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2025 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Committee
(4/15) Justin Martinez entered the campaign as the slight favorite for saves with manager Torey Lovullo electing not to officially name a closer, but A.J. Puk holds a small edge with three saves to Martinez's two through 16 games. Martinez recorded 8 of the team's 13 saves after August 1st last season, and while his walk rate is a concern, he possesses the most exciting skills in this bullpen and has yet to allow a run with a 9:0 K:BB through 5.2 frames this year. Puk has already matched his save total from 2024 and has a bit more closing experience with 25 career saves, and he's also pitched well early with a 10:2 K:BB despite allowing two solo homers in six outings. Puk being left-handed hasn't worked against him thus far, but it could give an edge to Martinez over the course of the season if Lovullo continues with a matchup-based approach. Kevin Ginkel should also be in the mix once he recovers from a shoulder injury, though he's more likely to fill a setup role. Ryan Thompson and Shelby Miller are also in the setup mix and could see occasional chances.
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Sacramento AthleticsTeam: Sacramento Athletics
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Mason Miller
(3/5) - Mason Miller enters 2025 as the Athletics' closer after dominating in the role last year, averaging 100.9 mph on his 4-seamer while blowing away opposing hitters at a league-leading 41.8% clip. His upside is among the highest of all closers in the league, but his durability concerns from the past may force risk-averse fantasy managers to look elsewhere for saves. If Miller were to get hurt, A's newcomer Jose Leclerc is the logical next-man-up for closing duties, given that he has the most experience with 41 career saves. Tyler Ferguson (2 saves in 2024) and Michel Otanez (100+ strikeouts between the majors and minors last season) are likely to fill setup roles, while Dylan Floro and Noah Murdock (a Rule 5 pick of the A's) could also emerge in high-leverage.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 2
Closer: Raisel Iglesias
Next in Line: Pierce Johnson , Aaron Bummer
(3/5) Raisel Iglesias has been one of the most consistent and reliable closers over the past decade and has maintained his high-level production as he enters his mid-30's. Iglesias tied for 5th in saves last year, while his 0.74 WHIP was 3rd-best among qualified relievers. His strikeout rate (26.3%) was down compared to prior outputs, his 5.0% walk rate was a top-15 mark among relievers. Iglesias will be a free-agent in 2026, thus making him a potential trade candidate next season if Atlanta does not perform to expectations. If Iglesias falters, Atlanta could turn to Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer or Dylan Lee for closing duties. Daysbel Hernandez is a high-upside spec for saves and should take on a more important role this season.
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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: 1
Closer: Felix Bautista
(3/5) - Felix Bautista recently made his 2025 spring training debut after missing the entire 2024 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Bautista projects to open the season as the Orioles' closer, barring any setbacks during his appearances this spring. However, for occasions in which Bautista is unavailable, Hyde said he would "mix and match" at closer, with the manager naming Andrew Kittredge (knee), Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez as options to fill in. Hyde noted that he'll apply cautious usage of Bautista "especially in the first half." The Orioles don't seem to have a hard deadline for when the restrictions on Bautista will be lifted, as it likely just depends on how the pitcher looks and is bouncing back from outings.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Next in Line: Justin Slaten , Garrett Whitlock
(3/19) Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman entered spring training as the co-favorites for saves in Boston, but Chapman performed better in camp and appears set to begin the campaign as the primary closer. Chapman filled a high-leverage role for Pittsburgh last year and finished with a 3.79 ERA and 14.3 K/9 to go along with 14 saves and 22 holds. The velocity is still there as he averaged nearly 99 mph on his fastball, but a 5.7 BB/9 illustrates that command continues to be an issue at times.
Hendriks last pitched for the White Sox in 2023 and missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, with multiple setbacks preventing him from making a late-season return. The right-hander has elite closing pedigree with 114 saves and a 2.26 ERA and 13.5 K/9 from 2019 to 2022, but he's now a bit more of a question mark with just five appearances across the last two seasons. His velocity seemed fine during spring training as he hit 96 mph, but he gave up a lot of contact with six runs allowed on 12 hits in five Grapefruit League outings. Chapman will start the campaign with the upper hand for saves, but it wouldn't be surprising if he and Hendriks jostle for the closer role throughout the season. Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock are strong high-leverage options that are also likely to see some chances in the ninth inning.
Hendriks last pitched for the White Sox in 2023 and missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, with multiple setbacks preventing him from making a late-season return. The right-hander has elite closing pedigree with 114 saves and a 2.26 ERA and 13.5 K/9 from 2019 to 2022, but he's now a bit more of a question mark with just five appearances across the last two seasons. His velocity seemed fine during spring training as he hit 96 mph, but he gave up a lot of contact with six runs allowed on 12 hits in five Grapefruit League outings. Chapman will start the campaign with the upper hand for saves, but it wouldn't be surprising if he and Hendriks jostle for the closer role throughout the season. Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock are strong high-leverage options that are also likely to see some chances in the ninth inning.
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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: 6
Closer: Ryan Pressly
Next in Line: Porter Hodge , Julian Merryweather
(3/5) The Cubs traded for a proven closing option in January when they acquired Ryan Pressly from Houston. The expectation is that Pressly will be the primary closer to begin the 2025 season, but Pressly's skills have been in steady decline and it's fair to question whether he will be able to hold the job all year for a Chicago team that has its sights set on the NL Central crown. Porter Hodge finished second on the team in saves last season -- behind Hector Neris, who is now with Atlanta -- and looks the part of closer long term. Hodge's sweeper was especially dominant last season, holding opponents to a .070 average, with an absurd 51.8 percent whiff rate, per Statcast. Keegan Thompson finished 2024 on a relative high note, posting a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings after his return from Triple-A, though he had more walks (7) than strikeouts (6) down the stretch. Julian Merryweather finished last season on the injured list following surgery on his right knee, but he should serve as a late-inning arm for manager Craig Counsell in 2025 now that he's back to full health. Merryweather has never earned more than two saves in a season, but he racked up 17 holds in 2023 when he posted a 3.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 72 innings.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 5
Closer: Committee
(4/15) Emilio Pagan has filled in admirably for Alexis Diaz (hamstring) in the closer role, posting a 1.23 ERA while going 4-for-4 in save chances through eight appearances this season. Diaz appears to be on the verge of a return after completing a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville, and he seems to think he's ready to slot back in as the closer right away, though it will ultimately be manager Terry Francona's decision. Francona himself has said on multiple occasions that he wants Diaz to be the man in the ninth inning again eventually, but he may want to see it from Diaz first -- improved command and control in particular, after the hamstring injury sapped Diaz's effectiveness in spring training. Tony Santillan is the only other Reds pitcher to record a save for the team through 16 games in 2025. Graham Ashcraft has transitioned well to the bullpen and has stated his desire to work his way into the closer role eventually.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 3
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: Paul Sewald , Cade Smith
(4/15) Emmanuel Clase was the best closer in all of baseball during the 2024 regular season, but he struggled in last year's playoffs (9.00 ERA) and those struggles have carried into the 2025 campaign. He was charged with the blown save Opening Day and sits with a 7.71 ERA and only one save through seven appearances. His 7:1 K:BB looks OK, but that comes with a whopping 14 hits allowed through seven innings, so while he should still have a fair amount of leash in the role, his performance so far has raised some eyebrows after three consecutive 40-plus-save seasons. Paul Sewald has the only other Guardians save so far in 2025 and has pitched well overall, and his past experience closing games (85 career saves) may position him as the next man up behind Clase for the ninth. Cade Smith is still spotless with his ERA through eight appearances, adding five holds, continuing his brilliance from 2024.
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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: 2
Closer: Committee
(3/21) In the second half of last season, Colorado opened the door for Victor Vodnik, Tyler Kinley and Seth Halvorsen (in that order) to handle the ninth inning. All three figure to remain in the mix for saves in 2025, with Vodnik and Halvorsen the current favorites to close games for the Rockies. Angel Chivilli, Zach Agnos, southpaw Luis Peralta and Jaden Hill are ones to monitor.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 0
Closer: Jordan Leasure
(4/16) Manager Will Venable said late in camp that the Mike Clevinger would be "near the top" of the options for the ninth inning. However, the right-hander yielded five runs with an ugly 3:8 K:BB over 5.2 innings to lose the trust of his manager. As a result, Clevinger was subsequently designated for assignment. With Clevinger out of the picture and Fraser Ellard (hamstring) currently on the IL, Jordan Leasure might be the best bet for saves in a shaky White Sox bullpen.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 5
Closer: Committee
(3/26) - Could we really see a team deploy a 5-man closer committee in 2025? If any team is primed to do so, it would be the Tigers, as manager A.J. Hinch deployed a different approach for late-inning reliever usage during the 2024 playoffs. Jason Foley, the team's save leader from last year, only pitched once out of seven postseason contests in 2024 and was recently optioned prior to Opening Day. Meanwhile, it was apparent that Hinch trusted the versatile Tyler Holton and Beau Brieske the most during the team's highest-leverage moments in last year's playoffs. Foley could eventually become part of the saves picture in 2025, but his chances of leading the team in the category have significantly decreased, especially with Detroit adding another capable late-inning arm in Tommy Kahnle. In addition, Will Vest is a dark horse favorite for potential 2025 saves. Monitoring early late-inning usage patterns for Detroit will be crucial in order to identify who has the best chance to lead the club in saves in 2025.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 5
Closer: Josh Hader
Next in Line: Bryan Abreu , Tayler Scott
(3/12) - Josh Hader's stability as the Astros is as high as it comes among closers in the league. Even after yet another stellar campaign, during which he led all relievers with 105 strikeouts and was 3rd among them with a 37.8% strikeout rate, the southpaw worked this offseason on limiting his movements before his windup in an effort to not tip his pitches. In addition to trying to cut down on any pre-windup tells, Hader said he is working on making his changeup a bigger part of his arsenal, though it's too early to say this will actually be the year he can rely on anything besides his sinker and slider. Regardless of whether he has a more reliable third pitch, Hader should once again rank near the top of the majors in saves and strikeouts among relievers. Bryan Abreu is the clear backup for closing duties, as Houston elected to trade setup man Ryan Pressly earlier this offseason.
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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: 6
Closer: Carlos Estevez
(3/4) James McArthur led the Royals with 18 saves last year (43.9 percent team save share), but he was removed from the closer role (and finished the season with a 4.92 ERA) after the addition of Lucas Erceg at the trade deadline. Carlos Estevez inked a two-year, $20.2 million contract in late January and is poised to open the campaign as Kansas City's primary closer, while Erceg is expected to be deployed in the highest-leverage spots, regardless of inning.
Estevez's strikeout numbers took a hit last season with a career-low 8.2 K/9, but he still racked up 26 saves between the Angels and Phillies with an effective 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 2.0 BB/9, which should give him decent security as the primary closing option. Erceg will still likely see some saves as the high-leverage fireman, but those opportunities may be infrequent if Estevez can stay healthy. Hunter Harvey, who was also acquired ahead of last summer's trade deadline, is healthy for spring training after making just six appearances for the Royals last year and should fill a setup role, but it's worth noting the injury concerns have been a trend for his career, and he had a career-worst 4.44 ERA in 49 outings last year.
Estevez's strikeout numbers took a hit last season with a career-low 8.2 K/9, but he still racked up 26 saves between the Angels and Phillies with an effective 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 2.0 BB/9, which should give him decent security as the primary closing option. Erceg will still likely see some saves as the high-leverage fireman, but those opportunities may be infrequent if Estevez can stay healthy. Hunter Harvey, who was also acquired ahead of last summer's trade deadline, is healthy for spring training after making just six appearances for the Royals last year and should fill a setup role, but it's worth noting the injury concerns have been a trend for his career, and he had a career-worst 4.44 ERA in 49 outings last year.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Kenley Jansen
(3/26) Ben Joyce, the closer-in-waiting for the Angels, will have to wait a while longer yet after the team signed Kenley Jansen to a one-year, $10 million contract in February. Jansen has his sights set on climbing higher up the all-time saves leaderboard, and in particular catching Lee Smith, who is 31 saves ahead of Jansen, in 2025. While Jansen's strikeout rate has dipped below 30 percent in recent years, his skills are generally holding up quite well at 37 years old. He trimmed his home-run rate back down to 0.66 HR/9 and only squandered four saves in 31 opportunities with Boston last season. The flamethrowing Joyce started to live up to his immense promise in 2024, posting a 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 34.2 innings at age 23. Nothing is guaranteed, but Joyce looks like the next man up and he still has appeal in a wide variety of leagues as an insurance policy to Jansen. Lefty Brock Burke could see the occasional save chance in extra innings and/or when the top righties are unavailable.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Committee
(4/16) Three Dodgers relief pitchers have recorded saves through mid-April, but Tanner Scott appears poised for his first 30-plus save campaign. The southpaw signed a hefty four-year contract with Los Angeles this offseason and is yet to walk a batter through nine innings thus far. Others like Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates and Alex Vesia will get the occasional save chance, but Scott looks to have a firm hold on closing duties, even if his strikeout and opposing hard-hit rates currently suggest otherwise.
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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: 2
Closer: Committee
(3/12) - Miami might end up being on the lower-end of the team save total in 2025, but they have some interesting high-leverage arms that could be useful streamers for saves during the upcoming campaign. Calvin Faucher (pronounced fo-shay), Jesus Tinoco and Anthony Bender all return for new manager Clayton McCullough, who could simply deploy a closer committee at the onset of the season and see which out of the trio emerges from the pack. Faucher (6 saves in 2024) is the market favorite for saves in Miami whose stuff metrics are off the charts, but he's had difficulty with his control and is a ratio liability. Tinoco (3 saves last year) and Bender (6 saves in 2022) have the talent to break out as the Marlins' closer, but need the opportunity to prove they can do so. Given all three are going fairly late in drafts, target the skills - Tinoco or Bender - if speculating on Miami save sources for 2025.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 2
Closer: Trevor Megill
Next in Line: Abner Uribe , Joel Payamps
(4/16) - Trevor Megill looked dominant through his first five outings, pitching 4.1 scoreless frames with one save and an 8:1 K:BB ratio. The 31-year-old imploded during his sixth appearance, permitting five consecutive batters to reach safely before blowing his first save of the year against Arizona. Megill subsequently had imaging done on his knee, which initially came back clean but is being evaluated again this week for a second opinion. If Megill were to miss any time, Abner Uribe and Nick Mears stand out as potential options to close for the Brewers. Mears leads Milwaukee relievers with a 1.44 Game Leverage Index (gmLI), while Uribe (1.32) ranks second per that statistic. However, Uribe has closing experience and the electric arm, averaging 98.5 miles per hour on his sinker (98th percentile per Statcast). The Brewers could also summon 25-year-old righty Craig Yoho from Triple-A Nashville, where he's pitched 7.1 scoreless innings with an 8:3 K:BB and one save.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 1
Closer: Jhoan Duran
(3/12) - Jhoan Duran's velocity has been "down by design" this spring as the Twins' closer focuses on his mechanics and pitch movement. Duran "only" reached 100.8 mph with his fastball in a recent spring outing, which is in contrast to the 102.5 mph he hit in his first spring outing of 2023. However, his decline in velocity doesn't appear to be a major concern, as his fastball is still elite and he could just be easing into spring training as a more established veteran. Duran is set to return as Minnesota's closer, but manager Rocco Baldelli often deploys his bullpen without regard for the save statistic, meaning Griffin Jax and others will get save chances if matchups call for Duran to be used earlier in the game. Jax was dominant in 2024 and could even overtake Duran for the majority save share in Minnesota if the latter struggles at any point in 2025.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Edwin Diaz
Next in Line: A.J. Minter , Ryne Stanek
(3/12) Edwin Diaz missed some time last season due to a shoulder injury and 10-game suspension, but finished most of the games he appeared in when healthy. His stability as the Mets closer was never in question, as Diaz's 38.9% strikeout rate was 2nd among relief pitchers and right in line with his career average (40.1%). Aside from Diaz, Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett, Jose Butto and Dedniel Nunez return as part of the bridge to Diaz alongside newcomer A.J. Minter (hip), who figures to close whenever Diaz is unavailable. If Minter isn't healthy for the start of the 2025 campaign, look for Stanek or perhaps Nunez to fill any ancillary save opportunities.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Devin Williams
Next in Line: Luke Weaver , Fernando Cruz
(4/16) - Devin Williams has struggled through his first seven appearances in pinstripes, permitting at least one run in three of those contests while walking six over six innings. His ratios are inflated in his small sample and he's only recorded three saves thus far, but all indicators suggest his numbers will rebound as the season progresses and the weather warms up. If Williams' struggles persist into the summer, the Yankees could turn to Luke Weaver for the more than the ancillary save chance. Weaver was New York's most trusted reliever late last season and is once again off to a nice start in 2025.
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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.
Philadelphia PhilliesTeam: Philadelphia Phillies
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Jose Alvarado
Next in Line: Matt Strahm , Orion Kerkering
(4/15) Presumptive favorite Jordan Romano has taken a back seat to lefty Jose Alvarado early on, with Alvarado earning three saves to Romano's one through 16 team games. A longtime closer during his time in Toronto, Romano has struggled to regain his pre-injury velocity, though he recently stated that the Phillies' coaching staff helped him identify a mechanical issue behind the velocity dip. Perhaps Romano can wrestle the job back in time, and Alvarado's history of wildness (career 4.9 BB/9) leaves that door very much open. Orion Kerkering hasn't displayed much of a strikeout punch so far in 2025, but the 24-year-old is still widely viewed as the closer of the future in Philadelphia.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 4
Closer: Committee
(4/1) - The Pirates optioned David Bednar to Triple-A after the former All-Star allowed three earned runs over his first three appearances of 2025. While Bednar attempts to figure things out in the minors, Dennis Santana appears to be the next man up for Pittsburgh after producing solid ratios and three saves last season. Colin Holderman and Justin Lawrence are also worth monitoring as possible closer options if Santana is not deployed as the Pirates' endgamer. If Bednar improves his performance in the minors, he may have an opportunity to reclaim closing duties in the future.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Robert Suarez
Next in Line: Jason Adam , Jeremiah Estrada
(3/11) - Suarez's outstanding 2024 campaign (1.02 WHIP, 6.2% walk rate, 4th in the league with 36 saves) has not resonated with the 2025 draft market, as San Diego has expressed its desire to cut payroll and Suarez could be a casualty of that through trade. For now, he remains with the Padres and enters 2025 as the clear favorite for closing duties. However, it's difficult to place a High stability tag on Suarez since the chances of a trade remain high. If Suarez were to get dealt, Jason Adam is the favorite to replace him in the ninth inning, while Jeremiah Estrada, Yuki Matsui and Adrian Morejon stand out as potential candidates to close.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Andres Munoz
(3/5) Andres Munoz has long been heralded by fans and fantasy managers and is the clear frontrunner for closing duties in the Seattle bullpen after he led the club with a career-high 22 saves last season to go along with stellar ratios (2.12 ERA, 0.96 WHIP). Munoz also blew five save chances and took seven losses, however, and manager Scott Servais has tended to favor a committee approach late in games. In fact, since Edwin Diaz's miraculous 57-save season in 2018, no Mariners reliever has totaled more than 22 saves in a season. Munoz has the skills to buck that trend and reach 30 in 2025, health permitting. Matt Brash is expected to begin the season on the injured list with an elbow injury, and Ryne Stanek is now in Queens. Collin Snider broke out last season to the tune of a 1.94 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 41.2 innings, and while he does not have the high-end velocity typically associated with the ninth, Snider has enough swing-and-miss between his four-seamer, sweeper and cutter to potentially factor into the equation. Tyler Saucedo earned three saves last season along with seven holds, but his average fastball below 92 mph and career 1.36 WHIP are not closer worthy.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Ryan Walker
Next in Line: Camilo Doval , Tyler Rogers
(4/16) Manager Bob Melvin indicated in mid-February that Ryan Walker would open the season as the Giants' closer and he's recorded 4 of the team's 6 saves through mid-April. Walker was outstanding last season, ranking 10th among relief pitchers with both a 0.85 WHIP and 26.1 K-BB percentage, and was the only pitcher in baseball to record double-digit saves (10), wins (10) and holds (21). Meanwhile, Camilo Doval took major steps backwards in 2024, but is pitching much better in the early going of 2025. Doval may have an opportunity to earn the job back later this season if he can improve his walk rate (14.4% was 2nd-worst among relief pitchers last year) and deflate his ratios, but Walker figures to have a fairly long leash after his impressive results.
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Team Notes
- 5/18:Camilo Doval has recorded a save in 3 straight games for San Francisco. The Giants are off on Thursday, but Doval may get a breather on Friday after his recent heavy usage.
- 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: 5
Closer: Ryan Helsley
Next in Line: JoJo Romero , Phil Maton
(3/11) The biggest question mark for St. Louis is whether or not Ryan Helsley will be traded before or during the 2025 campaign? Helsley -- who will be a free agent after this season -- said he would "definitely be open" to talking about a long-term deal with the Cardinals, but he does not expect those discussions to occur anytime soon. St. Louis will transition from John Mozeliak to Chaim Bloom as their president of baseball operations after the season and are not looking to add to their payroll right now, so an extension for their closer likely isn't at the forefront of their plans. In addition, Helsley will make $8.2 million in 2025 , thus increasing his chances of being traded. While that possibility looms, keep an eye on Ryan Fernandez as a potential replacement for Helsley in the ninth inning.
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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: 3
Closer: Pete Fairbanks
Next in Line: Edwin Uceta , Garrett Cleavinger
(3/11) When Fairbanks was healthy last season, he tallied 23 of the Rays' 33 saves for a 70% team save share, which would have been a top-10 mark among closers. Unfortunately, the right-hander's stability continues to remain low, as he consistently misses time due to injuries every year. When Fairbanks has been unavailable, manager Kevin Cash has afforded save opportunities to various relievers. Edwin Uceta and Garrett Cleavinger appear to be next in line for saves behind Fairbanks, but Hunter Bigge, Mason Montgomery and Eric Orze have emerged as potential Closer of the Future candidates. In addition to Fairbanks' durability issues, his contract status - he makes a reasonable $3.67M in 2025, but has a $7M team option in 2026 (or $1M buyout) before he becomes a free-agent in 2027 - could make him a trade candidate if he performs well in 2025. Fairbanks has issued 4 walks over 1.2 Grapefruit League innings this spring, so consider him a risky option for saves.
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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: 8
Closer: Luke Jackson
Next in Line: Chris Martin , Robert Garcia
(4/16) Luke Jackson's Statcast profile and his 19.2 strikeout rate aren't very impressive, but he's successfully converted five consecutive save chances for Texas. The 33-year-old flew under the radar for much of draft season, but when the Rangers didn't sign a high-profile closer this off-season, Jackson leap-frogged Chris Martin, Robert Garcia and Marc Church within the Rangers' hierarchy for saves. Jackson's handle on closer duties in Texas might not be a firm one, as his performance doesn't exactly align with his current standing on MLB's saves leaderboard. Manager Bruce Bochy could easily shift to a matchups-based approach in the ninth inning between Martin and Garcia, who are more than capable high-leverage arms.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Jeff Hoffman
Next in Line: Yimi Garcia , Nick Sandlin
(4/16) Jeff Hoffman has taken over the closer job in Toronto after signing a three-year, $33 million contract in January. After the right-hander worked in a closing committee for the Phillies last season, he's operated as more of a traditional closer with the Blue Jays, recording 3 of the team's 5 saves through mid-April. He's dominated on the mound, posting a 13:1 K:BB over his first 9.1 innings to improve his stability. Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin are next in line should Hoffman's shoulder issues resurface, but so far he's proven to be healthy in the early going of 2025.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Kyle Finnegan
Next in Line: Jorge Lopez , Jose Ferrer
(4/16) Kyle Finnegan finished third in the league with 38 saves in 2024, but his middling numbers (3.68 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 60:24 K:BB over 63.2 innings) resulted in the Nationals non-tendering him in November rather than paying his rising salary in arbitration. The right-hander ultimately re-signed on a one-year, $6 million contract in February to once again serve as Washington's primary closer to begin 2025. He should have decent stability after recording 95 percent of the Nationals' saves last season, but the ERA and WHIP are high for a closer and create room for volatility. Jose Ferrer and Jorge Lopez are the primary setup candidates and should be next in line for saves should Finnegan falter.
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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.