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2023 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
ARI
ATL
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CHC
CIN
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CWS
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HOU
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 33
Closer: Committee
(1/13) Arizona was a bottom-ranked pen in 2022 with a 4.58 ERA and only 33 total saves. However, only five D'Backs relief pitchers combined for those saves, which was tied for fewest in the league. Veterans Mark Melancon (18 saves) and Ian Kennedy (10) tallied the majority, but towards the end of the season, Reyes Moronta and Kevin Ginkel were given opportunities. Melancon, Ginkel and Moronta could be in the mix for closing duties in 2023, but Arizona declined their mutual option on Kennedy, who is now a free-agent. Lefty Joe Mantiply should remain in a setup role after posting the second-best walk rate in the league among qualified relievers last year. Newly acquired Miguel Castro, Scott McGough and Cole Sulser are also expected to compete for late-inning roles this spring.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 55
Closer: Raisel Iglesias
Next in Line: A.J. Minter , Joe Jimenez
(12/8) The Braves led the majors with 55 saves in 2022, with Kenley Jansen pacing the club with 41 of those and 74.5% team save share. Behind Jansen, A.J. Minter and Will Smith (prior to his trade to Houston) each tallied a handful of saves, while Raisel Iglesias added one after the Braves acquired him. We assume Atlanta traded for Iglesias to be their closer for 2023 and beyond, and now that Jansen has signed with Boston, Iglesias appears locked into that role after a dominant finish to 2022. Minter, Kirby Yates, and newcomers, Joe Jimenez and Nick Anderson, also have experience closing and could easily step into save opportunities if Iglesias struggles or gets hurt.
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Team Notes
- 6/29:A.J. Minter, who logged his first save of the season Tuesday at Philadelphia, has appeared in 3 games in 4 days. This makes Will Smith the likeliest candidate for a save chance if one were to arise Wednesday.
Baltimore OriolesTeam: Baltimore Orioles
Total Saves: 46
Closer: Felix Bautista
Next in Line: Dillon Tate , Mychal Givens
(1/13) Manager Brandon Hyde finally had a strong relief corps, as Baltimore finished 9th in bullpen ERA (3.49) and 8th with 46 saves. Jorge Lopez tallied 19 of those before he was traded to Minnesota, then Felix Bautista took over closing duties for the rest of the season to finish with 15. Bautista is one of the hardest throwing relievers in the league and has 30-plus save upside. He should be among the top 10 closers of the board in 2023 drafts. Dillon Tate is currently the next man up after chipping in a handful of saves last season, while Mychal Givens returns to Baltimore, where he started his career.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 39
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Next in Line: John Schreiber , Chris Martin
(1/24) The Red Sox have prioritized their pen this offseason, signing closer Kenley Jansen and underrated setup man Chris Martin to 2-year deals. Alex Cora has used a closer committee the past 1.5 seasons, as no Boston pitcher recorded more than 8 saves last year, but 2023 is expected to be different with Jansen now at the back-end. Jansen was second in the majors with 41 saves last season to bring his career total to 391, which ranks second among active pitchers and only a few behind leader Craig Kimbrel. Among the returning bullpen arms, John Schreiber and possibly Tanner Houck will join Martin in comprising the bridge to Jansen. Houck was told to build up as a starter this spring, but his role is currently unsettled, as he thrived in a relief role last year.
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Team Notes
- 6/27:Tanner Houck was placed on the restricted list Monday prior to Boston's three-game series at Toronto. Matt Strahm and John Schreiber are the likeliest candidates for save opportunities should any arise during the series.
- 10/11:Hansel Robles exited Game 3 of the ALDS on Sunday due to a stomach illness after allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning. He should be considered day-to-day due to his illness. Assuming he tests negative for COVID-19, it wouldn't be surprising to see the right-hander available for Game 4 on Monday. It was the first earned run he's allowed since August 29.
- 10/5:Entering tonight's AL Wild Card game against the Yankees, Hansel Robles has not allowed an earned run in 15 consecutive outings. Both he and Adam Ottavino enter tonight's contest with two-days rest, while Garrett Richards and Garrett Whitlock have had one day of rest after both pitched on Sunday.
Chicago CubsTeam: Chicago Cubs
Total Saves: 44
Closer: Committee
(1/13) The Cubs have established a trend in recent years of using a veteran, free-agent-to-be as closer, then trading that pitcher at the deadline. That's what they did in 2021 with Craig Kimbrel and last season with David Robertson. Perhaps that's Chicago's intention in 2023 with newly signed Brad Boxberger. In both prior seasons, Chicago shifted to a closer committee after the trade, with Brandon Hughes and Rowan Wick emerging from an otherwise uninspiring relief corps. There is some hope for the future in rookie right-hander Jeremiah Estrada and Codi Heuer (elbow), the latter of whom should return at some point in 2023 from Tommy John surgery. Take a shot on those guys super late in drafts rather than Boxberger or Wick.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 31
Closer: Committee
(11/8) 10 different Reds relievers combined for 31 saves, which was the third fewest by team in 2022. Alexis Diaz was the only Cincinnati pitcher to record double-digit saves (10), as many others struggled when given opportunities to close games. Tony Santillan (back) and Art Warren were the early favorites for saves, but Santillan got hurt and Warren was ineffective. Lucas Sims (back) was limited to just 6.2 innings in 2022, so the Reds were lacking much needed experience in the ninth inning. Journeyman Hunter Strickland was second on the team with seven saves, but is now a free agent. Fortunately, Cincinnati has the returns of Santillan, Sims and Tejay Antone (elbow) to look forward to in 2023, so at least there's some upside here in addition to Diaz.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 51
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: James Karinchak , Trevor Stephan
(11/9) Aside from Emmanuel Clase, the Guardians bullpen was a huge question mark entering 2022. Surprisingly, the unit posted the fifth best ERA (3.05) in the league. Clase was the star of the show, leading the majors with 42 saves while making his first All Star team and earning Reliever of the Month honors three times. James Karinchak rebounded from a disastrous second half in 2021, while several others emerged in high leverage, including Trevor Stephan, Sam Hentges and Eli Morgan, who were huge contributors in the late innings.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Emmanuel Clase has appeared in each of the last 3 games. It's likely that Eli Morgan or Trevor Stephan would receive a save chance if one were to arise tonight against the Yankees.
Colorado RockiesTeam: Colorado Rockies
Total Saves: 43
Closer: Daniel Bard
Next in Line: Pierce Johnson , Dinelson Lamet
(1/13) Rockies manager Bud Black typically sticks with one primary closer and Daniel Bard was his preferred option for ninth inning duties throughout 2022. Bard had 34 of the Rockies' 43 saves and his 79.1% team save share was the second highest among closers. He had a career year at age 37, thus earning him a 2-year extension with the Rockies. As long as Bard keeps performing, he's the favorite to close for Colorado again next season. Pierce Johnson, Dinelson Lamet and Tyler Kinley are the top names to watch behind Bard. All three pitchers should be locks for high-leverage roles in 2023, especially with Alex Colome and Carlos Estevez departing. Jake Bird (nearly 12.0 K/9 in minors) is also a closer in waiting candidate, but now that Bard is signed through 2024, he likely won't come across many save opportunities.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 48
Closer: Kendall Graveman
(1/8) White Sox closer Liam Hendriks recently announced he is beginning treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. General manager Rick Hahn expressed optimism that the Aussie native would pitch for Chicago as soon as viable, but also said there would be no news or updates on Hendriks until Opening Day. For fantasy purposes, Hendriks is still a viable target in draft-and-hold leagues, but at a far reduced cost than his previous late-third round ADP. If you're considering drafting him, keep in mind we don't know whether or not he'll pitch in 2023 and won't receive any updates from the White Sox on his status until Opening Day. You'll have to weigh the risk (potentially zero innings) versus reward (potentially returning early in 2023 and delivering his typical top-end closer numbers). We certainly wish Hendriks the best in his battle with cancer. While he's undergoing treatment, Kendall Graveman and Reynaldo Lopez are logical internal candidates to contend for the closer role this spring. Lopez is the better pitcher, but Graveman has more experience in the ninth inning and tallied six saves in Hendriks' stead last year. Spring training performance may dictate who opens 2023 in the role, but don't discount the possibility of Chicago exploring external options.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 38
Closer: Alex Lange
Next in Line: Jason Foley , Jose Cisnero
(1/7) There's a void in the late innings after the Tigers traded 2022 closer, Gregory Soto, to the Phillies and Joe Jimenez to the Braves this offseason. Alex Lange is the current favorite to replace Soto as the closer. He's coming off the best season of his career during which he generated a 54+ percent whiff rate on both his curveball and changeup, but he'll need to improve his command. Also consider Detroit may be looking to add to their bullpen before spring training. Reunions with a few former Tigers - Michael Fulmer and Andrew Chafin - could alter roles if either (or both) re-signs. Jason Foley and Will Vest represent the next men up for saves should Detroit not deploy Lange in the ninth inning.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 53
Closer: Ryan Pressly
Next in Line: Rafael Montero , Hector Neris
(11/13) Ryan Pressly made his appearances count last year, tallying a career high 33 saves in only 50 regular season appearances (48.1 innings). The veteran did miss some time with knee and neck injuries, but was ultra-reliable when healthy. In fact, he was dominant to close out the 2022 season with 11 scoreless frames throughout the playoffs. Pressly will be 34 in 2023, but should still be drafted among the top 5 or 6 closers. Rafael Montero re-emerged in 2022, earning a high leverage role and recording a career high 14 saves. He recently re-signed with Houston on a 3-year pact and should remain in the mix for saves when Pressly is unavailable. Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek and Bryan Abreu, the latter of whom had a breakout season in 2022, should continue to form a strong bridge to Pressly in 2023.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Ryan Pressly has recorded a Save in each of the past 2 days. He has yet to work 3 games in a row this season, so it's likely a save chance would go to Rafael Montero on Friday.
- 9/29:Ryan Pressly is currently managing a knee issue and hasn't pitched since Saturday. Kendall Graveman was placed on the paternity list Tuesday. Look for Ryne Stanek or Yimi Garcia as the favorites to pitch in potential save opportunities for the next couple days if Pressley remains unavailable.
Kansas City RoyalsTeam: Kansas City Royals
Total Saves: 33
Closer: Committee
(11/14) Matt Quatraro replaces Mike Matheny as Kansas City's manager in 2023. Quatraro comes to the Royals from Tampa Bay, which is known for its different approach to bullpen management, particularly when it coms to save chances. Should Quatraro mirror this approach, it will be interesting to see how the various relievers perform in high leverage scenarios, as the collective unit is not as talented as the one in Tampa Bay. The Royals ranked 27th with a 4.66 bullpen ERA in 2022, with 24 of the team's 33 saves (73%) going to Scott Barlow, who is clearly their most talented reliever. Barlow was a workhorse for the Royals last season, finishing with 74.1 innings that tied a career high and was most among closers. The 30-year-old was effective in those innings, posting career best marks in multiple categories with a 2.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, seven wins and 24 saves. While it's possible he maintains the primary closer role in 2023, the risk of a committee is obvious and drafting Barlow as your primary saves source is risky, at least until we hear more from Quatraro this offseason as to how he intends to manage the ninth inning. Dylan Coleman, Josh Staumont and Taylor Clarke offer the most upside aside from Barlow, while Amir Garrett has past experience as a closer from his time with the Reds.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 38
Closer: Committee
(12/6) One of the biggest surprises at the trade deadline last season was the Angels shipping Raisel Iglesias to Atlanta a mere nine months after signing him to a 4-year deal. The trade left a huge void in the ninth inning, so (then interim) manager Phil Nevin deployed a closer committee for the remainder of the season. With Nevin retained for 2023, the most likely scenario at this point of the offseason is he continues using Jimmy Herget and veteran Ryan Tepera as co-closers, with newly signed Carlos Estevez possibly in the mix as well. Herget was the Angels best reliever in 2022 and led the team with nine saves after Iglesias was traded. Tepera has been a trusted high leverage option for the past six years and complemented Herget with five saves over the final two months. Estevez has 25 career saves with much better splits away from Coors Field. When drafting for saves in early 2023 drafts, try to avoid the Angels bullpen, at least until we get deeper into free agency and closer to spring training.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 43
Closer: Committee
(12/13) A league high 12 Dodgers relievers combined for 43 saves in 2022, with 2023 free agent Craig Kimbrel leading the team with 22. Despite Kimbrel's struggles and lengthy injuries to two veteran relief pitchers - Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson - Los Angeles still managed a 2.87 bullpen ERA that was second-best in the league. Evan Phillips (1.14 ERA) was a big reason for the Dodgers success in the late innings, while Brusdar Graterol pitched a career high 49.2 innings despite dealing with a few injuries himself. Los Angeles picked up Hudson's team option for 2023, though Treinen (shoulder) recently underwent surgery that is likely to keep him out all season. With several capable options to close games, the Dodgers are going to deploy a closer committee in 2023, with Hudson, Graterol, Phillips and Vesia leading the way.
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Team Notes
- 10/14:Corey Knebel will serve as the opener for Thursday's NLDS Game 5 matchup against the Giants. Knebel filled the opener role four times during the regular season, allowing one run in a combined 5.2 innings of work. Julio Urias is expected to follow him in bulk relief.
- 10/6:The Dodgers' highest-leverage relievers are well rested, as Jansen, Treinen and Vesia enter Wednesday's NL Wild Card game against the Cardinals on 4 days rest.
Miami MarlinsTeam: Miami Marlins
Total Saves: 41
Closer: Dylan Floro
Next in Line: Matt Barnes , Tanner Scott
(1/30) Skip Schumaker takes over for Don Mattingly as the Marlins manager in 2023. Miami's 2022 bullpen ERA (4.15) was 22nd in the majors, though the team was involved in plenty of close games, recording a save (41 total) in nearly 60% of the team's wins (69). Anthony Bender (elbow) opened last season as the Marlins closer, but underwent Tommy John surgery and is likely to miss all of 2023. Tanner Scott was one of the best waiver wire additions for saves, but has a perennially high WHIP and may not be the best option for Schumaker. Dylan Floro finished last season in the closer role and is the favorite to close games early in 2023. He'll be a free-agent in 2024, so it's possible the rebuilding Marlins build up his trade value, then move him. Matt Barnes figures to be next in line based on his experience closing games in Boston. Steven Okert is a solid late-round dart if you're speculating on saves in super deep leagues.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 52
Closer: Devin Williams
Next in Line: Matt Bush , Jake Cousins
(11/14) Milwaukee curiously moved on from Josh Hader last season, trading him to San Diego at the deadline. Ultimately, the trade may have cost them a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. Many assumed Devin Williams would immediately step into Hader's role as the Brewers primary closer, but the team used a committee for a bit before finally giving Williams the reigns over the final weeks. Williams finished with a career high 15 saves, including seven of Milwaukee's last nine. Momentum is certainly on his side as we forecast closers for 2023 and the market agrees, as Williams has an ADP of 62.5 as the 7th closer off the board through mid-November. Since there's no discount in drafts, you need to be supremely confident that Williams will close in order to justify his cost. For me, his stability isn't as high as other closers with his type of potential, as he's entering his arbitration window and will only get more costly the more he closes. He will get save chances, but 15-20 saves is just as likely as 30-plus. Either way, the All-Star has top 3 closer upside and showcased his massive potential with close to 100 strikeouts and a 30-game scoreless streak last year. As the roster currently stands, Matt Bush and Jake Cousins are next in line for saves, while Peter Strzelecki closed 2022 with nine straight scoreless outings.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 28
Closer: Committee
(11/14) Minnesota finished with a league-low 28 saves in 2022. Emilio Pagan led the team with 9, but struggled to hold leads and was removed from closing duties after a few months. Dominant rookie Jhoan Duran flourished in a relief role with 8 saves and led the league with 392 pitches thrown 100 mph or greater. He has the upside of a top 5 closer with full-time duties, but there's a greater chance the Twins are more flexible with his role. Jorge Lopez added 4 saves after the Twins acquired him at the deadline, but he struggled in his first two months with Minnesota and is no lock to close in 2023. We'll label this a committee for now between Duran and Lopez. Griffin Jax and Jovani Moran emerged as high upside relief arms in 2022, while Jorge Alcala (elbow) should be back next season.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 41
Closer: Edwin Diaz
Next in Line: Adam Ottavino , Brooks Raley
(12/21) Shortly after the World Series, the Mets made it a priority to re-sign closer Edwin Diaz to the largest contract for a relief pitcher in history at five years and $102 million. No reliever in 2022 came close to Diaz's 50.2% strikeout rate, 25.2% SwStr%, 17.1 K/9 or 42.6% K-BB%, while his 1.31 ERA was a career best and ranked fourth among qualified relievers. Re-signing Diaz was an important step towards revamping a bullpen that saw Seth Lugo, Mychal Givens and Trevor May depart via free agency, though Adam Ottavino re-upped with the Mets on a 2-year pact. Drew Smith is likely to slot into a middle relief role, while John Curtiss returns in 2023 after missing all of last season due to Tommy John surgery. The Mets may not be done shoring up their bullpen depth.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 47
Closer: Clay Holmes
Next in Line: Lou Trivino , Jonathan Loaisiga
(12/6) Clay Holmes regressed in the second half of 2022 after dealing with back and shoulder injuries, but he's still the favorite to open 2023 as the Yankees closer and has tremendous upside when healthy, including that of being a top 5 closer in the league. Former A's closer Lou Trivino is capable of closing games, while Wandy Peralta played an important high leverage role down the stretch. Jonathan Loaisiga appeared to regain his 2021 form towards the end of last season, so while Holmes is the favorite to close, there are options that Aaron Boone can turn to instead, including recently signed Tommy Kahnle. One longtime Yankee that likely won't be in the picture for New York is Aroldis Chapman, who ended 2022 on poor terms with the club and enters 2023 as a free agent.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Aroldis Chapman was activated from the 15-day IL. Clay Holmes has worked 3 games in the last 5 days, but did not pitch yesterday. Don't be surprised if the Yankees elect to give Holmes another day of rest with Chapman back. It's possible Chapman gets the call tonight if a save opportunity were to arise.
- 6/29:Aroldis Chapman is likely to return Friday.
- 10/5:Entering tonight's AL Wild Card game, Aroldis Chapman has a career 6.43 ERA and 2.07 WHIP in 14 innings at Fenway Park. However, he logged a 2.70 ERA against Boston this season with a 8:4 K:BB in 6.2 innings, albeit with two home runs allowed.
- 9/29:Jonathan Loaisiga (shoulder) will likely be activated Wednesday.
Oakland AthleticsTeam: Oakland Athletics
Total Saves: 34
Closer: Domingo Acevedo
(11/14) After being a logical candidate to see save chances throughout 2022, Domingo Acevedo finally saw ninth-inning duties over the final weeks, recording Oakland's last four saves of the season. However, injuries to Dany Jimenez (shoulder) and Zach Jackson (shoulder) essentially forced Mark Kotsay's hand, as Acevedo became his most trusted reliever by default. A.J. Puk had a solid year, tallying four saves for the A's, but doesn't appear to be Oakland's closer of the future. Should Jimenez be ready to go for spring training, he seems most likely to close for the A's at the outset of 2023, with Acevedo supplementing him when not available. Jackson could enter the mix for saves as well after posting an AL-leading 27 holds, but will need to bring down his walk rate (16.3%). It's best to avoid this bullpen in early 2023 drafts until we hear more on the status of Jimenez and Jackson closer to spring training.
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Philadelphia PhilliesTeam: Philadelphia Phillies
Total Saves: 42
Closer: Committee
(1/7) Phillies manager Rob Thomson spread out save chances once he took over for Joe Girardi last season. 11 Philadelphia relievers combined for 42 saves, with Corey Knebel (12), Seranthony Dominguez (9), David Robertson (6) and Brad Hand (5) all recording at least a handful. Dominguez was the Philly's best reliever in 2022 and may have led the team in the saves category if not for a triceps injury late in the season. He's the only returning reliever from the aforementioned group, but the Phillies have added late-inning depth in Craig Kimbrel and Matt Strahm via free agency and Gregory Soto through trade. Jose Alvarado is also a high-upside dart after posting a career-best strikeout rate while improving his walk rate. Unless Kimbrel reverts back to peak form early in the season, expect Thomson to mix and match in the ninth-inning all year.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 33
Closer: David Bednar
Next in Line: Duane Underwood , Jarlin Garcia
(11/14) Pittsburgh is loaded with pre-arbitration relief pitchers, including closer David Bednar, who will be arbitration eligible for the first time in 2024. It will be interesting to see whether the typically cost-conscious Pirates elect to trade Bednar in 2023, or build their bullpen around him. This impacts his stability a bit and even more so after Bednar missed nearly two months last season with a back injury. However, when healthy, Bednar is one of the most secure closers in the league. When Bednar was injured last season, five different Pittsburgh relief pitchers combined for six total saves. The lack of saves overall is likely to continue into 2023 with the Pirates not expected to significantly improve.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 48
Closer: Josh Hader
Next in Line: Robert Suarez , Luis Garcia
(11/14) San Diego finished near the top of the league with 48 saves in 2022. The majority came from Taylor Rogers (28) before the Padres shipped him off in the deal to acquire Josh Hader. Hader struggled with his new team at first, but was able to rebound over the final month and change. His security as the Padres closer for 2023 remains high due to his strong 2022 finish, but remember he's set to become a free agent in 2024. If the Padres aren't performing to expectations near midseason 2023, Hader could be on the move. In that scenario, Robert Suarez is the next man up for saves after signing a 5-year deal to return to San Diego. Suarez was a former closer in Japan and had a fantastic rookie MLB season in 2022.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 40
Closer: Committee
(1/11) Paul Sewald tallied half (20) of Seattle's 40 saves in 2022, but Andres Munoz finally stayed healthy and broke out with a huge season to enter the mix for saves moving forward. Since Munoz is signed to a long-term, team-friendly contract, the Mariners have no financial limitations to consider in limiting his save chances. Meanwhile, both Sewald (elbow, heel) and Munoz (foot) underwent surgery this offseason, so keep Diego Castillo on your deeper league radar. Matt Brash, Penn Murfee and Matt Festa return in 2023 to complete the leverage ladder to Sewald and Munoz, with Brash possessing the most upside of the three.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 39
Closer: Camilo Doval
Next in Line: Taylor Rogers , Tyler Rogers
(1/8) The Giants led the league with a 2.99 bullpen ERA in 2021, but plummeted to 20th in the category (4.08) last year. Camilo Doval and John Brebbia were the lone bright spots from a unit that otherwise struggled. Doval, in particular, tallied 27 of the Giants' 39 saves for a 69.2% share that ranked 9th among closers. The 25-year-old also introduced a new sinker last July with promising results. Doval's slider is still nasty as ever, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts the usage of his secondary pitches with the sinker being far more successful than his cutter. The Giants recently signed Taylor Rogers, who may cut into Doval's save share when matchups against left-handed hitters are in his favor. They also added Luke Jackson (elbow), who should return around mid-season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2022.
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Team Notes
- 10/4:The Giants bullpen gets a much-needed break after winning the NL West. Camilo Doval, in particular, pitched 4 times in 5 days during the final week.
- 10/1:Doval, Rogers and Leone have worked 2 out of the past 3 games, with Rogers throwing 47 pitches over that span. Strong possibility Rogers gets the night off against San Diego.
- 9/30:Doval earned his 2nd big-league save on Wednesday and may be the new closer in San Francisco.
- 9/29:The plans for Jake McGee (oblique) beyond Wednesday aren't entirely clear, but so long as he gets through mound work without any setbacks, a return to the Giants' bullpen for the final regular-season series against the Padres might not be out of the question.
St. Louis CardinalsTeam: St. Louis Cardinals
Total Saves: 37
Closer: Ryan Helsley
Next in Line: Giovanny Gallegos , Jordan Hicks
(11/14) Manager Oliver Marmol's 'closer by calculation' strategy benefited Ryan Helsley with the majority share of Cardinals save chances since late May 2022. Helsley was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball last season, tossing the third-most pitches at 100 mph or greater while going nearly two months without giving up an earned run. Giovanny Gallegos also tallied double-digit saves for the second straight year and is likely to make it three in 2023 after inking a 2-year extension with the Cardinals as the clear backup to Helsley. Don't forget about Jordan Hicks and Alex Reyes (shoulder), who have showcased their potential before in recent seasons with St. Louis.
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Team Notes
- 10/6:The Cardinals' highest-leverage relievers are well rested, as Gallegos, Cabrera and Reyes enter Wednesday's NL Wild Card game against the Dodgers on 4 days rest, while Garcia is on 3 days rest.
- 10/1:Garcia earned his 2nd save of the season Thursday night as the Cardinals give Gallegos some much deserved rest before the playoffs. Gallegos has logged a new career-high 79.1 innings this season.
Tampa Bay RaysTeam: Tampa Bay Rays
Total Saves: 44
Closer: Committee
(11/15) We've come to expect varied late-inning usage from manager Kevin Cash and 2022 was no different with 11 different relievers combining for 44. Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam led the Rays with eight saves apiece, while Colin Poche (7), Brooks Raley (6) and Andrew Kittredge (5) each had a handful or more. Kittredge (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery last summer, but could return late in 2023 and this bullpen otherwise remains in tact for next season. Fairbanks (finger) experienced numbness on his pitching hand during a playoff appearances, but as long as that issue is not serious, he appears likely to lead this closer committee after tallying 4 of the Rays final 7 saves to close out 2022. One name who could emerge next season in the mix for saves is Garrett Cleavinger, a lefty who posted a 35% strikeout rate over 23 innings last year. Ultimately, this unit is one to avoid if you're seeking primary save options.
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Team Notes
- 10/11:Collin McHugh will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher Monday against the Red Sox as part of a bullpen day in Game 4 of the ALDS, Manager Kevin Cash hasn't appointed a primary pitcher to work behind McHugh, as the Rays will instead likely turn to a cadre of arms to fill innings out of the bullpen. Josh Fleming, JT Chargois, Pete Fairbanks, J.P. Feyereisen, Andrew Kittredge and Matt Wisler tossed 20 pitches or fewer in Sunday's 13-inning loss, so the Tampa Bay bullpen should be relatively fresh for Monday's contest.
Texas RangersTeam: Texas Rangers
Total Saves: 37
Closer: Jose Leclerc
(11/15) 10 Texas relievers combined for 37 saves in 2022, with Joe Barlow the only one in double-digits with 13. Barlow dealt with persistent blister issues last season and recently underwent wrist surgery to separate a pair of fused tendons in order to help prevent the blisters moving forward. Skills wise, he's not the best option for saves and lost the closer role last July before the blisters became an issue. Jose Leclerc finished second on the team with 7 saves and the Rangers picked up his $6 million option for 2023 after he successfully returned from Tommy John surgery. He served as the Rangers closer over the final month-and-a-half and is the current favorite to close in 2023, though this bullpen remains under construction and roles could fluctuate. New manager Bruce Bochy is a 3-time World Series champion and has used both a primary closer and a committee throughout his managing career. It's worth noting he deployed a primary option during his last season in San Francisco in 2019. His lean in Texas will depend on how this bullpen comes together over the coming months.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 46
Closer: Jordan Romano
Next in Line: Erik Swanson , Adam Cimber
(1/25) Jordan Romano recorded 36 of Toronto's 46 saves in 2022 and his 78.3% team save percentage was 4th-highest among closers. His strikeout rate was down compared to 2021, but his ratios were comparable and he only allowed 4 home runs all year. His role as the Blue Jays' closer is extremely secure considering Adam Cimber (4 saves) and Tim Mayza (2) were the only other Toronto relievers to record more than one save. Erik Swanson, Anthony Bass and Yimi Garcia also have closing experience, but appear destined for the 6th through 8th innings in 2023 as part of the bridge to Romano.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 28
Closer: Kyle Finnegan
Next in Line: Hunter Harvey , Carl Edwards
(1/25) Washington posted a league low 55 wins in 2022, while tying for a league low with only 28 saves. At least the Nationals closer role was pretty clear. Tanner Rainey (elbow) opened last season as the closer before undergoing Tommy John surgery in late-August. He'll miss most, if not all, of the 2023 season. When Rainey got hurt, Kyle Finnegan took over closing duties for the rest of the season, with Carl Edwards Jr. adding a few saves of his own. Finnegan is the likeliest bet to return as closer to start 2023, but keep a close eye on Hunter Harvey, who may be the most talented reliever in this pen, but has yet to pitch a full season due to injuries.
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Team Notes
- 9/23:Tanner Rainey earned the save for the Nationals last night and has worked 3 out of the last 4 games. Expect Kyle Finnegan, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 19, to get the save chance if one presents itself against the Cardinals tonight.