Those who hope Royber Salinas could remain a starter please don’t let him play up to his strengths in an electric fastball, sweeping slider, and knee-buckling curveball. In 18 appearances (16 starts) in Double-A Salinas had an 11.90 K/9 and was plagued by the long ball. Oakland always seems to put together solid RP streamers over the last 5 years and Royber Salinas could be the next one to make an impact as a bridge to the closer for the Athletics.
Chayce McDermott, RHP BAL
(26 GP, 22 GS, 119 IP, 152 K, 11.5 K/9, 1.151 WHIP, 3.33 ERA)
Used primarily as a starter in 2023 Chayce McDermott did come out of the pen in four appearances. The fastball, slider, and curveball McDermott throw are filthy and result in the big strikeout rates we have seen to this point. But the change-up is not good at all and the command can allude Chayce McDermott from time to time. This leads me to believe he would be better suited in the Baltimore bullpen in 2024. We have already seen the big strikeout upside of McDermott now send him out in short bursts and watch the fastball play up with the filthy breaking pitches and the strikeout rate could climb higher.
📈📣Check out Chayce McDermott for @Orioles in 22’ he rose to AA Bowie striking out 160 batters in 103.3 IP keeping batters to a .179 AVG @BowieBaysox. @Chayce_mcd99 has to be on your radar in 2023! ⚾️ #BaseBall @BallStateBB @MiLB @WeeklyStreamer @IronBirds @BallStateSports pic.twitter.com/uMwqmjyQud
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) December 7, 2022
Top 70 Relief Pitcher Prospect Rankings
Rnk | Player | Pos | Team | Age | ETA | Overall Rnk |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mason Miller | RHP | OAK | 25 | Debuted | 181 |
2 | Abner Uribe | RHP | MIL | 23 | Debuted | 275 |
3 | Ben Joyce | RHP | LAA | 23 | Debuted | 343 |
4 | Joe Boyle | RHP | OAK | 24 | Debuted | 257 |
5 | Kyle Hurt | RHP | LAD | 25 | Debuted | NR |
6 | Ronan Kopp | LHP | LAD | 21 | 2025 | 248 |
7 | Prelander Berroa | RHP | SEA | 23 | Debuted | 266 |
8 | DL Hall | LHP | BAL | 25 | Debuted | 269 |
9 | Royber Salinas | RHP | OAK | 22 | 2024 | NR |
10 | Chayce McDermott | RHP | BAL | 25 | 2024 | 383 |
11 | Orion Kerkering | RHP | PHI | 22 | 2026 | NR |
12 | Eric Adler | RHP | CHW | 23 | 2025 | NR |
13 | Matt Canterino | RHP | MIN | 26 | 2025 | NR |
14 | Jared Jones | RHP | PIT | 22 | 2024 | 203 |
15 | Carson Coleman | RHP | TEX | 25 | 2024 | NR |
16 | Carmen Mlodzinski | RHP | PIT | 25 | Debuted | NR |
17 | Cody Morris | RHP | NYY | 27 | Debuted | 229 |
18 | Luke Little | LHP | CHC | 23 | Debuted | 232 |
19 | Grant Hartwig | RHP | NYM | 26 | Debuted | NR |
20 | Landon Sims | RHP | ARI | 23 | 2025 | 246 |
21 | Will Bednar | RHP | SFG | 23 | 2025 | 404 |
22 | Marc Church | RHP | TEX | 22 | 2024 | NR |
23 | Isaiah Campbell | RHP | BOS | 26 | Debuted | NR |
24 | Cole Winn | RHP | TEX | 24 | 2024 | 328 |
25 | DJ Herz | LHP | WSH | 23 | 2024 | 311 |
26 | Joey Estes | RHP | OAK | 22 | Debuted | NR |
27 | Brendan White | RHP | DET | 25 | Debuted | NR |
28 | Brent Headrick | LHP | MIN | 26 | Debuted | NR |
29 | Bryan Mata | RHP | BOS | 24 | 2024 | NR |
30 | Yosver Zulueta | RHP | TOR | 26 | 2024 | NR |
31 | Bryce Montes De Oca | RHP | NYM | 27 | Debuted | NR |
32 | Shane Drohan | LHP | CHW | 25 | 2024 | 317 |
33 | Bryce Jarvis | RHP | ARI | 26 | Debuted | 332 |
34 | Jaden Hill | RHP | COL | 24 | 2025 | NR |
35 | Simeon Woods Richardson | RHP | MIN | 23 | Debuted | NR |
36 | Sam Bachman | RHP | LAA | 24 | Debuted | NR |
37 | R.J. Dabovich | RHP | SFG | 25 | 2024 | NR |
38 | Nick Bitsko | RHP | TBR | 21 | 2025 | NR |
39 | Ryan Cusick | RHP | OAK | 24 | 2025 | NR |
40 | Ryan Jensen | RHP | MIN | 26 | 2024 | NR |
41 | Francisco Morales | RHP | PHI | 24 | Debuted | NR |
42 | Ethan Small | LHP | MIL | 27 | Debuted | 267 |
43 | Caleb Kilian | RHP | CHC | 26 | Debuted | NR |
44 | Randy Rodriguez | RHP | SFG | 24 | 2024 | NR |
45 | Tim Herrin | LHP | CLE | 26 | Debuted | NR |
46 | Nick Swiney | LHP | SFG | 25 | 2025 | NR |
47 | Jordan Balazovic | RHP | MIN | 25 | Debuted | NR |
48 | Forrest Whitley | RHP | HOU | 26 | 2024 | NR |
49 | Kevin Kopps | RHP | SDP | 26 | 2024 | NR |
50 | Jordan Leasure | RHP | CHW | 25 | 2024 | NR |
51 | Feddy Tarnok | RHP | OAK | 25 | Debuted | NR |
52 | Jackson Rutledge | RHP | WSH | 25 | Debuted | NR |
53 | Jared Kelley | RHP | CHW | 22 | 2026 | NR |
54 | Ricky Vanasco | RHP | LAD | 26 | 2024 | NR |
55 | Seth Johnson | RHP | BAL | 25 | 2024 | NR |
56 | Justin Lange | RHP | NYY | 22 | 2026 | NR |
57 | Blayne Enlow | RHP | SFG | 25 | 2024 | NR |
58 | Levi Stoudt | RHP | CIN | 26 | Debuted | NR |
59 | Noah Song | RHP | PHI | 26 | Debuted | NR |
60 | Jay Groome | LHP | SDP | 25 | Debuted | NR |
61 | Lenny Torres | RHP | CLE | 23 | 2024 | NR |
62 | Zach Brzykcy | RHP | WSH | 24 | 2024 | NR |
63 | Will Mabrey | LHP | ARI | 23 | 2025 | NR |
64 | Hans Crouse | RHP | PHI | 25 | Debuted | NR |
65 | Cam Robinson | RHP | NYM | 24 | 2024 | NR |
66 | Matt Cronin | LHP | WSH | 26 | 2024 | NR |
67 | Erik Miller | LHP | SFG | 26 | 2024 | NR |
68 | Thad Ward | RHP | WSH | 26 | Debuted | NR |
69 | Ronny Henriquez | RHP | MIN | 23 | Debuted | NR |
70 | Alex McFarlane | RHP | PHI | 22 | 2026 | NR |
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.