Fantasy baseball owners should pick up this potential elite closer in waiting

According to Yahoo's Jeff Passan, the Kansas City Royals are shopping closer Wade Davis. Interested teams reportedly include the Dodgers and Nationals. The Dodgers in particular tried to pair Aroldis Chapman with Kenley Jansen in the offseason and appear to want to have two relief aces at the back of their pen. With the Royals 3 games under .500 and 7 games out of a wild card spot, combined with teams like the Dodgers coveting Davis, Davis looks like a realistic possibility to be moved before the deadline.

If Davis is traded, the next in line to close for the Royals by skill level is Kelvin Herrera, who also recorded a save while Davis was on the DL earlier this season.

Herrera has elite numbers this year. His 1.80 FIP ranks 7th best among relievers, with his 1.58 ERA 12th and his 32% K% 16th. He has a career ERA of 2.45 with a career FIP of 2.96, and his 2016 numbers are better than he's turned in for any prior season. If given the closer role, he would skyrocket to the top of RP rankings for the rest of the season.

Herrera is 35% owned in Yahoo, and I suspect a lot of that ownership rate is in holds leagues. If a fantasy owner is in a non holds league, I think there's a good chance Herrera is still available, as he is ranked outside of the top 200 in Yahoo 5x5 without him being in line to record saves. I would be proactive and snatch him now in preparation of a Davis trade, especially in a keeper league where Herrera would likely be the opening day closer in 2017 if Davis is moved.