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2025 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Committee
(5/15) 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 as he's currently on the 60-day IL. Puk is expected to begin a throwing program soon. While Puk has been out, Justin Martinez stepped in as the D-backs' primary closer, but he too landed on the IL after experience shoulder fatigue and diminished velocity. Martinez is eligible to return from the IL on May 16, but it's unclear whether he'll require a rehab assignment or not. With Arizona's star relievers ailing, manager Torey Lovullo has turned to Shelby Miller, Kevin Ginkel, Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson for saves. Miller has recorded 3 of the team's 6 saves since Martinez was placed on the IL, while the others have recorded one save apiece. However, Martinez figures to reclaim closing duties for Arizona upon his return, which could be as soon as this weekend.
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Sacramento AthleticsTeam: Sacramento Athletics
Total Saves: 14
Closer: Mason Miller
Next in Line: Tyler Ferguson , Justin Sterner
(5/12) 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 49.2% strikeout rate with a remarkable 39.3% K-BB percentage, though one rough outing earlier this month inflated his ERA. 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 opened the campaign with 18 consecutive scoreless outings spanning 18.2 innings. 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: 10
Closer: Raisel Iglesias
Next in Line: Pierce Johnson , Dylan Lee
(5/12) 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 15.1 innings, Iglesias has allowed 6 home runs, which is already more than he permitted during the entire 2024 campaign. Four 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 43.2% (33rd percentile). While there is plenty to be concerned about with Iglesias, his stability as Atlanta's closer remains fairly 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: 9
Closer: Felix Bautista
Next in Line: Seranthony Dominguez , Andrew Kittredge
(5/13) - Baltimore ranks near the bottom of the league with 7 saves through mid-May, but Felix Bautista has recorded all of them for the Orioles. Bautista struggled with his control early on, as one might expect after returning from Tommy John surgery, but "The Mountain" has been in outstanding form of late, posting a 9:0 K:BB over his last seven innings. While Bautista is still working to regain his velocity after losing a few miles per hour on average on his sinker (97.2 mph compared to 99.5 mph prior to Tommy John surgery), his stability as the O's closer is high. Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto and Yennier Cano all have closing experience if Bautista were to be unavailable, but none should be counted on for more than the occasional ancillary save.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Next in Line: Justin Slaten , Garrett Whitlock
(5/13) Chapman was named Boston's closer late in spring training and currently leads the Red Sox with 6 of the team's 10 saves through mid-May. The southpaw has been impressive, increasing his First Pitch Strike Percentage (77.6%) by 20 percent over his career average. This has correlated with a nearly career-best 8.6% walk rate. If Chapman continues pitching at this level, he'll be primed to finish 2025 with much better ratios than initially projected. Justin Slaten has struggled since the calendar flipped to May, but still has 3 saves with a 1.07 WHIP. However, the right-hander hasn't tallied a save since April 21 with Chapman recording both of the team's saves since that date. Liam Hendriks is now healthy after missing the start of the campaign with an elbow issue and should fill a high-leverage role, while Garrett Whitlock continues to excel in his multi-inning relief role.
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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: 14
Closer: Committee
(5/20) With Porter Hodge dealing with an oblique injury and expected to be placed on the IL, Daniel Palencia received a save chance for the Cubs on May 19. The hard-throwing righty routinely hits triple-digits on the radar gun, but blew the opportunity against the Marlins after surrendering a one-run lead. Pressly pitched the 7th-inning of that contest, and while the veteran righty last recorded a save for the Cubs on April 13, he may once again get an opportunity to pitch the 9th-inning with Hodge on the shelf. Either Palencia or Pressly are likely to receive the next save chance for Chicago, but Drew Pomeranz and Caleb Thielbar could mix in as well, depending on matchups.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Emilio Pagan
Next in Line: Tony Santillan , Graham Ashcraft
(5/15) 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 9-for-11 in save chances with a 0.85 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB across 20.1 innings, though a three-run blowup May 13 has inflated his ERA to 4.05. The only real concern with his performance thus far is that he's already surrendered four home runs, which has been a perennial issue for the veteran righty. Meanwhile, Diaz has pitched well since his recent demotion to the minors with one earned run allowed in 4.2 innings, though his poor command may hold him back from getting another shot as the Reds' closer this season. If Pagan were to falter or get hurt, Tony Santillan should be next in line for saves. He leads Cincinnati in holds and has already picked up an ancillary save in 2025. Graham Ashcraft is interesting as he continues his transition to a relief role, while Scott Barlow and Taylor Rogers have experience in the ninth inning if manager Terry Francona elects to make a switch in the future. Rookie Luis Mey may also be a dark horse for saves, as he's given up just one earned run with an 11:3 K:BB over 7.1 innings since being called up at the start of May. The right-hander has some closing experience in the minors, and his pedigree as one of the organization's top prospects could help him get high-leverage chances. For now, 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: 16
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: Cade Smith , Hunter Gaddis
(5/13) Emmanuel Clase was the best closer in all of baseball during the 2024 regular season, but he labored during last year's playoffs (9.00 ERA) and those struggles have carried over into the 2025 campaign. However, a high BABIP (.421) and moderate 2.43 differential between his ERA (5.19) and FIP (2.76) are indicators that better times are ahead for the reigning AL saves leader. After blowing his 2nd save of the season on April 20, Clase has successfully converted 4 straight save chances, thus improving his stability in the role after Cade Smith tallied 3 straight saves for Cleveland in late-April. Another positive sign is Clase's career-best 17.5% swinging strike percentage. While that has yet to translate into a higher K-rate (21.3%), Clase continues to limit the number of free passes he allows. Start the reigning AL Reliever of the Year with confidence, though if his struggles return, it's clear Smith is next-man-up for save chances in Cleveland.
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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: 7
Closer: Committee
(5/13) Colorado ranks 29th with 5 saves as a team through mid-May. Rookie right-hander Zach Agnos leads the Rockies with two saves, while pre-season favorites - Seth Halvorsen, Tyler Kinley and Victor Vodnik (shoulder) - have recorded one save apiece. Agnos has yet to walk a batter through 10.1 innings, but only has 4 strikeouts despite a solid 16.3% swinging strike percentage. Since he's recorded the last 2 saves for Colorado, he sits atop the hierarchy and could improve his stability as the Rockies' closer with another save or two. Unfortunately, save opportunities have been hard to come by, as Colorado is 2-9 through the first-half of May thus far.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 5
Closer: Committee
(5/13) The White Sox rank 21st in bullpen ERA at 4.62, but rank 30th with only 2 saves as a team through mid-May. It has been difficult to identify a favorite in this clubhouse for save opportunities, as Brandon Eisert and Cam Booser have recorded one save apiece with neither being on fantasy manager's radars during draft season. The draft market's favorite for saves in Chicago - Jordan Leasure - has blown 2 chances, but sports a 30% K-rate while having extensive closing experience in the minors. His 1.81 gmLI leads the team by far, which keeps him atop this hierarchy despite not yet recording a save through mid-May. Keep an eye on Steven Wilson, who currently has the best ratios in this pen while ranking 2nd on the team in the holds category. Fraser Ellard (lat) has struck out 10 across 6.2 innings this season, but has had control issues throughout his career. Mike Vasil has been a key contributor to the White Sox bullpen in a multi-inning role, but his ratios are likely to regress, especially since he's walked nearly as many batters (13) as he's struck out (15).
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Committee
(5/14) Detroit's closing situation began the season as one of the blurriest in the league, but Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle have settled in as the clear top options in the bullpen. Vest didn't collect his first save of 2025 until April 19, but he now appears to have a slight edge in the committee, having gone 4-for-5 in chances with a 1.89 ERA and 22:7 K:BB through 19 innings. Kahnle has been similarly effective with just two earned runs allowed over 15 frames while converting five of seven save chances. Brant Hurter is the only other Tigers reliever with a save, but both of his are of the three-inning variety as he works as more of a multi-inning option. Tyler Holton has also been pitching well with two wins, two holds and a 3.32 ERA, but it's clear that Vest and Kahnle have separated themselves for the late innings. Jason Foley, who led the bullpen with 28 saves and a 3.15 ERA in 2024, began the season at Triple-A Toledo and seemed likely to be a factor at some point this year, but he required season-ending shoulder surgery in May.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Josh Hader
Next in Line: Bryan Abreu , Bryan King
(5/14) Josh Hader's stability as the Astros' closer is as high as it comes compared to other closers in the league. He currently ranks T-6th with 9 saves through mid-May and ranks 7th among qualified relievers with a 31.3% K-BB percentage. While his velocity is down slightly on his offerings, he continues to be effective with his 95 mph sinker while throwing more sliders (40% usage, a +12% difference from 2024). Hader's 2.01 SIERA ranks third among closers and he's only given up 1 home run through 17 innings. Bryan Abreu is the clear backup for closing duties, although Steven Okert (0.55 WHIP) picked up the team's only other save this season.
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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: 18
Closer: Carlos Estevez
(5/14) Carlos Estevez is among the league leaders with 12 saves (T-3rd) through mid-May. Estevez - who inked a two-year, $20.2 million contract in late January - has pitched well with a 2.37 ERA and 17:9 K:BB over 19 innings, while Lucas Erceg has typically taken on the highest-leverage spots prior to the ninth inning. Erceg recorded his lone save of the season in late April, but he has 13 holds and could still approach double-digit saves as the season progresses given his dominance (0.47 ERA and 0.47 WHIP). Hunter Harvey (shoulder), who was also acquired by Kansas City ahead of last summer's trade deadline, started off the campaign with 5.1 scoreless frames but is out due to a shoulder strain without a clear timeline to return. John Schreiber also continues to perform in a high-leverage role and has three holds with a 2.12 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 19 outings.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 13
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Next in Line: Ryan Zeferjahn , Brock Burke
(5/14) Kenley Jansen's stability has taken a slight hit during the month of May, as he's allowed 8 earned runs and 4 homers through three innings thus far. Three of those homers came during a May 2nd appearance against Detroit, which subsequently ballooned his ratios. The veteran right-hander is sitting on 7 saves (T-15th) through mid-May, but could still have a chance to reach 30 saves for the first time since 2022 if he can stay healthy. With Ben Joyce (shoulder) currently on the 60-day IL, there is no clear alternative for save chances should Jansen's struggles continue and he's pitched out of ruts before. Ryan Johnson and Ryan Zeferjahn have also picked up one save apiece, but Johnson is now at Triple-A and Zeferjahn isn't likely to see more than the occasional opportunity. Brock Burke has recorded four holds and four wins but has a 5.63 ERA through 17 outings. Robert Stephenson, who underwent a UCL reconstruction with an internal brace in April of 2024, should also be in the high-leverage mix once he completes a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Tanner Scott
(5/12) Seven Dodgers relief pitchers have recorded saves through mid-May, 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 has walked only one batter through 19.2 innings thus far. Others like 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 opposing hard-hit rate and barrel 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: 10
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: 13
Closer: Trevor Megill
Next in Line: Abner Uribe , Nick Mears
(5/14) Megill dealt with a knee issue in mid-April that resulted in a three-run implosion against the Diamondbacks, but he avoided a trip to the injured list and has given up just one earned run in nine outings since that appearance in Arizona. The right-hander gone 5-for-6 in save opportunities and has a 3.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB across 11.1 innings, and he doesn't appear to have much competition for saves despite Milwaukee having a couple other intriguing high-leverage options. Joel Payamps recorded the only other high-leverage save for the Brewers this year, but that came in early April while he's struggled to an 8.62 ERA. Abner Uribe and his 98.8-mph fastball have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign with a 1.40 ERA and 24:9 K:BB over 19.1 innings while recording 11 holds. Nick Mears has also given up just one earned run through 17 appearances and has a 14:2 K:BB while tallying five holds, as he's lived up to the potential that led to Milwaukee acquiring him at the trade deadline last year.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 13
Closer: Jhoan Duran
Next in Line: Griffin Jax , Louis Varland
(5/14) 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 100.6-mph average fastball right on par with 2024. The Twins have scuffled to an 21-20 record, which has resulted in just 7 saves for Duran. The right-hander has been a bit wild with 9 walks over 19.1 innings, but he hasn't allowed a home run and has still been effective with a 0.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. Surprisingly, Griffin Jax has yet to pick up an ancillary save after securing 10 last year. Instead, it's has been lefty Danny Coulombe to pick up the Twins' only other saves (2).
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Edwin Diaz
Next in Line: Reed Garrett , Ryne Stanek
(5/14) Ever since he labored through back-to-back poor outings in early April, Diaz has gotten back on track, posting a 0.79 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB over 11.1 innings. He's a perfect 9-for-9 in save chances and his stability as the Mets' closer remains very high, especially with A.J. Minter (lat) recently undergoing season-ending surgery. Expect Brooks Raley (elbow) to step in and fill the left-handed setup role when he returns near mid-season. Until then, Reed Garrett (team-leading 10 holds through mid-May), Huascar Brazoban and Ryne Stanek will occupy leverage roles for New York as part of the bridge to Diaz in the 9th-inning.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Luke Weaver
(5/14) Devin Williams entered the campaign as arguably the most dominant reliever in baseball since making his debut in 2020, but his first month-and-a-half with the Yankees has been a disaster. Manager Aaron Boone has removed him from the closer role, at least temporarily. Assuming Williams can get back on track - he's posted a solid 1.00 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB across 6 innings since then - he should receive another look in the ninth inning this year. However, it's unclear how long he'll be stuck in a non-closing capacity. Luke Weaver was a serious weapon for the Yankees down the stretch last season and has opened 2025 with 19 innings of outstanding dominance, so he should have plenty of save upside until Williams is granted another look. Fernando Cruz has also picked up two saves and six holds and 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: 19
Closer: Jordan Romano
Next in Line: Matt Strahm , Orion Kerkering
(5/18) Romano, the pre-season favorite for closing duties in Philadelphia, took a back seat to lefty Jose Alvarado earlier this season. A longtime closer during his time in Toronto, Romano has struggled to regain his pre-injury velocity, though he previously stated that the Phillies' coaching staff helped him identify a mechanical issue behind his velocity dip. While Romano's ratios are still abysmal, he's been much sharper of late and has wrestled closing duties back, especially now that Alvarado has been handed an 80-game suspension. Orion Kerkering hasn't displayed much of a strikeout punch so far in 2025, but the 24-year-old may still viewed as the closer of the future in Philadelphia.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Committee
(5/21) David Bednar was demoted earlier this season after just three appearances, but was called back up by the Pirates in mid-April and has pitched well since returning to the majors with a 1.13 WHIP and 20:1 K:BB across 13.1 innings, picking up three saves and three holds during that stretch. While Bednar has appeared during the eighth inning in recent outings, manager Don Kelly was deploying a matchups-based approach based on the pocket due to bat from the opposing team's batting order. If the top of the lineup is due up in the ninth inning, Bednar is likely to receive the save chance, whereas Santana would get called if the lower-half of the opposing team's lineup is due to bat. With Bednar securing the Pirates' most-recent save, he moves to the top of this team's hierarchy as its highest-leverage reliever.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 19
Closer: Robert Suarez
Next in Line: Jason Adam , Jeremiah Estrada
(5/14) The Padres have one of the best records in baseball at 26-15, which has helped Suarez lead the league with 15 saves through six-plus weeks of the season. In addition to racking up saves, the right-hander has pitched exceptionally well with a 19:8 K:BB and just seven hits allowed across 18 innings. His ERA jumped to 3.00 after giving up five runs against the Angels on May 12, but he's been scored upon just once in his other 18 appearances. 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 for saves and has also been electric with 12 holds and a 1.61 ERA, while Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejon have also enjoyed strong starts to the campaign.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 18
Closer: Andres Munoz
Next in Line: Matt Brash , Collin Snider
(5/14) Munoz ranks 2nd in the league with 13 saves through mid-May and his stability appears to be very high under new manager Dan Wilson. The right-hander has yet to give up a run across 19 appearances, and his 26:8 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 back from a lost season and figures to 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: 15
Closer: Camilo Doval
Next in Line: Ryan Walker , Tyler Rogers
(5/28) Ryan Walker opened the campaign as San Francisco's primary closer, but he and Camilo Doval settled into more of a committee a few weeks into the season until manager Bob Melvin officially named Doval as the club's closer May 28. The role change is certainly deserved, as Doval has looked as dominant as ever with a 1.16 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB across 23.1 innings while being unscored upon in his past 19 appearances. Walker, meanwhile, has been unable to replicate the 1.91 ERA he posted in 2024 and has a 4.95 ERA through 22 outings this season. Doval went through his own struggles last year and could certainly falter again this summer, but his current form and past success as a reliable closer could mean this role change will be a long-term one. Tyler Rogers and Erik Miller have pitched well as setup men and could be a valuable source of holds but aren't likely to be significant factor for the ninth inning outside of the occasional save chance.
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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: 16
Closer: Ryan Helsley
Next in Line: Phil Maton , Kyle Leahy
(5/14) 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 for Ryan Helsley to begin 2025. He's issued 10 walks across 15 innings thus far and his 1.53 WHIP doesn't help his fantasy managers. However, the Cardinals have been on a tear since early this month and Helsley has racked up 4 saves during their winning streak. Since he's in the final year of his contract, only time will tell whether he's traded later this summer, as St. Louis is suddenly back in contention for the NL Central division crown. Behind Helsley, JoJo Romero has struggled 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.
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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: 14
Closer: Pete Fairbanks
Next in Line: Garrett Cleavinger , Manuel Rodriguez
(5/14) Fairbanks has collected 8 of Tampa Bay's 12 saves through mid-May, which speaks to his stability in the closer role after recording a 70 percent team save share when healthy last season. The right-hander isn't striking many batters out with just a 21.6% K-rate alongside a poor 12.2% walk rate, but he's pitched well otherwise with a 2.65 ERA (2.81 FIP). 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 only other Rays reliever with multiple saves (2), while Mason Montgomery and Garrett Cleavinger have added one apiece. Cleavinger and Edwin Uceta continue to operate as setup men 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: 16
Closer: Committee
(5/16) Luke Jackson's Statcast profile and his 20.7 strikeout rate aren't very impressive, but he's successfully converted 8-of-9 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 and Robert Garcia 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 (T-12). Jackson was recently hit in the hand by a comebacker, and while his hand is still swollen, he's optimistic he'll be able to avoid the injured list. With Jackson still ailing (last appearing on May 12th), manager Bruce Bochy has turned to Shawn Armstrong for the last two save chances. Armstrong has a poor walk rate, but has pitched better than Jackson this season with a 1.13 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB across 18.2 innings. However, it's currently unclear whether Armstrong will continue to be part of the saves mix in Texas once Jackson returns.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Jeff Hoffman
(5/14) After inking a three-year, $33 million contract with the Blue Jays in January, Hoffman had a dominant start to the year as the club's closer with a 1.10 ERA and 23:2 K:BB while converting his first seven save chances. However, the right-hander has now been scored upon in three of his past five outings, with the 11 runs he's allowed during that stretch ballooning his ERA to 6.05. He should still have a decent hold of the closer role for now, but further struggles could result in more chances for Yimi Garcia and Chad Green, who have combined for three saves and eight holds in the early going. Nick Sandlin also had a strong start to the year but is currently out with a lat strain.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Kyle Finnegan Day-To-Day
Next in Line: Jorge Lopez , Jose Ferrer
(5/14) After finishing third in the league with 38 saves last year, Kyle Finnegan is once again near the top of the leaderboard with 12 saves (T-3rd) through mid-May. The right-hander's 95% team save share was highest among closers in 2024 and he's once again getting his number called for the majority of the Nationals' save opportunities, recording all of the team's saves thus far. Finnegan's middling ratios aren't what you'd like from a closer, but in the volatile 2025 closer landscape, you'll take what you can get. His stability in the role will likely remain high until closer to the trade deadline, where his name will most certainly be on the block for any playoff contenders in need of a high-leverage arm. Jose Ferrer and Jorge Lopez aren't pitching well this season, but Ferrer leads the team with 9 holds and represents a likely next-man-up if Finnegan falters or is traded. Keep an eye on Jackson Rutledge, who shifted to a multi-inning relief role this year after struggling in the minors as a starter. He currently leads Washington relievers with a 31.1 percent strikeout rate and could earn more high-leverage opportunities if he can keep his walks down.
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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.