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2025 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 38
Closer: Committee
(3/20) The Diamondback were rumored to be in the mix to sign free-agent Kirby Yates before the veteran closer signed with the Dodgers. Since Arizona did not add a more established closer, Justin Martinez is the current favorite to open 2025 as the D'Backs' closer, though manager Torey Lovullo recently said he "probably won't name a closer at the start of the season" and intends to play the matchups. 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. A.J. Puk - who picked up only 3 saves last year, but has 22 for his career - is also in the mix. Lovullo indicated that Puk being left-handed "wouldn't be an issue for me" when considering his options for the ninth inning. Puk was dominant for the D'Backs last season after being acquired from the Marlins, posting a 1.32 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 43:5 K:BB over 27.1 innings. Kevin Ginkel (5 saves in 2024) and Ryan Thompson (2) could become options if Martinez or Puk do not establish themselves in the role, while Kendall Graveman is a dark-horse candidate with upside.
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Sacramento AthleticsTeam: Sacramento Athletics
Total Saves: 35
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: 40
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: 46
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: 40
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Next in Line: Liam Hendriks , Justin Slaten
(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: 38
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: 36
Closer: Committee
(3/23) Alexis Diaz (hamstring) will open the 2025 campaign on the IL after tweaking his hamstring earlier in the month during fielding practice. He had an awful spring, so some time to clear his head and start fresh should be a welcome opportunity for the right-hander. While Diaz is out, new Reds manager Terry Francona could turn to veterans Scott Barlow (58 career saves) and Taylor Rogers (83) for save opportunities. Matchups may dictate who receives the save chance on any given day, as Rogers has historically struggled vs. right-handed hitters. Barlow has not had a split disadvantage since 2022, so he pencils in as the favorite for saves currently.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 53
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: Paul Sewald , Cade Smith
(3/5) - Emmanuel Clase struggled in the 2024 playoffs, but was lights out during the regular season and enters 2025 as the unquestioned closer for the Guardians. After recording 42 or more saves in three consecutive seasons, he's a safe bet to be among the league leaders in the category once again. The bridge to Clase in the ninth inning should feature the electric Cade Smith (likely to be used in the highest-leverage spots), Hunter Gaddis, and newcomer Paul Sewald, who may be the favorite for closing duties when Clase is unavailable. Andrew Walters is the dark horse in this bullpen to climb this leverage hierarchy as the season progresses.
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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: 37
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: 21
Closer: Committee
(3/18) Mike Clevinger rejoined Chicago on a minor-league contract in February while making the transition to a relief role, and manager Will Venable said late in camp that the right-hander will be "near the top" of the options for the ninth inning, but it still sounds as though it will be a committee approach. Michael Kopech led the team in saves last year with nine before being traded to the Dodgers, followed by Jordan Leasure, John Brebbia and Tanner Banks with two. Leasure is the only one of the group still in the organization, though he finished last season at Triple-A after his return from a right shoulder impingement, not appearing in the majors after July 14. Right-hander Justin Anderson reached the major leagues last year after a decade-long climb through the minors, and while he struggled with walks (5.4 BB/9), his slider and four-seamer were both effective. Lefty Fraser Ellard is also in the committee mix after putting up a respectable 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB over 24 innings in his debut season. Veteran James Karinchak, who has high-leverage experience with 15 saves and 42 holds, signed a minor-league deal and is competing for spot in the bullpen, while Shane Smith, the first overall pick in the Rule 5 draft in December, is a sleeper given his velocity, though Smith is working as a starter in camp.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 45
Closer: Committee
(3/13) - 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. Meanwhile, it was clear Hinch trusted the versatile Tyler Holton and Beau Brieske the most during the team's most high-leverage moments. Foley is likely to remain part of the saves picture in 2025, but his chances of leading the team in the category have decreased, especially with Detroit recently adding another capable late-inning arm in Tommy Kahnle. In addition, Will Vest is a dark horse favorite of the draft market 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: 43
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: 41
Closer: Carlos Estevez
Next in Line: Lucas Erceg , Hunter Harvey
(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: 35
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Next in Line: Ben Joyce , Ryan Zeferjahn
(3/4) 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. Lefties Jose Quijada and 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: 50
Closer: Tanner Scott
Next in Line: Kirby Yates , Blake Treinen
(3/12) The Dodgers made major moves this offseason by adding almost unnecessary high-leverage depth to an already stable corps of Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Alex Vesia and Evan Phillips. Los Angeles signed Tanner Scott to a 4-year, $72 million contract and later added veteran Kirby Yates on a one-year pact worth $13 million. Yates has more experience closing games with 95 career saves, but it appears Scott will see the bulk of the save chances to begin the 2025 campaign. Manager Dave Roberts has used a primary closer in the past, but has been more fluid with his ninth-inning usage in recent years, so time will tell whether Scott gets a chance at 30-plus saves. Yates should approach double-digit saves even in an ancillary save capacity, with Treinen also in that mix whenever Scott and/or Yates are unavailable.
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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: 33
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: 53
Closer: Trevor Megill
(3/12) - Trevor Megill filled in admirably as Milwaukee's closer last season when Devin Williams was out with a back injury. However, Megill has yet to pitch more than 46.1 innings in a season, as his durability is a concern. As such, it's difficult to tag Megill with higher than a 'Low' or 'Medium' stability, as there are other candidates to close for the Brewers. If you're seeking upside, Abner Uribe and Craig Yoho should be your targets. Uribe got an opportunity to close a few games in 2024, but battled control issues and was demoted to the minors as a result. Yoho climbed 3 levels in the minors last year, boasting an impressive 99:22 K:BB ratio over 56.2 innings. He might not break camp with Milwaukee, but should spend most of 2025 in the majors. If Megill is healthy, Yoho and Uribe are unlikely to unseat him for closing duties. Meanwhile, Joel Payamps, Nick Mears and Elvis Peguero should be late-inning contributors for the Brewers in 2025, though it's difficult to project any of the three for more than a handful of saves.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 43
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: 39
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: 45
Closer: Devin Williams
Next in Line: Luke Weaver , Tim Hill
(3/12) - Luke Weaver played an important role for the Yankees down the stretch of the 2024 season and during last year's playoffs. With Clay Holmes departing in free agency, it appeared Weaver was set to take on full-time closer duties for New York, but the Bronx Bombers traded for a more established 9th-inning man in Devin Williams. Williams missed a significant chunk of the 2024 campaign due to a back injury, but was dominant upon his return in late-July. Williams has posted five straight seasons of outstanding ratios thanks to his "Airbender" changeup that continues to stifle opposing hitters. Weaver should still have the opportunity to close out games when Williams is not available, but he's now projected for 5-to-10 ancillary saves. Newcomer Fernando Cruz and returnees Mark Leiter and Tim Hill should be part of the high-leverage bridge to Williams, while Jonathan Loaisiga and Scott Effross could play important roles if they overcome their recent health woes.
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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: 37
Closer: Jordan Romano
(3/11) Phillies manager Rob Thomsen typically takes a fluid approach to the late innings based on matchups, so pinning down a 20-plus save reliever from this bullpen may prove difficult for the 2025 season. Among the current candidates to close games for Philadelphia, Jordan Romano has the most experience with 105 career saves. Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado and Orion Kerkering are more than capable of handling closing duties as well, so this could turn out to be a committee, especially if Romano does not return to pre-2024 form or prove healthy. Romano missed considerable time in 2024 due to a right elbow injury that eventually required surgery. However, he's "feeling good" this spring after his fastball clocked in between 96-to-98 miles per hour during his spring debut earlier this month. Strahm and Alvarado figure to be in the mix for a handful of saves apiece, while Kerkering has closer-of-the-future upside and has the talent to lock down a more permanent 9th-inning role.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 43
Closer: David Bednar
Next in Line: Dennis Santana , Colin Holderman
(3/11) - Bednar's 2024 campaign was a disaster, but the two-time All-Star looks to be the heavy favorite to emerge as the Pirates' closer coming out of spring training. Manager Derek Shelton isn't ready to hand him the responsibility yet, but it's difficult to envision who would step into that role if Bednar didn't break camp with the job. Dennis Santana had solid ratios and 3 saves last year, but has more blown saves for his career than actual saves. Pittsburgh did recently pick up Justin Lawrence and Tanner Rainey - two relievers who don't have ratio upside, but have previous closing experience. If either or both make the team, keep tabs on their performance as possible closer-in-waiting candidates if Bednar falters again in 2025.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 44
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: 34
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: 36
Closer: Ryan Walker
Next in Line: Camilo Doval , Tyler Rogers
(3/11) Manager Bob Melvin indicated in mid-February that Ryan Walker would open the season as the Giants' closer. 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, the team's closer since 2022, took major steps backwards. Doval may have an opportunity to earn the job back in 2025 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 from 2024.
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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: 55
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: 51
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: 38
Closer: Committee
(3/25) Manager Bruce Bochy's deployment of his high-leverage relievers during recent spring training games suggests Luke Jackson could close for the Rangers to open 2025 season, while fellow newcomers Chris Martin and Robert Garcia serve as setup men. Martin has long been the draft market's favorite to close due his impeccable control, while rookie Marc Church has been the "closer of the future" spec for potential 2025 saves. Bochy recently indicated he sees Church as a closer "sometime down the road here" and "it could be when we break camp," though Jackson appears likely to fill that role for the time being.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 36
Closer: Jeff Hoffman
Next in Line: Yimi Garcia , Chad Green
(3/4) Jeff Hoffman is set to take over the closer job after signing a three-year, $33 million contract in January, as he cashed in after recording 10 saves with a 2.17 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 89:16 K:BB across 66.1 innings for Philadelphia last year. The right-hander worked in a closing committee for the Phillies but appears poised to operate as more of a traditional closer with the Blue Jays, which would allow him to significantly exceed his 2024 saves total. It's worth noting that both Atlanta and Baltimore stopped pursuing him in free agency after noticing a potential shoulder issue during his physical examination, though Toronto obviously doesn't share those concerns.
Yimi Garcia was dealt to the Mariners ahead of last summer's trade deadline but re-signed on a two-year, $15 million deal in December, and he should serve as the primary setup man after recording nine saves and 51 holds with a 3.44 ERA across the previous three years with Toronto. Chad Green led the Blue Jays with 17 saves in 2024 as he had a 3.21 ERA in his first full season since 2021, and, assuming he can stay healthy, should also work in a setup capacity alongside Garcia. Erik Swanson was heavily utilized in 2023 and had 29 holds with a 2.97 ERA, but he struggled to a 5.03 ERA last season and was dealing with forearm fatigue early in spring training. Nick Sandlin -- after coming over from the Guardians -- and Brendon Little could also see occasional late-inning opportunities.
Yimi Garcia was dealt to the Mariners ahead of last summer's trade deadline but re-signed on a two-year, $15 million deal in December, and he should serve as the primary setup man after recording nine saves and 51 holds with a 3.44 ERA across the previous three years with Toronto. Chad Green led the Blue Jays with 17 saves in 2024 as he had a 3.21 ERA in his first full season since 2021, and, assuming he can stay healthy, should also work in a setup capacity alongside Garcia. Erik Swanson was heavily utilized in 2023 and had 29 holds with a 2.97 ERA, but he struggled to a 5.03 ERA last season and was dealing with forearm fatigue early in spring training. Nick Sandlin -- after coming over from the Guardians -- and Brendon Little could also see occasional late-inning opportunities.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 40
Closer: Kyle Finnegan
Next in Line: Jose Ferrer , Jorge Lopez
(3/5) 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, lining him up to begin 2025 as Washington's primary closer once again. 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, Jorge Lopez and Derek Law 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.