Drafting saves in fantasy baseball is critical, and it's even more difficult if you are drafting early before many closer situations are finalized.
Those pesky saves. The one category in rotisserie scoring that is as much about opportunity as skill, yet it’s difficult to win a league by completely overlooking them. The closer picture in MLB is as muddled as ever, with some teams turning to committees and numerous flamethrowing candidates competing for the role on each staff.
As we enter December, this is how the closer picture looks around the league if you’re considering an early draft
Safe and Secure
These are the relievers who enter the offseason with the most secure hold on their team's closer role.- Seattle Mariners: Andres Munoz Munoz seems to only get better by the year. He capped off a 2025 season in which he set career-bests in ERA (1.73) and saves (38) while also producing 83 strikeouts and a 1.03 WHIP. He's had some minor injuries over the last four seasons, but his hold on Seattle’s closer role couldn’t be any tighter.
- Philadelphia Phillies: Jhoan Duran After a few years of playing matchups in the closer role, the Phillies addressed it once and for all by acquiring Duran. The flamethrower had his best fantasy season with a 2.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 80 strikeouts, and 32 saves over 70 innings. It should be noted that last season was his first in MLB with 60-plus appearances, so pairing him with Jose Alvarado or another Phillies reliever for insurance might be wise, but he is the clear closer entering Spring Training.
- New York Yankees: David Bednar It appeared Bednar would set up Devin Williams when he was acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, but it only took a few days for manager Aaron Boone to change his tune. After a sub-par 2024 season and an early demotion in 2025, Bednar was electric last year with a 2.30 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 86 strikeouts, and 27 saves. New York is a far better situation for a closer than Pittsburgh, and Bednar is looking to go out on a strong year before entering free agency
- Boston Red Sox: Aroldis Chapman Whether we can believe the soon-to-be 38-year-old Chapman’s control improvement from last season is a fair question, but there’s no doubt he will close for Boston after signing an extension. The lefty is throwing almost as hard as ever, and the Spring Training competition between him and Liam Hendriks was almost over before it began. Boston has a talented bullpen if Chapman falters, but he should also get the benefit of the doubt from manager Alex Cora after last season’s dominance.
- Cleveland Guardians: Cade Smith Unfortunately, it appears the Emmanuel Clase era is over for now in Cleveland, so Smith is the clear closer entering 2026. The Guardians had quite a luxury with a pitcher of Smith’s talent ready for the promotion. He fanned more than 100 batters for the second straight year, and his ERA metrics were superior to his great 2.93 ERA. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Smith finishes 2026 as the most valuable closer in baseball.
- Houston Astros: Josh Hader There’s no questioning Hader’s hold on Houston’s closer job, but there will be questions about his health until he proves he’s right in Spring Training. His season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury, though the lefty looked just fine up to that point with a 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 52.2 innings. For the sake of safety, it’s a good idea to draft No. 2 Bryan Abreu if you plan to take Hader.
- San Diego Padres: Mason Miller Miller figures to be San Diego’s new closer with Robert Suarez heading toward free agency, but that assumption comes with one disclaimer: The Padres have discussed shifting Miller to the starting rotation. Until we hear something concrete, Miller should still be the top candidate for the job and a dominant one at that with 50 saves, a 2.56 ERA, and 208 strikeouts over the last two seasons.
Solid Options
These closers are established but carry a bit more risk due to recent performance, minor injury history, or capable backups- Atlanta Braves: Raisel Iglesias Iglesias appears likely to retain the closer role in Atlanta after signing a one-year extension. There were signs of slippage last season with some velocity decline and an ERA above 3.00, but he still throws strikes consistently and is, by far, the most experienced option on the Braves roster.
- Milwaukee Brewers: Trevor Megill Megill has proven himself as Milwaukee’s primary closer over the last two seasons. First, he replaced the injured Devin Williams in 2024 to record 21 saves, and he returned as the primary option last year to record 30 saves. He’s posted a sub-3.00 ERA in both seasons, though Megill has failed to throw more than 50 appearances in a season. Adding Abner Uribe as injury insurance would be a smart move if taking Megill.
- Kansas City Royals: Carlos Estevez The metrics don’t love Estevez, who has failed to come even close to fanning one batter per inning in either of the last two seasons and greatly overachieved his ERA metrics. Still, he recorded 42 saves last season, and his job was rarely in question after taking an early lead over Lucas Erceg in the pecking order. Erceg remains a threat if he’s healthy, but Estevez has gained the confidence of Royals brass heading into 2026.
Talented but Less Secure
These candidates have the talent but face clear threats from internal competition, a new front office/manager, or the possibility of the team acquiring an external closer.- Toronto Blue Jays: Jeff Hoffman Hoffman had an up-and-down first season in Toronto, posting a 4.37 ERA with ERA metrics that were even higher due to 15 home runs allowed. The front office refused to commit to Hoffman as the closer in 2026, and have already spent big this offseason on Dylan Cease. While Hoffman is the favorite to close at this time, it shouldn’t surprise us if the team adds competition.
- Chicago Cubs: Daniel Palencia Chicago has had a closer merry-go-round over the last two seasons but was happy to find Palencia last season. He has a blue-chip arm and finally found some control in a breakout 2025 season. His struggles throwing strikes in the past should still be in the back of our minds, and the Cubs have already been linked to some closers on the market this offseason and signed Phil Maton.
- Detroit Tigers: Will Vest Vest did a fine job when given the opportunity last season, but it’s unclear if he even convinced his own team that he was a long-term answer after they acquired Kyle Finnegan at the trade deadline. With Finnegan now a free agent, Vest is the incumbent, but it’s hard to count on him after he was already replaced late last season.
- Washington Nationals: Jose Ferrer Ferrer stepped in nicely down the stretch after Washington traded Kyle Finnegan, converting 11 saves with a stellar 27/5 K/BB in 23.2 innings. There’s reason to believe he can be even better than last season, finishing with ERA metrics significantly below his 4.48 ERA as he posted a 1.9 BB/9 and 63% groundball rate. However, Washington has a new front office and manager, so it’s not a sure thing he will be handed the role.
- Baltimore Orioles: Andrew Kittredge Unfortunately, former O’s closer Felix Bautista suffered another major arm injury and will miss 2026. That opens the door for a new closer, and Kittredge is the top candidate at the moment. Acquired from the Cubs following the season, the veteran has some experience, including five saves last season. It’s possible the Orioles will add another closer candidate this offseason, but Kittredge is a potential bargain in drafts at this time.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Dennis Santana Santana was a terrific replacement for David Bednar late last season, likely convincing the team he can handle the role. He doesn’t have the high-octane velocity of some closers but found success throwing more sliders and keeping his walks down (2.2 BB/9). Like other closers in this section, he stands the risk of being replaced this offseason, but there’s a good chance he will enter 2026 as Pittsburgh’s closer.
- San Francisco Giants: Ryan Walker
- Colorado Rockies: Victor Vodnik
Walker opened 2025 as San Francisco’s closer, but a slow start got him replaced by Camilo Doval. Later, it was Randy Rodriguez getting a shot, but the duties ended up on Walker down the stretch almost out of necessity. While effective overall, Walker clearly wasn’t the same dominant pitcher we saw in 2024 and greatly stands the risk of being pushed down the pecking order this offseason in an organization looking to improve.
Vodnik has had brief opportunities to close in each of the last two seasons. He has shaky control but has given reason for the lowly Rockies to give him another chance after pitching effectively late last season. Adding more velocity last season, Vodnik provoked a strong 54% groundball rate. Seth Halvorsen is one name who could be a threat if the fellow hard-thrower enters 2026 healthy, and Coors Field is always an enemy of pitcher consistency.
No Clear Closer
These bullpens are likely heading toward a committee approach or are prime candidates to sign a top-tier free agent.
- Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodgers closer situation is a potential goldmine for fantasy managers, though it remains to be seen if the team will add from outside the organization or go with what they have already. Tanner Scott faltered after signing a lucrative contract last offseason. Roki Sasaki had some success late in games but wasn’t exactly a trusted option in the World Series. Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol both have experience, but neither should be counting on entering the year.
- New York Mets Losing Edwin Diaz puts the Mets in a tough spot early in the offseason, though there’s almost no doubt they’ll bring in a proven arm from outside the organization. Any of the top closers on the market could be candidates to join New York.>
- Cincinnati Reds Emilio Pagan emerged as a surprise closer last season after Alexis Diaz couldn’t regain his form. Pagan is a free agent, and his track record of inconsistency due to the long ball doesn’t make him a safe bet even if the Reds decide to re-sign him.
- Tampa Bay Rays Pete Fairbanks has finally parted ways with the Rays after closing for the last three-plus seasons. The team isn’t lacking capable candidates, including Griffin Jax, Edwin Uceta, and Garrett Cleavinger.
- Texas Rangers The Rangers deserve credit for being able to mix-and-match late in games last season, but bullpen maestro Bruce Bochy retired following the season. Losing Phil Maton and Shawn Armstrong in free agency, Robert Garcia appears to be the most likely incumbent, but the team needs to do a lot to rebuild the pen this offseason.
- Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona’s pen was in rough shape late last season after losing Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk to injuries. They don’t have a great candidate to close games this season, and it should be noted that the closer job has usually been an afterthought for the team’s front office in recent seasons.
- Miami Marlins Calvin Faucher was the most-used closer last season, finishing with 15 saves, but he never seemed to have a strong hold on the job. Ronny Henriquez would seem to be the most capable arm, but the team also has the likes of Tyler Phillips, Anthony Bender, and Lake Bachar.
- St. Louis Cardinals Riley O’Brien finished last season as the closer and could continue in that role for a rebuilding squad. JoJo Romero also has some experience, if he remains in the organization. Matt Svanson is also a sleeper, after posting a $1.94$ ERA over $60.1$ innings in a breakout campaign.
- Minnesota Twins The Twins bullpen was in shambles after trading Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Louis Varland at the deadline. Justin Topa and Cole Sands are potential holdovers from last season, but it would be a surprise if Minnesota didn’t add from outside the organization.
- Los Angeles Angels Kenley Jansen did a fine job last season but is currently a free agent. The hope is that hard-throwing Ben Joyce can return from injury at some point, and the team also has high-priced Robert Stephenson as a potential closer if he can regain his pre-injury form.
- Athletics The trade of Mason Miller left a major void at closer, and there isn’t a clear candidate to fill it. Hogan Harris, Michael Kelly, and Tyler Ferguson each got opportunities, though it’s likely the team will add from outside the organization.
- Chicago White Sox Young Grant Taylor would seem to be the perfect fit to close. However, it appears the White Sox have other ideas, apparently committed to him in long-relief situations. Hard-throwing Jordan Leasure appears to be an alternative option, as he saved seven games last season. Most likely, the White Sox will use a committee of relievers again.
Free Agents Who Could Get a Chance
The market is deep with proven closers, many of whom will dramatically reshape the closer pictures above.
- Edwin Diaz Not much needs to be said about Diaz. After some struggles returning from a knee injury in 2024, he’s arguably the best closer in the game again after posting a 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP last season. With big market teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Cubs, and Giants in the market for a closer, Diaz should be rewarded handsomely.
- Devin Williams After three seasons as the Brewers closer, Williams struggled with the Yankees last season and was eventually replaced by David Bednar. That shouldn’t hurt his market value significantly, as Williams still posted sub-3.00 ERA metrics that speak better for his performance than his 4.79 ERA.
- Robert Suarez Suarez leans on his high-90’s fastball, and it’s been enough to make him an elite closer option for San Diego over the last two years. After leading the NL with 40 saves last season, Suarez is likely to get another opportunity somewhere this season.
- Ryan Helsley Helsley led MLB with 49 saves in 2024 and remained effective as the Cardinals closer last season before getting traded to the Mets at the deadline. He’s already fallen out of favor in New York after his struggles, which he’s blamed on tipping his pitches, but there are rumors he’s being looked at as a starter by some teams in free agency.
- Kenley Jansen There’s apparently no stopping Jansen and his cutter, as he’s recorded at least 25 saves in every full season since 2012. The strikeout rate did decline last season at age 37, which is a concern given his age. However, it’s likely Jansen will seek out another closing opportunity as he’s only 24 saves from 500.
- Pete Fairbanks Fairbanks rebounded from some struggles in 2024 to report a sub-$3.00$ ERA and 27 saves last season. That wasn’t enough to convince Tampa Bay to pick up his option. Fairbanks isn’t the most durable closer on the market, but he’s proven adequate in the role over the last three years.
- Emilio Pagan Pagan emerged as the Reds closer last season, posting a career-high 32 saves. It’s not the first time in his career that he’s been a closer, but Pagan has shown inconsistency due to the long ball. Even coming off a great year, it’s far from a given that he will close in 2026.
- Shawn Armstrong Armstrong is a veteran journeyman, but he became a key closer for the Rangers down the stretch last season. His lack of track record might prevent anyone from handing him a closer job, but he’s at least put himself in the conversation.
- Tyler Rogers Would a team dare give a regular closing opportunity to a submariner with a low-80’s fastball? Rogers converted 13 saves in 2021 with the Giants but has been used more often as a setup man. Considering he pitches to contact, he’s even further away from the closer prototype.
- Kirby Yates Yates emerged as an elite closer for Texas in 2024 and also converted 41 saves earlier in his career. Unfortunately, he was unable to keep the ball in the park with the Dodgers last season and is very unlikely to be handed a closer job as he nears age 40.
- Gregory Soto The hard-throwing Soto was a closer earlier in his career with Detroit but has been stuck in setup work with multiple teams over the last three seasons. He still has plenty of velocity and misses bats, though being a southpaw likely works against him.
- Hunter Harvey The oft-injured Harvey was a closer briefly with the Nationals in 2023, though he’s struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons. Looking to revitalize his career, he could be an option for a rebuilding team.
- Evan Phillips Phillips had 42 combined saves with the Dodgers from 2023-2024 but was only able to make seven appearances last season due to injury. His health is unclear entering next season. Phillips could make for an interesting flier in free agency and for fantasy managers in the right situation.
- Brad Keller The veteran Keller added big-time velocity in the Cubs pen last season, converting three saves over 68 appearances. He was a sinkerballing starter earlier in his career, and teams could opt to move him back into a starting role. However, Keller could also be a bargain as a closer if he’s able to maintain last year’s stuff.