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2025 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Justin Martinez 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Shelby Miller , Kevin Ginkel
(5/1) Arizona's bullpen was considered a strength entering the 2025 campaign, but injuries have piled up for this unit. First, A.J. Puk (elbow) - who racked up 4 saves over the first few weeks of the season - hit the IL with a left elbow flexor strain. While Puk won't be undergoing surgery, he's still expected to miss quite a bit of time. The plan is for Puk to pause all throwing for the next 2-to-3 weeks, at which point the D-backs will re-evaluate him and determine next steps. While Puk has been out, Justin Martinez has stepped in as the D-backs' primary closer, but he's experienced shoulder fatigue and his velocity has been down over recently outings. Manager Torey Lovullo recently indicated an MRI and a stint on the injured list are possibilities for Martinez. With Arizona's star relievers currently ailing, some combination of Kevin Ginkel (who tallied 5 saves for Arizona early last season), Shelby Miller, Ryan Thompson (who picked up a save on Apr. 30) and Jalen Beeks are the favorites to receive save chances until Puk and/or Martinez are healthy enough to return.
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Sacramento AthleticsTeam: Sacramento Athletics
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Mason Miller
Next in Line: Tyler Ferguson , Justin Sterner
(5/2) Mason Miller has solidified himself 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. He currently sports a league-leading 53.5% strikeout rate with a remarkable 48.8% K-BB percentage. If Miller were to get hurt or be unavailable, Justin Sterner (a Rule 5 pick of the A's) could be next in line, as he is scoreless through 15.2 innings thus far. Tyler Ferguson (2 saves in 2024) is another candidate for ancillary saves since Jose Leclerc (lat) and Michel Otanez (shoulder) are currently on the IL.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Raisel Iglesias
Next in Line: Pierce Johnson , Dylan Lee
(5/2) Raisel Iglesias has been one of the most consistent and reliable closers over the past decade, but he's struggled through the first month and change of the 2025 campaign. Through 11 innings, Iglesias has allowed 5 home runs, which is already more than he permitted during the entire 2024 campaign. Three of those home runs have come off his slider, which has typically been one of his best and most consistent offerings. Iglesias usually ranks above league average in hard-hit percentage allowed, even ranking in the 96th percentile last year (per Statcast), but his hard-hit rate currently stands at 46.9% (19th percentile). Moreover, his strikeout rate has dipped to 22.2 percent, which has been a continuing trend since peaking out at 37.7% in 2021. While there is plenty to be concerned about with Iglesias, his stability as Atlanta's closer remains high, as the team's alternative options for closing duties haven't really emerged in 2025. Pierce Johnson and Dylan Lee appear to be next in line for saves, while Daysbel Hernandez is taking on a higher-leverage setup role for Atlanta 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: 7
Closer: Felix Bautista
(4/19) - Baltimore ranks near the bottom of the league with one save through mid-April and Felix Bautista hasn't been dominant in the early going of 2025. The Orioles' have been cautious with Bautista's usage, but "The Mountain" has walked six batters through five innings thus far while losing a few miles per hour on average on his sinker (97 mph compared to 99.5 mph prior to Tommy John surgery). Other than his poor walk rate, Bautista's underlying metrics look promising. If Bautista requires a break from closing, Seranthony Dominguez and Yennier Cano could step into closing duties, as both have yet to allow an earned run through 7.1 innings apiece.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Committee
(4/23) Chapman was named Boston's closer late in spring training, and he's been quite effective early in 2025 with a 1.93 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB across 9.1 innings while going 4-for-5 in save chances. The high walk total isn't surprising, but the early numbers there are actually better than expected given his BB/9 exceeded 5.5 in each of the past four seasons. Justin Slaten also has three saves, but Chapman still appears to be the primary closer, at least for now. Slaten has given up just four hits and a walk over nine innings and has been unscored upon in all but one of his outings, and there's certainly a chance he gets a look as the main closing option before the end of the year. Liam Hendriks is now healthy after missing the start of the campaign with an elbow issue and should fill a high-leverage role. Garrett Whitlock has also been dominant in the early going with a 1.84 ERA and 19:5 K:BB while recording three holds.
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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: 8
Closer: Committee
(4/19) The Cubs traded for a proven closing option in January when they acquired Ryan Pressly from Houston. Pressly leads Chicago with 4 of the team's 6 saves through mid-April, but the veteran is working with a poor 4:6 K:BB ratio through 10 innings with a 1.80 WHIP. His skills have been in steady decline and it's fair to question whether he'll be able to hold the closer role all year for a team with playoff aspirations. If the Cubs turn away from Pressly at any point in 2025, Porter Hodge and Julian Merryweather have closing experience, though the former currently sports inflated ratios in the early going. Daniel Palencia throws triple-digits and could be a dark horse for save chances if he maintains a relief role into the second half of 2025.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 11
Closer: Emilio Pagan
Next in Line: Tony Santillan , Graham Ashcraft
(5/1) Emilio Pagan was presumed to be filling in at closer while Alexis Diaz was sidelined by a hamstring injury, but Diaz struggled after coming off the injured list in mid-April and was demoted to Triple-A Louisville. Pagan now has some decent job security, which he's earned by going 8-for-9 in save chances with a 2.51 ERA, 0.49 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB across 14.1 innings. The only real concern with his performance thus far is that fact he's already surrendered three home runs. Diaz seems likely to get another chance at closer before the end of the season, but he'll need to get back on track at Triple-A and could seeing lower-leverage chances initially if/when he rejoins the MLB club. Tony Santillan is the only other Reds pitcher to secure a high-leverage save this year, and he's pitched well with 1.80 ERA in 15 outings. Graham Ashcraft (0.71 ERA & five holds), Scott Barlow (3.75 ERA & four holds) and Taylor Rogers (1.80 ERA & three holds) have also been reliable in high-leverage spots, but Pagan is the clear No. 1 option for saves until he experiences a significant stumble, which given his inconsistent track record may only be a matter of time.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 13
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: Cade Smith , Hunter Gaddis
(5/1) Emmanuel Clase was the best closer in all of baseball during the 2024 regular season, but he labored 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 6.57 ERA and four saves through 13 appearances, though he also has a 4-0 record. His 11:3 K:BB looks OK, but that comes with a whopping 21 hits allowed through 12.1 innings. Three consecutive 40-plus-save seasons offer a lot of leash for a closer, but Cade Smith has still picked up the past three saves for the Guardians. Clase remains the favorite, and his ninth-inning usage in a 1-1 tie on April 29, with Smith pitching the eighth, illustrates the continued trust from manager Stephen Vogt. Smith has been dominant with a 1.20 ERA and 19:6 K:BB in 15 outings, so there's plenty of upside there if he gets an extended look at closer. Paul Sewald (shoulder) has plenty of closing experience and also has one save this year, but he landed on the shelf with shoulder inflammation in late April after a string of rough outings. Meanwhile, Hunter Gaddis has been outstanding with excellent ratios and a 20:4 K:BB through 11.2 innings thus far.
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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: 5
Closer: Committee
(4/19) Colorado has two saves as a team through mid-April with one apiece going to Seth Halvorsen and Victor Vodnik. Both figure to split closing duties in 2025, as neither have separated himself enough from the other to take over the reigns completely. Unfortunately, Colorado relievers rank near the bottom of MLB in walks and home runs allowed, while also ranking near the bottom among all bullpens in strikeouts, so the alternatives aren't promising. However, two relievers who are not currently in the majors - Zach Agnos and Jaden Hill - are worth monitoring for potential second-half save opportunities.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 1
Closer: Committee
(5/2) The White Sox have recorded 1 save as a team through early-May and it's likely no fantasy manager - not even in deep AL-only leagues - had Brandon Eisert on their starting roster to benefit from that save. Eisert's ratios actually hide the fact that he's been one of the better relievers in Chicago's bullpen, as he sports an 18:2 K:BB ratio through 14 innings. However, as things stand currently, it appears Jordan Leasure is manager Will Venable's preferred option for save chances. Leasure has blown two chances without recording a save, but he sports a near 30 percent K-rate while having extensive closing experience in the minors. Fraser Ellard recently returned from a hamstring injury and could be next in line for save opportunities if Leasure continues to falter.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 11
Closer: Committee
(4/18) Detroit's closing situation began the season as one of the blurriest in the league, but Tommy Kahnle has quickly settled in as the primary option with a 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP and 5:0 K:BB over seven innings while converting all three save chances. The right-hander is the only Tigers reliever with any high-leverage saves, as Brant Hurter's two saves are both of the three-inning variety. The job is likely to stick with Kahnle as long as he remains effective and healthy, but his health is not a given considering that his 50 appearances last year was his highest total since 2017. Tyler Holton and Will Vest have been effective early in high-leverage roles and could also see some saves chances, while Beau Brieske has picked up two holds despite an 8.59 ERA. Jason Foley, who led the bullpen with 28 saves and a 3.15 ERA in 2024, began the season at Triple-A Toledo and is now down with a shoulder injury, though he could still be a factor later in the campaign.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 10
Closer: Josh Hader
Next in Line: Bryan Abreu , Tayler Scott
(4/19) - 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. So far, he's been highly effective in 2025, pitching to a 0.90 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB through 10 innings. He's relying less on his sinker and throwing more sliders (42% usage) and changeups (5%), the latter of which he intended to make a bigger part of his arsenal in 2025. 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: 13
Closer: Carlos Estevez
(4/19) Carlos Estevez is among the league leaders with 5 saves (T-6th) through mid-April. Estevez - who inked a two-year, $20.2 million contract in late January - has pitched well for the Royals, while Lucas Erceg has typically taken on the highest-leverage spots prior to the ninth inning. Erceg has yet to record a save for Kansas City in 2025, but could still approach double-digit saves as the season progresses. Hunter Harvey (shoulder), who was also acquired by Kansas City ahead of last summer's trade deadline, is off to a promising start in 2025, but is currently on the IL with a Grade 1 right teres major strain. The injury isn't believed to be a serious concern, but the right-hander will likely need a bit of time to build his arm back up even if he restarts his throwing program next week.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Kenley Jansen
(4/23) Closer of the future and current setup man Ben Joyce landed on the injured list after just five outings due to a shoulder issue, and it's unclear how long he'll be unavailable. Veteran closer Kenley Jansen has been reliable as ever through seven appearances, as he's recorded his first five save chances and has a 7:2 K:BB through seven scoreless innings. The save volume isn't likely to hold with the Angels likely to slip from their 11-11 record, but Jansen could still have a chance to reach 30 saves for the first time since 2022. Ryan Johnson and Ryan Zeferjohn have also picked up a save apiece but aren't likely to see more than the occasional opportunity. Brock Burke has recorded three holds and two wins but has a 5.79 ERA through 10 outings.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Tanner Scott
Next in Line: Kirby Yates , Alex Vesia
(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: 5
Closer: Committee
(4/23) The Marlins have five saves through 23 games (11 wins), with Jesus Tinoco and Calvin Faucher recording two apiece and Anthony Bender nabbing one. Tinoco has already spent some time on the injured list, so his two early saves should hold a bit more weight for now, and he's pitched well enough with two runs allowed and a 2:3 K:BB over 5.2 frames. Bender has pitched the best of the trio with a 1.80 ERA across 10 innings, though a 7:5 K:BB could be some cause for concern. Faucher also has a 7:5 K:BB in nine outings while giving up four earned runs, so there's a limited ceiling even if one of the three relievers takes command of a larger share of the committee. Andrew Nardi was expected to be in the high-leverage mix after tallying three saves and 32 holds across the past two seasons, but he opened the year on the 60-day IL due to a back issue.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Trevor Megill
Next in Line: Abner Uribe , Joel Payamps
(4/21) - 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 have also summoned 25-year-old righty Craig Yoho from Triple-A Nashville, where he pitched 9.2 scoreless innings with an 9:3 K:BB and one save.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 8
Closer: Jhoan Duran
Next in Line: Griffin Jax , Cole Sands
(4/23) Jhoan Duran's velocity was "down by design" during spring training as the Twins' closer focused on his mechanics and pitch movement, but he's bumped his velocity up for the regular season, with his 100.3-mph average fastball being a marginal drop from 2024. The Twins have scuffled to an 8-15 record, which has resulted in just two saves, both of which were converted by Duran. The right-hander has been a bit wild with six walks over 10.1 innings (which is more than double his 2.5 BB/9 from last year), but he's still been effective with a 1.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 10 strikeouts. Even if Minnesota is unable to push for a playoff spot, there should be some more save volume before long. After being one of the most dominant relievers in MLB last year, Griffin Jax remains as the primary setup man and has already recorded six holds with a 14:3 K:BB, but he's also blown two saves while giving up 10 earned runs across nine innings. Cole Sands has picked up three holds and has a 3.24 ERA, while Louie Varland's move to the bullpen has gone well with four holds, a 2.25 ERA and a 15:4 K:BB. Danny Coulombe isn't likely to be a factor for saves even with some injuries, but he has two holds and hasn't given up a run through 10 appearances.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 11
Closer: Edwin Diaz
Next in Line: Reed Garrett , Ryne Stanek
(4/23) Diaz is one of a few veteran closers that have labored early in 2025, though it has yet to cost him a save as he's still a perfect 6-for-6. The right-hander has a 5.59 ERA and 15:6 K:BB across 9.2 innings, and he's already served up a pair of home runs. Diaz is likely to get on track soon and still has plenty of job security, but it's still worth keep an eye on him to see how long it takes to fully settle in. A.J Minter signed with the Mets during the offseason and has immediately stepped in as a reliable setup man with six holds while allowing just two earned runs with 13 Ks in 11 outings. Ryne Stanek (one save, two holds) and Reed Garrett (seven holds) have also been dominant in high-leverage roles with just one earned run given up between them.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 10
Closer: Luke Weaver
Next in Line: Devin Williams , Fernando Cruz
(4/27) Devin Williams entered the campaign as arguably the most dominant reliever in baseball since making his debut in 2020, but his first month with the Yankees has been a disaster. The right-hander surrendered three earned runs in two consecutive outings (April 19 and 25), the latter of which resulted in his first blown save and prompted manager Aaron Boone to remove him from the closer role, at least temporarily. Assuming Williams can get back on track, he should receive another look in the ninth inning this year, but it's unclear how long he'll be stuck in a lower-leverage role. Luke Weaver was a serious weapon for the Yankees down the stretch last season and has started 2025 with 14 scoreless innings, so he should have plenty of save upside until Williams is granted another look. Fernando Cruz has also picked up two saves and three holds with a 1.93 ERA and 21:6 K:BB, and he could get some occasional ninth-inning chances if Weaver is utilized in an earlier frame or is unavailable.
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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: 11
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: 8
Closer: Committee
(4/19) - The Pirates recalled David Bednar from Triple-A after the former All-Star found his form in Indianapolis, where he didn't issue a walk while allowing only one hit while striking out six batters across four scoreless innings. Even with Dennis Santana faring well as the Pirates' closer, Bednar should get another chance at the role as long as he carries his strong play from Triple-A into the majors. Consider this a committee for now as Bednar eases back into action with Pittsburgh.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Robert Suarez
Next in Line: Jason Adam , Jeremiah Estrada
The Padres are tied for the best record in baseball at 17-7, which has helped Suarez lead the league with 10 saves through nearly one month of the season. In addition to racking up saves, the right-hander has pitched exceptionally well with a 13:2 K:BB and just three hits allowed over 11 scoreless innings. After posting a 2.77 ERA with 36 saves in his first season as a closer in 2024, Suarez is cementing his place as one of the best ninth-inning options in the league. Trade rumors swirled during spring training, but San Diego's hot start will likely keep those discussions at bay for the near future. Jason Adam would be the likely next man up and has also been electric with nine holds and a 0.69 ERA, while Jeremiah Estrada, Wanda Peralta and Adrian Morejon have also enjoyed strong starts to the campaign.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 14
Closer: Andres Munoz
Next in Line: Matt Brash , Collin Snider
(4/23) Munoz has recorded seven saves and is the only Mariners pitcher to tally a save through 23 games under new manager Dan Wilson. The right-hander has yet to give up a run across 11 appearances, and his 14:5 K:BB is on par with his ratios from last year. The 26-year-old totaled a career-high 22 saves in last season but appears poised to blow past that figure in 2025, assuming he can stay healthy. Matt Brash is coming back from a lost season due to Tommy John surgery but could be activated from the IL in the coming weeks, and he may serve as the primary option for the eighth inning after posting a 13.6 K/9 with 25 holds in 2023. Colin Snider stepped up last year with a 1.94 ERA in 42 appearances and continues to pitch well in a setup role this year, but the Seattle bullpen doesn't have much established depth beyond that.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Committee
(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: 9
Closer: Ryan Helsley
Next in Line: Phil Maton , Kyle Leahy
(4/23) After leading MLB with 49 saves to go along with 2.04 ERA and 79:23 K:BB last season, it's been a bit slow going to begin 2025. With the Cardinals five games under .500, the right-hander has gone 3-for-4 in save chances with a just two earned runs allowed over eight innings, though he's also already issued eight walks. Four of those came in one appearance, however, so it isn't major cause for concern. St. Louis ended up holding onto Helsley during the offseason, but he's a strong bet to be traded this summer while in the final year of his contract. JoJo Romero has struggled early after recording 30 holds with a 3.36 ERA last year, but Phil Maton and Kyle Leahy have pitched well while taking on high-leverage spots. Romero remains the current favorite to close should Helsley be dealt, but it could be more of an open competition with someone like Ryan Hernandez potentially getting a chance.
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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: 11
Closer: Pete Fairbanks
Next in Line: Garrett Cleavinger , Edwin Uceta
(4/25) Fairbanks has collected four of Tampa Bays five saves through the first month of the season, which carries over his dominance in the closer role from 2024 when he had a 70 percent save share when healthy. The right-hander has issued more walks than you'd like in the early going with six free passes, but he's otherwise pitched well with a 2.89 ERA and no blown saves. With back-to-back seasons of 20-plus saves, injuries have been Fairbanks' main concern, as he has yet to make 50 appearances in a campaign across six full-length regular seasons, so he seems likely to hit the shelf at some point in 2025. Eric Orze is the other Rays reliever with a save, but that came in extra innings and likely isn't indicative of his standing in the bullpen (though he has pitched well with no earned runs across five frames, so he could be a dark horse later in the year). Edwin Uceta and Garrett Cleavinger continue to operate as setup men and are the clear next options after combining for 11 saves last year. Manuel Rodriguez is also on the fringe radar after he posted a 2.15 ERA with 10 holds in 2024.
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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: 11
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: 12
Closer: Jeff Hoffman
(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: 12
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.