Closers

Total Saves: 35

Closer: Committee

Next in Line: Hogan Harris , Sean Newcomb Out, Michael Kelly

(10/10) The Athletics were tied for 25th in the league with 35 saves and recorded one in 46.1 percent of their 76 wins in 2025. They had one of the most stable closing situations in baseball until they traded away star closer, Mason Miller, at the deadline. Miller ultimately led the A's in the saves category, racking up 20 for a 57.5 percent team save share, while 7 Athletics pitchers combined for the remaining 15 saves. Multi-inning relievers, Hogan Harris and Jack Perkins, were next on the team with 4 and 3 saves, respectively, while Michael Kelly, Sean Newcomb and Tyler Ferguson each tallied 2 apiece. With Miller now pitching for San Diego, the Athletics enter 2026 without a clear-cut closer. Harris, Kelly, Newcomb (who led the A's with a 1.90 WPA in 2025) and Ferguson (who ranked second on the team with a 1.34 Game Leverage Index) are primed to retain their high-leverage roles, but manager Mark Kotsay is likely to roll out a closer committee if the team doesn't sign a more established closer this offseason.

Total Saves: 34

Closer: Committee

Next in Line: Joe Jimenez Out, Dylan Lee , Pierce Johnson

(10/10) Atlanta was 27th in the league with 34 saves in 2025, but Raisel Iglesias accounted for 29 of them for an 85.3 percent team save share that was 3rd-highest among closers overall. The veteran right-hander endured some struggles during his age-35 campaign, but finished 2025 strong by posting a 0.38 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and a league-leading 16 saves over the final 2 months. Dylan Lee was the only other Braves reliever to record multiple saves (2). While Atlanta's closing situation in 2025 was stable, the 2026 high-leverage ladder could look a lot different. Iglesias is a free-agent, while Atlanta has decisions to make on Pierce Johnson ($7M team option, $250k buyout for 2026) and Tyler Kinley ($5M team option, $750k buyout) for 2026. Joe Jimenez, Aaron Bummer and Joel Payamps are likely to fill late-inning roles, but Atlanta isn't committed to them long-term, as all 3 will be free-agents in 2027. Lee is just now entering salary arbitration and won't become a free-agent until 2029, which gives the southpaw a leg up amongst currently rostered Atlanta relievers for at least a share of the 2026 closing duties. However, the Braves could re-sign Iglesias or sign another closer as they look to rebound from a massively disappointing 2025.

Total Saves: 38

Closer: Keegan Akin

Next in Line: Dietrich Enns , Yennier Cano

(10/13) After making the postseason in 2024, Baltimore slipped to 5th place in the AL East last year, posting 75 wins and 38 saves (50.7% team save percentage of overall wins). While starting pitching was a major issue for the Orioles throughout their disappointing season, the bullpen wasn't much better, posting a collective 4.57 ERA that ranked 25th in the league. Felix Bautista returned for the onset of the 2025 campaign after missing the entirety of 2024, but was limited to 35 games and is once again facing an extended absence after undergoing surgery in late-August to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Baltimore seems to be leaving open the possibility that Bautista could return late in the 2026 season, but it's more likely he's out until 2027. "The Mountain" still led the team with 19 saves last season that accounted for a 76% team save share at the time of his injury. By that point, the Orioles' high-leverage ladder had changed considerably from how it looked early in the 2025 season. Seranthony Dominguez, Bryan Baker, Andrew Kittredge and Gregory Soto were traded, leaving Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano as the most experienced leverage relievers on the roster. Akin would take over primary closing duties the rest of the way, securing 8 of the team's 14 saves (57%) after Bautista got hurt.

Looking ahead to 2026, the O's bullpen currently looks depleted, though Akin and Cano will be back to reprise their roles in high-leverage. Akin is the current favorite for the 2026 closer role, but that's written in pencil as Baltimore's front office figures to shore up the relief corps this offseason, which may include signing someone with more closing experience.

Total Saves: 45

Closer: Aroldis Chapman

Next in Line: Garrett Whitlock , Justin Slaten

(10/13) Boston, who tied for 6th in the league with 45 saves in 2025, recorded a save in a touch over half of their 89 wins. The Red Sox bullpen was a strength of the team, ranking 2nd in baseball with a 3.41 ERA. In large part, this was thanks to closer Aroldis Chapman, who in his age-37 season dominated opposing hitters en route to a 1.17 ERA and 0.70 WHIP that were tops among qualified relievers. Chapman's 37.3% strikeout rate ranked 3rd and perhaps most remarkably, he delivered the best walk rate (6.6%) of his 16-year career. This amounted to a 30.7% K-BB percentage that was 2nd among relievers. The southpaw racked up 32 saves (T-5th) that were his most in a season since 2019. Chapman's strong performance earned him a $13.3M contract extension with Boston that will keep him in Beantown for at least one additional season. He has a vesting option for 2027 based on innings pitched, which becomes a mutual option if not triggered during the upcoming season. Chapman undoubtedly enters 2026 as the Red Sox unquestioned closer, while Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, Jordan Hicks and Greg Weissert figure to pitch important innings as part of the bridge to Chapman in the ninth. However, Boston will be without two important left-handers from 2025 in Steven Matz and Justin Wilson, who enter free-agency.

Total Saves: 44

Closer: Daniel Palencia

Next in Line: Andrew Kittredge , Ben Brown

(10/13) The Cubs were one of 4 teams to have 10+ pitchers record at least one save during the 2025 season, as 12 different relievers combined for their 44 saves. Chicago's initial attempt to address their closer role didn't go smoothly, as veteran Ryan Pressly struggled after the team acquired him via trade. They mixed and matched for a few weeks before turning over closing duties to rookie hurler Daniel Palencia, who finished 3rd among relievers with a 99.6 mph average fastball velocity. Palencia was lights out in the role, pitching to a 2.12 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 59:15 K:BB across his first 51 appearances last season before a strained right shoulder sidelined him for a few weeks in September. He was the only Cubs pitcher to record double-digits saves (22); good for a 50% team save share. Palenica pitched earlier in games upon his return from injury, but was deployed in important spots during the playoffs. Pencil him in atop the Cubs' closer hierarchy to open 2026, but keep in mind the front office will need to re-tool this pen, as Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, Caleb Thielbar, Taylor Rogers, Mike Soroka and Ryan Brasier will be free-agents. They could sign a reliever or two with more closing experience, relegating Palencia to the highest-leverage moments earlier in games. Chicago also holds a $9M option ($1M buyout) on Andrew Kittredge for 2026, which they'll strongly consider since he has closing experience and posted a 0.98 WHIP across 53 innings last year.

Total Saves: 41

Closer: Tony Santillan

Next in Line: Graham Ashcraft , Connor Phillips

(10/13) Cincinnati posted 83 wins and 41 saves in 2025 for a 49.4% team save percentage of overall wins. Manager Terry Francona is known for his preference of using 1 pitcher in the closer role and was true to that philosophy last season, using only 4 pitchers for saves (2nd-fewest in the league). Emilio Pagan re-emerged on the high-leverage scene, recording a career-high 32 saves that tied him for 5th in the league overall. His 78% team save share was 6th-highest among closers as the veteran right-hander managed to hold onto closing duties all year. Pagan's 0.92 WHIP ranked 15th among qualified relievers and his 30% strikeout rate was his highest mark since 2022, though he still had trouble keeping the ball inside the park (1.3 HR/9). Set to beome a free-agent, Pagan recently expressed interest in returning to the Reds for the 2026 season and potentially beyond. If he does re-sign with Cincinnati, he figures to reprise his role as the Reds closer. If not, the Reds could turn things over to Tony Santillan, who picked up 7 saves and 33 holds (3rd in the league) last year. Or, they could look to sign a free-agent with more extensive closing experience after making the postseason in 2025. For now, pencil Tony Santillan atop this hierarchy until the Reds begin making moves this offseason.

Total Saves: 47

Closer: Cade Smith

Next in Line: Hunter Gaddis , Erik Sabrowski

(10/10) Cleveland posted 88 wins and tied for 2nd in the league with 47 saves in 2025 for a 53.4% team save percentage of overall wins. Emmanuel Clase - the 2024 AL Reliever of the Year - appeared to be in line for another 40-save season, but MLB placed him on non-disciplinary leave in late-July for his possible role in sports-betting. Clase stayed on administrative leave for the remainder of the 2025 season, and while he still led the Guardians with 24 saves, his future with the team - or even MLB - remains in question. In Clase's absence, manager Stephen Vogt turned to Cade Smith for closing duties. Smith finished with 16 saves overall; 13 of which came after Clase was unavailable. This represented a 76.4% team save share from July 28 onwards. Ultimately, Smith turned in a dominant 2025 that was as equally impressive as his breakout 2024 season, as he was one of five relief pitchers to post 100+ strikeouts (104). Hunter Gaddis was next in line for ancillary saves, finishing with 3 as Cleveland's top setup man. Tim Herrin's performance took a step backwards, but Erik Sabrowski and Nic Enright impressed in limited duty. Clase's status for 2026 looks murky, but otherwise, the top of this hierarchy figures to remain as-is with Smith and Gaddis leading the unit.

Total Saves: 29

Closer: Committee

Next in Line: Victor Vodnik , Seth Halvorsen Out, Juan Mejia

(10/15) Colorado posted a league-low 43 wins last season, but recorded a save in an MLB-high 67.4% of those wins to rank 28th in the saves category overall. Only 5 Rockie pitchers tallied saves for the team in 2025, with Seth Halvorsen (11 saves, 38% team save share) and Victor Vodnik (10, 35%) accounting for the majority of them. Halvorsen's ratios were lackluster, but the right-hander proved to be the most reliable option within a pen that ranked 29th in bullpen ERA (5.18). He may have approached 20 saves if not for a season-ending elbow injury last August. For context, 8 of Vodnik's 10 saves came after Halvorsen was hurt. Looking towards 2026, Halvorsen and Vodnik figure to remain atop Colorado's hiearchy for saves. First, Halvorsen will need to prove he is past the elbow injury that cut his 2025 campaign short.

Total Saves: 25

Closer: Jordan Leasure

Next in Line: Grant Taylor , Mike Vasil

(10/15) The White Sox ranked dead-last with 25 saves last season, recording one in only 41.7% of their 60 wins. Eight Chicago pitchers combined for those saves, with Jordan Leasure (7) and Grant Taylor (6) accounting for a little more than half of the team total. However, manager Will Venable's approach to the ninth inning was frustrating for fantasy managers, as the White Sox were one of 2 teams (Rangers) to not have a pitcher reach double-digit saves during the 2025 season. In addition, no Chicago reliever recorded more than 3 saves in a row last year, making it difficult to identify a bona-fide closer. Despite this, the bullpen overall performed much better than expected, combining for a 4.18 ERA that ranked 18th in the league (10 spots higher than 2024). Mike Vasil was a big reason why, posting a 2.50 ERA across his team-leading 101 relief innings. White Sox general manager Chris Getz indicated he expects Vasil to remain in the bullpen in 2026, though the exciting Grant Taylor's role is currently undetermined. While both have proven capable of closing out games, Leasure is the current favorite for 2026 saves. Leasure led Chicago relievers in wins (5), saves and holds (15) last season while posting a 30.1% strikeout rate.

Total Saves: 40

Closer: Will Vest

Next in Line: Tyler Holton , Paul Sewald

(10/16) Detroit recorded a save in 40 of their 87 wins in 2025 for a 46.0% team save percentage that was a few percentage points below league average. Six Tigers relievers recorded at least one save during the season, with Will Vest leading the team with 23 and a 57.5% team save share. Tommy Kahnle (9 saves), Kyle Finnegan (4) and Brant Hurter (2) were the other relievers to pick up multiple saves. With 2024 team-leader in the saves category, Jason Foley, not pitching a single inning for the Tigers in 2025, manager A.J. Hinch turned to Vest and Kahnle in the ninth-inning. While things leaned in Kahnle's favor early in the season - he recorded 5 of his 9 saves during the month of April - Vest ultimately emerged as Hinch's most trusted option to close games. Kyle Finnegan would also join the mix for saves after the trade deadline, recording four during the Tigers' postseason push. With Finnegan and Kahnle now free-agents, and Paul Sewald ($10M mutual option for 2026) likely to become one soon, Vest currently stands alone atop Detroit's saves hierarchy for the time being. The team will undoubtedly address its bullpen this offseason - the Tigers bullpen ranked 26th in strikeouts (533) and 17th in ERA (4.05) last season - especially after losing two of its highest-leveraged arms. Perhaps they re-sign one or both right-handers, but there's also a possibility that Detroit targets a more experienced relief pitcher with strikeout upside. Those drafting early should temper save expectations for Vest, who is a solid pitcher, but not guaranteed to return to the closer role for 2026.

Total Saves: 45

Closer: Josh Hader Out

Next in Line: Bryan Abreu , Bennett Sousa Out

(10/27) Houston had the 8th-ranked bullpen by ERA (3.70) in 2025 while recording a save in 45 of their 87 wins for a 51.7% team save percentage that was above league average. Eight Astros recorded at least one save during the season, with Josh Hader leading the team with 28 and a 62.2% team save share. Hader's stability as Houston's closer was as high as it comes in the league until a shoulder strain last August forced a premature end to his campaign. Bryan Abreu - who has been one of the top closers-in-waiting candidates for the past few seasons - took over primary closing duties for the remainder of 2025, recording 7 of the Astros' final 11 saves. Bennett Sousa (4 saves) and Bryan King (2) were the only other Houston pitchers to record multiple saves. Looking ahead to 2026, Hader will reclaim closing duties once healthy, especially since Houston is paying him $19M per season through 2028. However, the southpaw's status is currently unknown and clicking his name in the draft room comes not without risk. If Hader is unavailable for Opening Day, Abreu will likely keep Hader's seat warm, with Sousa providing ancillary save support. With Abreu set to hit free-agency in 2027, the Astros might give him save chances anyway in order to boost his trade value, even if Hader is healthy.

Total Saves: 47

Closer: Carlos Estevez

Next in Line: Lucas Erceg Out, John Schreiber

(10/28) Kansas City tied for 2nd in the league with 47 saves in 2025, recording one in 57.3% (also 2nd) of their 82 wins. With a legitimate closer on the roster, manager Matt Quatraro was more strict in his approach to the 9th-inning, as only 5 Royals recorded saves last season, Carlos Estevez not only led the team - he led MLB - with a career-high 42 saves, while his 89.4% team save share was highest among closers. Lucas Erceg was the only other Royals reliever to record multiple saves with 2. Estevez managed to find success in 2025 despite posting below-average strikeout (20.1%) and walk (8.2%) rates along with a 1st percentile groundball percentage, in large part due to Kaufmann Stadium's spacious dimensions. However, his strong surface stats puts him in line to open 2026 as Kansas City's closer once again.

Total Saves: 38

Closer: Ben Joyce 60-Day IL

Next in Line: Ryan Zeferjahn , Brock Burke

(10/28) The Angels had the 28th-ranked bullpen by ERA (4.78) in 2025 while posting 38 saves among its 72 wins. Despite its struggles overall, Los Angeles maintained high stability in its closer role, with future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen posting 29 saves (T-8th) to come within 2 of Lee Smith (478 career saves) for 3rd place on the all-time leaderboard. He should accomplish that feat with ease if he returns for his 17th season in 2026, which seems likely. Since Jansen is currently a free-agent, bullpen roles are wide open in Los Angeles, especially with top setup man from 2025, Reid Detmers, expected to rejoin the Angels' starting rotation. If Ben Joyce - who was limited to just 5 appearances in 2025 after underdoing shoulder surgery last May to repair his labrum - is healthy for spring training, he could step into the closer role if Jansen doesn't re-sign with the Angels. However, if Jansen does return to Los Angeles, he'll clearly be the team's closer under new manager Kurt Suzuki.

Total Saves: 46

Closer: Roki Sasaki

Next in Line: Tanner Scott Out, Ben Casparius

(8/7) With Tanner Scott (elbow) out due to inflammation, the Dodgers have shifted to a full closer committee in his absence. 5 different relievers have combined for the team's last 6 saves, with Ben Casparius the only one to record multiple. Surprisingly, none of their recent saves have gone to Blake Treinen, who returned from injury in late-July. Treinen last recorded a save back in April, so Casparius might be the committee "leader" until Scott returns - tentatively in mid-August. In addition to Casparius and Treinen, Alex Vesia continues to be rock solid for Los Angeles and is 2nd on the team with 4 saves this season.

Total Saves: 40

Closer: Committee

Next in Line: Calvin Faucher , Ronny Henriquez , Tyler Phillips

(10/30) After a disappointing 2024 season, Miami rebounded in 2025 under first-year manager Clayton McCullough, recording 79 wins - a +17 improvement from 2024 - to finish 3rd in the NL East. Nine Marlins combined for the team's 40 saves with Calvin Faucher the only one to finish in double-digits with 15. Jesus Tinoco (forearm) was actually the team-leader in the saves category through mid-May, but a forearm strain ended his season that will also sideline him for 2026. With Tinoco unavailabe, Faucher emerged as the "favorite" to close games but never fully solidified himself in the closer role, as Ronny Henriquez, Tyler Phillips, Anthony Bender and Luke Bachar all converted multiple save chances. Henriquez, who finished second on the team with 7 saves, was Miami's best reliever. The 25-year-old righty ranked 6th among qualified relievers with 98 strikeouts while maintaining excellent ratios. He also finished 10th and 11th, respectively, in wins (7) and holds (26) to assure a high-leverage role for Miami to open 2026. Whether that's as the Marlins' closer or not remains to be seen, but his skills alone should be appealing enough for fantasy managers to draft him ahead of Faucher. Just temper save expectations, as McCullough's approach to the ninth-inning last season makes it difficult to project anyone from this squad for more than 20 saves.

Total Saves: 45

Closer: Trevor Megill

Next in Line: Abner Uribe , Jared Koenig

(10/28) Milwaukee led MLB with 97 wins in 2025, anchored by one of the better bullpens in the league. The Brewers' 3.63 bullpen ERA ranked 6th thanks to oustanding contributions from Trevor Megill (2.49 ERA), Abner Uribe (1.67), Aaron Ashby (2.16) and Jared Koenig (2.86), all of whom - save for Megill - completed 66 innings or more. Seven Milwaukee pitchers combined for 45 saves (T-6th) with Megill leading the team with 30, good for 8th in the league. Megill managed to stay healthy for the bulk of the season, but was sidelined for much of September due to a flexor strain in his elbow. Meanwhile, Uribe led the league with 37 holds while adding 7 saves - 5 of which came down the stretch when Megill was on the IL. Looking ahead to 2026, the high-leverage hierarchy in Milwaukee figures to remain, with Megill closing and Uribe, Koenig and Nick Mears setting him up. There's a possibility Megill could emerge as a trade candidate this offseason due to salary arbitration, which makes Uribe interesting as a potential closer-in-waiting for 2026.

Total Saves: 28

Closer: Committee

Next in Line: Justin Topa Out, Cole Sands , Kody Funderburk

(10/30) Minnesota finished 2025 with the 4th-worst record in the league at 70-92 while recording a save in a league-low 40% of their overall wins. The Twins ranked 29th with only 28 saves, led by Jhoan Duran with 16. Duran was the only pitcher on the team to record double-digit saves, while no one else recorded more than four. In large part, that's because Minnesota traded its four best relievers - Duran to Philadelphia, Griffin Jax to Tampa Bay, Danny Coulombe to Texas and Louis Varland to Toronto - leaving its bullpen in a depleted state after the trade deadline. Over the final two months of the campaign, Minnesota recorded just 7 saves, with 5 different relievers combining for them. Justin Topa was the only one to record multiple saves during that span with 3. While the Twins didn't provide much help to fantasy managers in the saves category last year, perhaps there's more reason to be optimisitc for 2026. After Minnesota's second-straight 4th place finish in the AL Central division, Rocco Baldelli - notorious for his frustrating bullpen usage - was fired by the Twins. He'll be replaced by former Pirates manager Derek Shelton, who has demonstrated a willingness to commit to a primary closer in the past. Unfortunately, due to Minnesota's relief pitcher "fire sale" last year, no one currently stands out as the favorite to close for 2026. Perhaps we'll receive more clarity during the off-season and spring training, but for now this looks like a team to avoid when drafting for saves.

Total Saves: 40

Closer: Edwin Diaz

Next in Line: A.J. Minter 60-Day IL, Brooks Raley

(10/30) New York recorded a save in 40 of their 83 wins in 2025 for a 48.2% team save percentage that was slightly below league average (49.4%). Eight Mets recorded at least one save during the campaign, with Edwin Diaz (28 saves, 70% team save share) the only one to reach double-digits in the category. Reed Garrett (3), Ryne Stanek and Huascar Brazoban (2) were the only others to record multiple saves. Diaz was his dominant self in 2025, ranking second among qualified relievers with both a 1.63 ERA and 38% strikeout rate, while tying for 5th with a 0.87 WHIP. Perhaps his most impressive highlight from the 2025 season was a dominant 33-game stretch permitting just 1 ER, posting a 0.27 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 50:11 K:BB across 33.2 innings. Diaz didn't produce as many saves (T-11th) as some of the other full-time closers - he was limited to just 5 over the final 2 months of the season, as New York stumbled to a 21-32 record during that span- but his stability in the role was among the highest in the league. With A.J. Minter (lat) undergoing season-ending surgery last May, the Mets sought bullpen upgrades at the trade deadline, acquiring Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers and Gregory Soto to overhaul the bridge to Diaz late in games. Ultimately, the team finished 15th with a combined 3.93 bullpen ERA.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Mets will have to rebuild its bullpen yet again, as Helsley, Rogers, Soto and Stanek become free-agents. A.J. Minter has an $11M option for 2026, but he's likely to rejoin the Mets after coming off a lost season due to injury. There might be an even bigger void to fill at closer since Diaz could test free-agency himself thanks to his $18.5M player option for 2026. That's a hefty salary, but a $3M paycut from 2025 after the soon-to-be 32-year-old posted yet another brilliant campaign. If Diaz opts out as expected, bidding for his services will be high since he'd become the best closer available on the market. A reunion with the Mets could be in the cards, but is no guarantee. New York could always get creative by shifting Clay Holmes back to a relief role, but it's difficult to imagine this team without Diaz, its star closer for the past 6 seasons.

Total Saves: 43

Closer: David Bednar

Next in Line: Camilo Doval , Fernando Cruz

(10/30) The Yankees probably thought they landed the best closer in baseball when they acquired Devin Williams from Milwaukee last off-season. To everyone's surprise, Williams was demoted from closing duties before the end of April. New York was still one of the best teams in baseball, posting 94 wins for the second straight year, but Williams' struggles amplified the need to seek bullpen upgrades at the trade deadline. After four consecutive top-six finishes in bullpen ERA, this unit slipped all the way to 23rd (4.37) last year. Therefore, the Yankees added not one, but two star relievers with closing experience in David Bednar and Camilo Doval. Between Williams, Bednar, Doval and Luke Weaver, Bednar was the one to emerge as the preferred save share. He recorded 10 of the Yankees' final 13 saves for a 77% share across the final 2 months. The 2-time All-Star was sharp throughout the playoffs, posting 2 more saves with a 1.50 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB across 6 innings. Bednar is under team control through next season and figures to open 2026 as New York's closer, especially since Williams and Weaver are now free-agents. That could change if the Yankees go after Edwin Diaz, Ryan Helsley or Raisel Iglesias this offseason, as a reunion with Williams seems unlikely, but Bednar slots in at the top of this hiearchy for now.

Total Saves: 47

Closer: Jhoan Duran

Next in Line: Jose Alvarado Out, Matt Strahm

(10/30) Philadelphia was one of 4 teams to have 10+ pitchers record at least one save during the 2025 season. Ten different relievers combined for 47 saves, but manager Rob Thomson's typically fluid approach to the 9th-inning was more narrowly focused after the Phillies acquired Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline. Duran led the team with 16 saves (34% team save share) and established a new career-high with 32 overall. He had an 80% team save share for Philadelphia over the final 2 months of 2025. Prior to the trade, the Phillies split save chances between Jordan Romano, Jose Alvarado, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering. Romano struggled out of the gate, while Alvarado was dominant over the first month-and-a-half before he was handed an 80-game suspension. A subsequent forearm injury limited the southpaw to just 28 games. With Alvarado unavailable, the Phillies shifted back to Romano for one month before Strahm and Kerkering got more involved closing out games. Philadelphia recorded only one save (Strahm) during the month of July before Duran came on board and solidified himself as the Phillies' closer; a role he figures to open 2026 with considering he's under team control through 2027. Alvarado and Strahm are likely to have their options picked up by the Phillies for 2026, while Kerkering is a lock for a high-leverage role. Meanwhile, Romano and Robertson have hit the free-agent market, meaning the team might seek bullpen depth this off-season.

Total Saves: 36

Closer: Dennis Santana

Next in Line: Isaac Mattson , Dauri Moreta

(10/30) Pittsburgh ranked 24th with 36 saves in 2025, recording one in 50.7% of their 71 wins. David Bednar (17 saves, 47.2% team save share) and Dennis Santana (16 saves, 44.4%) combined for the majority of those saves as the clear standouts of this pen with the most late-inning experience. Bednar got off to a rocky start in 2025 and even spent a few weeks in the minors before reclaiming the Pirates' closer role. The two-time All-Star was subsequently traded to the Yankees on deadline day, leaving Santana to inherit the role. Santana doesn't fit the typical closer profile - he struck out just 22.2% of the batters he faced last season - but the 29-year-old posted a career-best 2.18 ERA and 0.87 WHIP that were top marks among qualified relievers. After securing a career-best 16 saves in 19 chances, Santana is the current favorite to open 2026 as the Pirates closer. Isaac Mattson, Dauri Moreta, Justin Lawrence or Colin Holderman - all of whom are signed through at least 2028 - could give Santana some competition, but considering manager Don Kelly summoned Santana for 10 of the team's final 12 saves (83.3% team save share) after Bednar was traded, confidence in Santana is high unless the team signs a more established closer this offseason.

Total Saves: 49

Closer: Robert Suarez

Next in Line: Mason Miller , Jeremiah Estrada

(10/30) San Diego posted 90 wins and led the league with 49 saves in 2025 for a 54.4% team save percentage. For the second consecutive season, the Padres made the biggest splash on the relief market, giving up top prospect Leo De Vries to acquire Mason Miller from the Athletics at the 2025 trade deadline. Miller joined an already stellar relief corps that finished 1st in the league in bullpen ERA (3.06) by a wide margin (0.35 points better than the 2nd-ranked team). While Miller brought closing experience with him to San Diego, he only recorded 2 of the team's 13 saves over the final two months as Robert Suarez anchored the club with a National League leading 40 saves (2nd overall) during the regular season. Suarez managed to stay healthy for the 2nd consecutive year and established new career-highs in games played (70), innings pitched (69.2) and strikeouts (75). Still, Miller was the team's most dominant reliever, finishing the campaign on a 20-game scoreless streak during which he posted a 0.61 WHIP and 42:9 K:BB across 21.1 innings. Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejon were also important contributors to the Padres' top-ranked bullpen. Estrada led qualified relievers with 108 strikeouts in 2025 and finished 5th with 30 holds, while Morejon ranked among the top-15 in innings pitched (73.2), ERA (2.08) and WHIP (0.90). Both relievers picked up multiple saves, recording 3 apiece.

Looking forward to 2026, the Padres have yet to fill their managerial vacancy after Mike Shildt unexpectedly retired. Bullpen roles could change under the new manager, but a decision looms for Robert Suarez, who has an $8M player option for 2026. Since that would be a bargain for someone whose racked up 76 saves over the past two seasons, Suarez is expected to test free agency. Both Miller and Estrada are under team control through 2029 and could easily step into closing duties, though Miller has more experience closing out games with 50 career saves to Estrada's four.

Total Saves: 43

Closer: Andres Munoz

Next in Line: Matt Brash , Gabe Speier

(10/31) Seattle recorded a save in 43 of their 90 wins in 2025 for a 47.8% team save percentage that was slightly below league average (49.4%). New manager Dan Wilson summoned only 3 Mariners pitchers for saves during the season (fewest in the league) with Andres Munoz leading the team with 38 (3rd in the league). His 88.4% team save share was 2nd-highest among closers, as his manager's approach to the late innings was more strict than Scott Servais' was during years prior. Under Wilson, Matt Brash (4 saves) and Carlos Vargas (1) were the only other Seattle relievers to record saves in 2025, which speaks to the saves upside Munoz carries with him into next season. After coming within one game from the franchise's first World Series appearance, the Mariners should win plenty of games in 2026 to give Munoz a realistic chance at 40-plus saves. With Brash and Gabe Speier - whose breakout campaign in 2025 went a bit under-the-radar after the southpaw led Seattle relievers in appearances (76), holds (24), WHIP (0.87) and K-BB% (29.1%), - setting him up, Munoz should be among the top closers drafted in 2026.

Total Saves: 41

Closer: Ryan Walker

Next in Line: Spencer Bivens , Jose Butto

(10/30) San Francisco had the 4th-ranked bullpen by ERA (3.48) in 2025 while recording a save in 41 of their 81 wins for a 50.6% team save percentage that was above league average. Five Giants recorded at least one save during the season, with Ryan Walker (17 saves) narrowly edging out Camilo Doval (15) for the team lead. Walker actually opened 2025 as San Francisco's closer, but a rough April-May (4.91 ERA) forced manager Bob Melvin to turn things over to Doval, who had ridden a 21-game scoreless streak into the role he previously held. Doval would close games for a few months before he was traded to the Yankees, at which point Randy Rodriguez - a 2025 All-Star with a 34% strikeout rate - took the reigns. He'd fill the role for one month before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him for the entire 2026 campaign. With Rodriguez (elbow) hurt and Doval now in New York, Walker reclaimed the job he opened the season with. The 29-year-old struggled during the month of September, but had pitched much better in-between his stints as the Giants closer. Perhaps Walker would be better off in a more fluid role, but that will be up to new manager Tony Vitello, who takes over in 2026 after Melvin was fired. Vitello has no MLB experience as a player, coach or manager, but was a three-time National Coach of the Year in college and led Tennessee to its first College World Series championship in 2024.

Total Saves: 42

Closer: Committee

Next in Line: Riley O'Brien , JoJo Romero , Kyle Leahy

(10/31) St. Louis had the 10th-ranked bullpen by ERA (3.74) in 2025 while reording a save in 42 of their 78 wins for a 53.8% save percentage that was well above league average (49.4%). Nine Cardinals recorded at least one save during the season with Ryan Helsley securing 21 for the team lead and a 50% team save share. JoJo Romero (8 saves), Riley O'Brien (6) and Phil Maton (2) were the only others to record multiple saves for St. Louis last season. After winning NL Reliever of the Year and leading MLB in saves in 2024, Helsley didn't pitch to expectations last year. His K% and BB% rates suffered and he had trouble producing outs with his four-seam fastball (.422 BAA). Helsley managed to keep a firm grip on closing duties for St. Louis, but his status a pending free-agent made a trade inevitable, especially once the Cardinals fell out of the NL Wild Card race. The hard-throwing righty was traded to the Mets and relegated to a setup role for the remainder of the season. The Cardinals also traded two top setup men in Phil Maton and Steven Matz, thus providing more high-leverage opportunities to the likes of JoJo Romero, Riley O'Brien and Kyle Leahy. Romeo appeared to be the preferred save share after Helsley was traded, securing 7 of the team's next 11 saves, but O'Brien closed out 2025 by racking up 4 of the last 5 for St. Louis. Neither struck out many batters, but both had good ratios and pitched plenty in high-leverage, even when they weren't closing. Leahy only picked up one save last season, but finished 2nd among qualifers with 85 relief innings. His numbers weren't spectacular - Leahy's 22.2% strikeout rate was below league average and he gave up plenty of hard contact - but it would appear he'll continue to get plenty of work in leverage scenarios in 2026. One reliever to speculate on as a potential dark horse for 2026 saves is Matt Svanson. The 26-year-old right-hander was dominant in the 2nd-half last season, posting a 1.05 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB over his final 34.1 innings. With a 29.1% strikeout rate, Svanson appears to fit the typical closer profile more than O'Brien or Romero would, but time will tell if manager Oliver Marmol will look in his direction in the future.

Total Saves: 35

Closer: Pete Fairbanks

Next in Line: Griffin Jax , Bryan Baker

(10/31) Tampa Bay tied for 25th in the league with 35 saves in 2025. It was the first season since 2018 during which manager Kevin Cash didn't use 10+ relievers for saves. Only six Rays picked up saves in 2025, with Pete Fairbanks accounting for a career-high 27 of them for a 77.1% team save share that was 7th-highest among closers. It has been pretty clear over the past 2 campaigns that whenever Fairbanks is healthy, he'll be Tampa Bay's primary closer. The right-hander finally managed to stay healthy all year, posting a career-high 60.1 innings in 2025. Fairbanks' durability concerns remain, but he makes for a solid CL2 target in 2026 drafts. The Rays might be further incentivized to afford Fairbanks as many save chances as possible during the first-half of 2026 to boost his potential trade value, as he'll become a free-agent in 2027. If health persists, Fairbanks should be able to post in the neighborhood of 15-to-25 saves in 2026. If Fairbanks does get moved or gets hurt, the Rays have high-quality depth options to fill the closer role. Tampa Bay acquired Griffin Jax and Bryan Baker last season, with both under team control through at least 2027. Neither factored much into the Rays' saves equation last year, but both have pitched enough in high-leverage to be successful in the closer role. Jax, in particular, has 15 career saves and his 99 strikeouts last season ranked 6th among qualified relievers.

Total Saves: 37

Closer: Robert Garcia

Next in Line: Hoby Milner , Josh Sborz 60-Day IL

(10/28) Texas was one of 2 teams (White Sox) to not have a pitcher reach double-digit saves during the 2025 season, as 9 different Rangers combined for their 37 saves. Using that many pitchers for saves was atypical for a Bruce Bochy-led squad, as the manager's history demonstrated his preference for using a primary closer. Initially, that appeared to be the case with Luke Jackson recording 8 of the Rangers' first 10 saves, but the journeyman quickly fell out of favor before he was DFA'd by Texas last summer. Ultimately, Jackson still tied Robert Garcia and Shawn Armstrong for the team lead with 9 saves apiece. Despite lacking a true closer, Texas' bullpen was one of the team's strengths, with the unit combining for a 3.62 ERA that ranked 5th in the league. However, looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, some restructuring of the pen will be required, as Armstrong, Phil Maton, Danny Coulombe and Chris Martin become free-agents. That leaves Garcia as the current favorite to open 2026 as the Rangers closer, but pencil him in for now as the team will likely add high-leverage depth for new manager Skip Schumaker.

Total Saves: 42

Closer: Jeff Hoffman

Next in Line: Yariel Rodriguez , Brendon Little

(8/8) After inking a three-year, $33 million contract with the Blue Jays in January, Hoffman has racked up 26 of the team's 33saves through early August for a 78.7% team save share. Hoffman's 33.5% K-rate and 5.8% walk percentage are well above league average and his 39.8% chase rate is a 100th percentile metric per Statcast. Hoffman's ERA is inflated after allowing 10 home runs across 47.1 innings, but his underlying metrics combined with Toronto's success this season make him a top-10 closer over the rest of the season. With Yimi Garcia (shoulder) still ailing, the Blue Jays added Seranthony Dominguez and Louis Varland for late-inning depth.

Total Saves: 37

Closer: Jose Ferrer

Next in Line: Cole Henry Out, Clayton Beeter

(10/31) Washington ranked 30th in bullpen ERA (5.59) in 2025 while recording a save in 37 of their 66 wins for a 56% team save percentage that was well-above league average (49.4%). After finishing 3rd in the league with 38 saves in 2024, Kyle Finnegan was non-tendered by the Nationals last offseason so the team could avoid giving him a raise in salary arbitration. However, the market for Finnegan was dry and he-reupped with Washington on a 1-year deal for lesser money. Finnegan once again dominated the team save share, recording 20 of the Nationals' first 21 saves (95% team save share) before he was traded to Detroit at the deadline. From that point on, southpaw Jose Ferrer took on the majority of save opportunities. He tallied 11 of Washington's final 16 saves (68.5% team save share) and maintained the lowest walk rate (4.9%) among Nationals relievers. Cole Henry and Clayton Beeter are worth monitoring as potential save sources for 2026. Henry picked up 2 saves and 9 holds in 2025 before a back strain ended his season prematurely. Clayton Beeter struck out 31.7% of the batters he faced last season, but walked 18 across his 25.1 innings. Unfortunately, there's not much to get excited about for 2026 given the way this bullpen is currently constructed. The Nationals will also have a new manager at the helm after recently hiring Blake Butera from the Rays organization. At 33 years old, Butera becomes MLB's youngest manager since 1972. He managed four seasons in the minors (with four 1st-place finishes & 2 championships) and served as the Rays' senior player development director.