After weeks of poring through data once the season ended, I’ve finally finished my “Way Too Early Closer Rankings” for next year. Many of the stats I mention in the notes are part of the data used to develop these preliminary rankings, amongst other metrics and considerations. It’s way too early to start speculating on roles for the non-locked-in closer candidates, of which there are only about 10, maybe 12 at the moment.
If I were drafting tomorrow, I’d want to at least land one of the top-tier (top 10) relievers. Tier 2 has upside, too; it just has more question marks with a few free agents and some trade candidates in there. From there, you can throw a dart or two or three later in the draft. There will be plenty of moves that shake up bullpen hierarchies as the offseason gets underway, and I’ll be trying to stay on top of the closer changes here as moves are being made.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Kevin Ginkel (40%) |
| Next In Line: | Andrew Saalfrank (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Brandyn Garcia (5%) |
Kevin Ginkel – Ginkel only managed 25.2 innings this past year, and they weren’t good innings as he battled injuries all year, but he has the most closer experience in the returning bullpen.
Andrew Saalfrank – Saalfrank finished with a 1.24 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, but that came with a 4.54 SIERA, and just an 8% K-BB rate. The soft-tossing lefty wound up with three saves this year, but hopefully this bullpen sees some upgrades this offseason.
Brandyn Garcia – Garcia has an intriguing sinker/slider combo from the left side, but I’m not sure it translates to a potential closer.
Ryan Thompson – Veteran reliever who Torey Lovullo trusts, but there just isn’t much upside here.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Justin Sterner (25%) |
| Next In Line: | Hogan Harris (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Elvis Alvarado (10%) |
Justin Sterner – I get the sense the closer here is likely not on the roster currently, but if I HAD TO pick someone here to close out games next year, I’d lean Sterner, especially after how he finished the season (2.73 SIERA, 16,3% SwStr in second half).
Hogan Harris – Harris finished the year with four saves, so he may be the de facto incumbent here, but there just aren’t closer traits here. He did a good job suppressing hard contact, though, and can still be a useful left-handed reliever.
Elvis Alvarado – Alvarado definitely has closer stuff with a 99 MPH fastball and power slider, and his swing and miss metrics were favorable last year (27.3% K, 15.8% SwStr rates). The walk rate needs improvement, though, as does his overall command consistency.
Grant Holman – Only threw 23 innings at the MLB level, but there’s some intrigue with his splitter, and if he could just improve the fastball a bit (either shape or velocity), there could be a late-inning reliever here.
Atlanta
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Pierce Johnson (20%) |
| Next In Line: | Tyler Kinley (20%) |
| Sleeper: | Joe Jiménez (10%) |
Pierce Johnson – Johnson put together another solid season, and his bat-missing ability was still evident (24.8% K, 32.7% CSW rates). He may be the favorite of the current roster to get a chance at closing out games, but this Atlanta team is almost guaranteed to bring in a veteran closer, whether they keep Iglesias or go another route.
Tyler Kinley – Kinley was much better after getting out of Colorado and posted 22.1% K-BB and 32.2% CSW rates in the second half. Kinley had 20 saves over the past three years, so there is some closer experience here.
Joe Jiménez – Jiménez wound up missing all of 2025 following knee surgery, but he should be 100% by spring training. Jimenez has perhaps the most closing experience in this bullpen and was very effective from 2022-2024.
Dylan Lee – Lee is Atlanta’s top left-handed reliever, but he almost got a shot at closing out games this year while Raisel Iglesias struggled. Lee was the team’s most consistent reliever this year, and finished with an impressive a 2.85 SIERA, a 23.3% K-BB rate, and a 33.2% CSW rate.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Keegan Akin (30%) |
| Next In Line: | Yennier Cano (15%) |
| Sleeper: | Kade Strowd (5%) |
Keegan Akin – Akin finished as the de facto closer, but it was a down year for him overall (4.44 SIERA, 9.7% K-BB), and I’d be shocked if the Orioles went into the season with him as their closer.
Yennier Cano – It was also a down year for Cano, who dealt with some bad luck, but that will happen when you don’t have big swing-and-miss numbers. I can still see him bouncing back, but this team needs to upgrade the bullpen.
Kade Strowd – Strowd has good stuff, but his minor league strikeout numbers didn’t translate to the MLB level. Still an intriguing name to keep an eye on here.
Rico Garcia – Coming off an intriguing season (3.28 xFIP, 19.7% K-BB, 15.4% SwStr), Garcia’s fastball is loved by PLV with its 19.3″ iVB. He should make the Opening Day roster, but his role is still to be determined.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Aroldis Chapman (95%) |
| Next In Line:: | Garrett Whitlock (3%) |
| Sleeper: | Justin Slaten (1%) |
Aroldis Chapman – No one was expecting a career year at age 37, but Chapman was able to drop his walk rate by 8% this season while maintaining his 99+ MPH velocity. There will undoubtedly be some regression next year, but as long as the velo is still there and the command gains stick (they should), he’s still a top ten closer.
Garrett Whitlock – He had a fantastic bounce-back campaign back as a full-time reliever, especially in the second half. Should remain locked in to a set-up role next year and remains a top ten non-closer holds option.
Justin Slaten – After the top two names, things get a bit dicey, but Slaten still showed he has bat missing ability (15% SwStr) during his injury-plagued 2025.
Greg Weissert – Weissert or Zack Kelly would be next on the depth chart, but I’d also imagine the Sox add a high-leverage reliever this offseason.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Daniel Palencia (50%) |
| Next In Line: | Andrew Kittredge (30%) |
| Sleeper: | Porter Hodge (5%) |
Daniel Palencia – Palencia was finally able to turn his nasty stuff into results this season (3.06 SIERA, 20.9% K-BB, 116 Stuff+) and eventually took over the closer role, tallying 22 saves. He missed time with an injury towards the end of the season, but he looked more or less like his normal self in October and should have a chance to reclaim the closer role this spring.
Andrew Kittredge – After starting the year on the IL for the Orioles, Kittredge still wound up with 53 innings and got progressively better as the season went along, especially after being dealt to the Cubs. His numbers might actually indicate he’d be a better closer option than Palencia (2.62 xFIP, 25.5% K-BB, 32.8% CSW), and I wouldn’t totally rule him out of this role if he returns. His $9mm club option should be picked up following his success with the team down the stretch.
Porter Hodge – Hodge had a chance to take over the closer role early in the season following Ryan Pressly’s struggles, but Hodge couldn’t get right himself and wound up in AAA for a chunk of the season. He looked a little bit better in the second half, but it could still be an uphill climb for him to get back into high-leverage usage.
Ben Brown – It may be time for the Cubs to commit to Ben Brown as a full-time reliever, as he actually looked promising in the role this season. In over 30.1 relief innings, Brown finished with a 2.86 xFIP, as well as 23.7% K-BB and 15.2% SwStr rates. He’s a two-pitch pitcher after all.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Jordan Leasure (50%) |
| Next In Line: | Grant Taylor (20%) |
| Sleeper: | Mike Vasil (5%) |
Jordan Leasure – A popular sleeper last March, Leasure struggled in 2024 and didn’t get off to the most dominant start in 2025 either. But he was awesome over the second half (2.68 SIERA, 28.3% K-BB% in the second half) and should be the favorite for saves heading into 2026 unless Grant Taylor remains in the bullpen.
Grant Taylor – The big question with Taylor is whether or not he moves back to the rotation, but he was very impressive this season despite the rough ratios, as Taylor finished with a 2.54 xFIP and 34.4% strikeout rate.
Mike Vasil – Vasil finished with a 2.50 ERA, but that came with a poor 4.58 SIERA and 7.1% K-BB rate. He was able to finish with four saves, but his best role is probably that of a long/multi-inning reliever.
Wikelman González – Another starter turned reliever, González finished with 28.7% strikeout and 30.7% CSW rates over his first 20.1 MLB innings.
Cincinnati Reds
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Tony Santillan (40%) |
| Next In Line: | Graham Ashcraft (15%) |
| Sleeper: | Zach Maxwell (5%) |
Tony Santillan – Santillan had a great 2025 start to finish, but he really impressed enough over the second half (3.14 SIERA, 31.4% K, 30.4% CSW) that I think I might be OK with him as the Reds’ closer next year. I still think the Reds should aim a bit highe,r but Santillan could be OK in the role.
Graham Ashcraft – Ashcraft is the other veteran bullpen returner who could maybe make some noise in the closer race if the team doesn’t add one. Ashcraft didn’t rack up a ton of stri,keouts and the ratios don’t look great. but he did finish with some solid numbers (3.29 xFIP, 122 Stuff+) that suggest he could make another jump. If only he could consistently hit 99 MPH with that cutter…
Zach Maxwell – Maxwell made his well-anticipated debut in August and looked just as advertised as he finished with a 30.2% strikeout rate and a 16.4% swinging-strike rate over 10 MLB innings. There’s definitely closer upside here if he can shore up his command some.
Connor Phillips – Phillips made the transition from starter to reliever this season and really showed out in the second half, where he held a 37.3% strikeout rate and a 37.1% CSW rate, along with an impressive 120 Stuff+. It’s a small sample, but he’s definitely a name to keep an eye on this offseason if the team doesn’t add a closer.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Cade Smith (90%) |
| Next In Line: | Hunter Gaddis (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Matt Festa |
Cade Smith – Smith followed up his 2024 breakout with another fantastic season (2.32 SIERA, 28.3% K-BB). I have some concerns about his workload over the past two seasons (162 appearances, 162.1 IP including postseason), but if he can remain healthy, he should be a top-1o closer option for 2026.
Hunter Gaddis – Gaddis leaned into his slider more this year, which led to more swing and miss (19% K-BB, 16.4% SwStr rates). He’s settled in as a solid, yet lower-upside set-up option.
Erik Sabrowski – Sabrowski got a late start to the season, only finishing with 29.1 innings, but he flashed that tantalizing upside (34.7% K, 18.1% SwStr rates) and should return as the Guardians’ top left-handed reliever.
Matt Festa – Festa was a pleasant surprise down the stretch for the Guardians, especially considering the team had lost Clase, as Festa held a 2.95 xFIP and a 25.4% K-BB rate over the second half. He should remain in a setup role to open 2026.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Seth Halvorsen (40%) |
| Next In Line: | Victor Vodnik (30%) |
| Sleeper: | Juan Mejia (10%) |
Seth Halvorsen – Halvorsen throws really hard and has swing-and-miss stuff (14.2% SwStr, 110 Stuff+), but hasn’t been consistent enough to give the closer role to without any competition.
Victor Vodnik – Vodnik also throws hard and finished the season with 10 saves, but it comes with just a 10.7% K-BB and 25.7% CSW rate.
Juan Mejia – Mejia may actually be the best reliever in this bullpen, as he finished with a respectable 26.1% strikeout rate and a 14.6% swinging-strike rate this year.
Jaden Hill – Another talented young reliever in this organization, Hill has a starter repertoire and has been mentioned as a potential future closer in the not-so-distant past.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Will Vest (50%) |
| Next In Line: | Alex Lange (5%) |
| Sleeper: | Troy Melton (5%) |
Will Vest – Vest was the Tigers’ most consistent reliever throughout the entirety of the season, finishing with a 3.03 xFIP and 18.7% K-BB rate, as well as a surprising 59% ground-ball rate as he featured his sinker more. As things stand now, he should be the favorite for saves in Detroit next year, but I’m sure they will add a co-closer (or keep Kyle Finnegan) with A.J. Hinch liking flexibility in his bullpen.
Alex Lange – Only appeared in one MLB game this year, but he still showed he has swing-and-miss stuff at the AAA level and could be in line for a bullpen spot next year as the team is losing multiple veterans. I’d imagine the team is hoping to get some value from either Lange or Beau Brieske (or maybe even Jason Foley) after getting essentially nothing from them this year.
Troy Melton – Melton is coming off a fantastic ALDS series and was one of the Tigers’ most trusted relievers as his stuff plays way up out of the bullpen. That said, I think he’s destined for the starting rotation (at least he should be).
Tyler Holton – Holton is a fine Swiss Army Knife left-handed reliever (3.57 xFIP), but from a fantasy standpoint, there really isn’t much to get excited about here.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Josh Hader (90%) |
| Next In Line: | Bryan Abreu (8%) |
| Sleeper: | Bennett Sousa (1%) |
Josh Hader – The big question with Hader heading into 2026 is how healthy is that left shoulder of his? He was his normal dominant self before hitting the IL (37% K, 22.3% SwStr rates), and as long as he is healthy in Marc,h I’d still consider him a top-five closer in baseball.
Bryan Abreu – The Abreu/Hader combo is one of the best, most consistent duos in baseball when healthy, and Abreu was once again dominant in 2025, finishing with 35.5% strikeout and 19.1% swinging-strike rates. He should return as Hader’s top setup man before hitting free agency in 2027.
Bennett Sousa – Sousa was one of three left-handed Astro relievers to breakout in 2025 (22.1% K-BB, 19.5% SwStr), but he, like Hader, failed to finish the season healthy as Sousa finished the year on the IL with an elbow injury.
Steven Okert – Okert also broke out in a big way (23.6% K-BB, 16.8% SwStr), but he only finished with ten holds. He has one more arbitration-eligible year left, so he should remain in the Astros’ bullpen, but the team could look to move one of their lefties for help elsewhere on the roster.
Bryan King – The third lefty in this breakout group, King finished with 27 holds, a 3.03 SIERA, and a 21.1% K-BB rate, and should remain in a setup role next season.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Carlos Estévez (95%) |
| Next In Line: | Lucas Erceg (3%) |
| Sleeper: | Jonathan Bowlan (1%) |
Carlos Estévez – Estevez led the league in saves with 42 and finished with a 2.45 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. That said, he ranked 142nd in xFIP, 135th in SIERA, 120th in strikeout rate, 136th in swinging-strike rate, and 142nd in CSW amongst 147 qualified relievers. Draft at your own risk.
Lucas Erceg – Erceg took a step back in 2025 with his K-BB rate dropping 10% to 12% and he did see diminished velocity as well. He’ll likely return in a setup role if healthy, but there’s also a potential starter profile here if the Royals were interested in exploring that.
Jonathan Bowlan – Jonathan Broxton, I mean Bowlan, features two plus pitches. His first MLB season was mostly a success as Bowlan finished with a 3.76 xFIP, and 16.2% swinging-strike rate.
Steven Cruz – Cruz has a big frame and features plus stuff (119 Stuff+), but I’d like to see some more swing and miss from him, especially if his walk rate is going to hover around 10%.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Ben Joyce (30%) |
| Next In Line: | Robert Stephenson (25%) |
| Sleeper: | Ryan Zeferjahn (15%) |
Ben Joyce – Joyce was limited to 4.1 IP this year as his season ended early with a shoulder injury. Joyce was able to throw 53.2 innings in 2024, but the injury-prone label isn’t going away for hard hard-throwing righty. Sure, he has closer stuff, but can the organization rely on him to be available for the bulk of the season?
Robert Stephenson – Similar story with Stephenson, who has only been able to throw 10 innings over the past two seasons since signing with the Angels. He had issues staying healthy once again this year, but when he was on the mound, he did (at times) show the potential he brings and why the Angels gave him $33 million. He could be in the closer mix with Joyce, but only if both are healthy.
Ryan Zeferjahn – Zeferjahn had a roller coaster 2025 campaign, but the upside is apparent (28.4% K, 121 Stuff), and he may be the most dependable option returning to this bullpen next year.
Reid Detmers – Detmers was awesome as a full-time reliever this year (3.20 xFIP, 33.3% CSW), but as the team’s top lefty, I’m not sure he is really in the mix for saves next year…and I also think he should get another chance to start.
José Fermin – Fermin has big-time stuff (97 MPH fastball, 19.2% SwStr rate slider) and missed bats at a good clip (25.7% K, 32.1% CSW), but his command/control needs a lot of work still.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Tanner Scott (60%) |
| Next In Line: | Blake Treinen (20%) |
| Sleeper: | Alex Vesia (15%) |
Tanner Scott – It was a tumultuous first season in LA for Scott, although he was able to finish with a career best 23 saves. The 4.74 ERA doesn’t tell the whole story, and it’s apparent Scott’s stuff is still there as he finished with a 16.5% swinging-strike rate, as well as a 117 Stuff+ and 5.34 PLV. He may have some competition next year, but he should still be the favorite to close out games as things stand now.
Blake Treinen – Treinen struggles mightily in the second half, especially in September, but he still showed that his nasty stuff is still present (27.9% K, 113 Stuff+). Roberts loves Treinen in high-leverage spots, so he can’t be completely ruled out to get saves next year.
Alex Vesia – If the team wants to go a different route than Scott in the closer role, they could go with a fellow lefty in Vesia, who certainly has the stuff for the role (2.84 SIERA, 33.8% K, 119 Stuff+, 5.25 PLV). That said, he didn’t exactly thrive in the closer role when he got a shot to run with it back in August.
Brock Stewart – Stewart is another Dodger pitcher (albeit new) who can’t stay healthy, but when he is on the mound, he is a steady setup option (19.5% K-BB, 16.1% SwStr, 113 Stuff+). He should have a bigger role with the team next year (if healthy, of course).
Jack Dreyer – Dreyer is the third lefty in the pecking order here, but he is coming off a solid rookie campaign and could see his role grow depending on what other moves the organization makes.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Calvin Faucher (40%) |
| Next In Line: | Ronny Henriquez (40%) |
| Sleeper: | Tyler Phillips (5%) |
Calvin Faucher – Faucher’s stuff (108 Stuff+) is better than what the results show (13.7% K-BB, 8.6% SwStr rates), but he did outsave Henriquez 15-7, so that keeps him in the running for ninth inning duties.
Ronny Henriquez – Henriquez had the better stuff (110 Stuff+) and metrics (2.84 SIERA, 23.4% K-BB, 17.7% SwStr), but the team never gave him a shot to take the closer role and run with it. With the bullpen likely looking similar next year, we may see a committee approach once again.
Tyler Phillips – Phillips was also part of that committee last year, pitching in four saves and performing pretty well, albeit with just a 16.6% strikeout rate. Phillips has recent experience as a starter, so he may either get a look in the rotation or as a long reliever.
Anthony Bender – Bender did flash some bat missing ability this year with a 32.3% CSW, but that came with just an 8.6% swinging-strike rate due to a whopping 23.7% called-strike rate. He finished the year on the IL, but there’s still an intriguing arsenal (115 Stuff+) here if he can stay healthy.
Lake Bachar – Bachar also proved he belongs in an MLB bullpen this season, as he showed solid bat missing ability (25.3% K, 31.7% CSW) and finished with eight wins, six holds, and three saves as he was somewhat of a utility man in that bullpen.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Trevor Megill (70%) |
| Next In Line: | Abner Uribe (30%) |
| Sleeper: | Nick Mears |
Trevor Megill – Megill was able to crack 30 saves without breaking 50 innings on the season, and was dominant in doing so (31.3% K, 33.7% CSW, 128 Stuff+, 5.48 PLV), but we’ve yet to see him stay healthy for a full season. Even with the unconventional postseason usage, I think Megill needs to be given the first chance at closing out games next year, but Uribe will be there to push him or take over if Megill misses time.
Abner Uribe – Uribe posted very similar numbers to Megill (30.2% K, 33.5% CSW, 117 Stuff+) and can also touch triple digits, but the big reason for his 2025 breakout was the command. Getting under 10% with his walk rate, and he finished with almost 30 more innings than Megill, which led to a better season, counting stat wise. Uribe has topped 80 innings this year, which is way more than his previous high of 53.2 innings in 2023. He only managed 23 innings in 2024, and prior to 2023, he totaled just 65 innings between 2018 and 2022, so let’s hope there are no ill effects of this year’s big workload next season for Uribe.
Nick Mears – Despite a sub-one WHIP on the season, I’d qualify Mears’ 2025 as a disappointment as the strikeouts disappeared as he lost some velocity this year. His future role is TBD as Mears didn’t make the NLCS roster, so the team may be concerned with the swing and miss decline as well.
Aaron Ashby – Ashby was mostly good in a full-time relief role this year and showed why he’s been hyped up in the past (123 Stuff+). If the velocity doesn’t dip too much, I’d still want to see Ashby get a chance to start games, but if he winds up back in the bullpen again, he could have value in a lot of leagues given his multi-inning relief potential.
Jared Koenig – With Ashby working multiple innings and earlier in games, Koenig was the team’s trusted lefty late in games as he finished with 27 saves and had his best MLB season to date overall. He should be a lock for the same role next season.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Cole Sands (35%) |
| Next In Line: | Justin Topa (30%) |
| Sleeper: | Kody Funderburk (5%) |
Cole Sands – Sands wasn’t impressive over the first half of the season, but he turned things around in the second half (3.40 SIERA, 17.8% K-BB in second half) before eventually fizzling out down the stretch. Of the options in this bullpen currently, I’d take Sands’ stuff as the best option to close out games.
Justin Topa – Topa was fine in 2025, but he shouldn’t be in the mix to close for a good team. That said, given the current options on the roster, he does figure to be in the mix with Cole Sands at least.
Kody Funderburk – Funderburk has teased upside from the left side in the past, but hasn’t been consistent since debuting in 2023. He finished the year well, though (3.69 xFIP, 30.7% CSW in second half), and there’s plenty of opportunity in this pen.
Cody Laweryson / Pierson Ohl – There is not a lot of upside in this pen currently, and Laweryson is no exception. He’s a command specialist with middling stuff but should have a good chance at cracking the opening day roster thanks to a plus changeup. Ohl doesn’t miss a ton of bats either, but finished with a 5.25 PLV mostly due to his changeup as well.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | A.J. Minter (20%) |
| Next In Line: | Brooks Raley (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Huascar Brazobán |
A.J. Minter – The entire Mets bullpen is gone, so Minter is the de facto closer for now as he holds the most experience in the role. He only managed 11 innings before missing the remainder of the year, but he looked great in those innings, and if he can return to full strength following a torn lat, he should be ina good position to at least grab a setup role.
Brooks Raley – Raley still has good stuff from the left side, but he’s not someone I’d ever consider for a full-time closer role, especially with Minter on the roster (also left-handed).
Huascar Brazobán – Things started off well for Brazobán, but ultimately, he became hard to trust, and in a perfect world for the Mets, he would start the season in AAA.
Dylan Ross – The Mets will be adding (or bringing back) a lot of names to this bullpen next year.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | David Bednar (75%) |
| Next In Line: | Camilo Doval (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Fernando Cruz (5%) |
David Bednar – Bednar shook off his early-season demotion to finish as a top-10 reliever this season (2.47 SIERA, 26.7% K-BB%, 34.3% CSW). After heading to New York at the deadline, Bednar didn’t miss a beat, and he should be a near lock to open 2026 as the Yankee closer.
Camilo Doval – Doval had a bit of an up and down 2025, but should remain in the mix for high leverage spots next year. The walk rate is still an issue, and the declining strikeout rate doesn’t help instill confidence.
Fernando Cruz – Cruz is still elite at missing bats (36% K, 19.8% SwStr, 37.1% CSW), but ratios are always going to be inconsistent with his walk rates.
Mark Leiter Jr. – Will be looking to bounce back from a down 2025 if he makes the roster next spring.
Brent Headrick – Only 23 innings this year, but there are some intriguing metrics in that small sample (2.77 SIERA, 32.6% K, 19.7% SwStr), and he should be in the mix for a bullpen spot.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Jhoan Duran (95%) |
| Next In Line: | Matt Strahm (3%) |
| Sleeper: | Orion Kerkering (2%) |
Jhoan Duran – Duran was a great addition to the Phillies’ bullpen at the deadline, finally solidifying the rotating closer role. Duran was his typical dominant self in 2025 (2.59 xFIP, 21.3% K-BB, 16.4% SwStr, 125 Stuff+), and why expect anything different in 2026?
Matt Strahm – Strahm wasn’t as dominant this season as he had been the previous two with the Phillies, but he was still solid in a setup role. His option for 2026 vested last month so he will be back in this bullpen for one more year at least.
Orion Kerkering – Kerkering also disappointed slightly this year, but he did pitch better in the second half (2.92 SIERA, 22.3% K-BB, 118 Stuff+), so at least that’s something to build off heading into next season.
José Alvarado – I’m a little surprised that the Phillies are leaning towards picking up Alvarado’s $9mm option for next year following his PED suspension, but when on the field, Alvarado still proved he has plenty left in the tank (2.96 xFIP, 21.9% K-BB, 113 Stuff+).
Tanner Banks – Banks is a solid enough secondary left-handed option in this bullpen who should be trusted enough for the Phillies if they change course and decline José Alvarado’s option.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Dennis Santana (60%) |
| Next In Line: | Isaac Mattson (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Carmen Mlodzinski (10%) |
Dennis Santana – Santana didn’t exactly take a step forward this season, but he was very steady throughout the year and should get a chance to close out games for the team next year, barring an upgrade. The fastball is just not great for me, so I do have some worries there, but the slider is still great and could probably carry him.
Isaac Mattson – Mattson was the Pirates’ most trusted reliever outside of Santana in the second half, but there’s nothing worth getting excited about here (4.93 xFIP, 27.8% CSW), and the Pirates have plenty of higher upside potential relief options.
Carmen Mlodzinski – Mlodzinski probably needs to stick in the bullpen full time, as that is where he was at his best last year, especially in the second half, where he held a 2.44 xFIP and 23.7% K-BB rate. He’s someone to keep an eye on if he can lock down a permanent bullpen role.
Justin Lawrence – Lawrence only finished with 17.2 innings this year, but they were great innings (32.4% K rate) as he was finally able to escape Colorado.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Mason Miller (60%) |
| Next In Line: | Jeremiah Estrada (20%) |
| Sleeper: | Adrian Morejon (10%) |
Mason Miller – Miller led all relievers in xFIP (1.50), SIERA (1.66), strikeout rate (51.1%), K-BB rate (39.1%), swinging-strike rate (22.5%), and CSW (38.5%) over the second half as the Padres had him throw his slider more often down the stretch, leading to more of a 50/50 pitch mix. No other reliever can match his upside, so as long as he doesn’t enter the rotation, he should be an elite closer option for 2026.
Jeremiah Estrada – If Miller DOES move into the rotation AND the Padres don’t bring back Robert Suarez, then Estrada could get a chance to close out games, and he certainly fits the bill after coming off another dominant campaign (2.55 SIERA, 35.5% K, 18.1% SwStr). Regardless of role, he is someone who needs to be rostered in holds leagues.
Adrian Morejon – Morejon also needs to be rostered in holds leagues and maybe more, depending on whether or not his role remains the same next year or if he moves into the rotation. The 2025 All-Star finished with 12 wins last year, leading to him actually finishing as a top-50 overall player in standard Yahoo formats.
Jason Adam – Adam will miss the beginning of the season, but could return before the All-Star break if everything goes well in his rehab. He still showed plenty of swing and miss last year (16.3% SwStr) and should return to a similar role if/when healthy.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Ryan Walker (40%) |
| Next In Line: | Joel Peguero (15%) |
| Sleeper: | José Buttó (5%) |
Ryan Walker – It was not the follow-up season Walker had hoped for after his 2024 breakout, but despite the down year, Walker is still the favorite to open the year as the team’s closer…as things stand now. I’d rather see him in a setup role, but his ADP should be fairly low, so he could be an intriguing late-round pick next year if the team doesn’t add a closer.
Joel Peguero – Peguero had good ratios this past year, and he throws 100 MPH (124 Stuff+), so there might be something here. That said, he really struggled to miss bats (somehow), although he does induce a ton of weak groundballs.
José Buttó – Buttó is a fine middle/long relief option, but there’s not much to get excited about in the profile.
Tristan Beck – Similar to Buttó, Beck can carve out a steady role in this bullpen, but I’d expect Buster Posey to make some significant additions here this offseason.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Andrés Muñoz (90%) |
| Next In Line: | Matt Brash (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Eduard Bazardo |
Andrés Muñoz – Munoz had a dominant 2025 (32.1% K, 34.3% CSW), although the second half was a little bit down as his velocity declined (99.1 MPH in first half, 97.8 MPH in second half). That decline has still been there in the postseason, so there is a bit of concern there, but the slider remains dominant, and he should still find success sitting at 97 MPH.
Matt Brash – Brash was able to toss 47.1 innings this year as he returned from TJS, and while it took him a while to get going, he looked more or less like his normal self over the second half (2.90 xFIP, 33.5% CSW). He should be near the top of the
Eduard Bazardo – Bazardo was a workhorse in the Mariners bullpen this year, totaling 78.2 innings over 73 appearances, but he was especially dominant over the second half, where he held a 2.33 SIERA and 27.8% K-BB rate. He’s definitely a name to keep an eye on next year in hold leagues.
Gabe Speier – One of the more underrated relievers in baseball this season, Speier finished the year with the fourth-best SIERA (2.23) and K-BB rate (29.2%) amongst all relievers. As the team’s top lefty, he’s unlikely to see many, if any, save chances, but he should remain a target in hold leagues.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | JoJo Romero (30%) |
| Next In Line: | Riley O’Brien (20%) |
| Sleeper: | Matt Svanson (10%) |
JoJo Romero – Romero finished the year as the 1A closer option for the Cardinals, although the lefty didn’t exactly have closer-esque numbers with just a 10.2% K-BB rate and 10.6% swinging-strike rate. He’s a nice lefty to have in your bullpen, but an ideal closer.
Riley O’Brien – O’Brien does have some fun stuff (113 Stuff+) as he pairs a 98 MPH sinker with a 90 MPH slider, but it hasn’t resulted in huge strikeout numbers (yet). Again, he’s a great bullpen piece but not exactly a closer at this time.
Matt Svanson – The guy I think should get a chance to close finished the second half with impressive, closer-esque metrics (2.83 xFIP, 32.8% K), and I think his stuff could even lead to more swing and miss. Svanson likely won’t get the first chance to close out games, but he will be a name to keep an eye on in this bullpen.
Kyle Leahy – Leahy tossed a whopping 88 innings out of the bullpen this year, and while nothing really stands out about his arsenal, the pure volume here at least puts him on the radar in deeper holds leagues.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Pete Fairbanks (60%) |
| Next In Line: | *Edwin Uceta (25%) |
| Sleeper: | Bryan Baker (15%) |
*assuming Griffin Jax gets a rotation spot
Pete Fairbanks – Fairbanks looked fairly mediocre in the first half but finished the year strong with a 2.56 SIERA and 27% K-BB rate over the second half. And he made it through the year healthy, finally. If he sticks around in Tampa, he should remain the team’s closer in 2026.
Edwin Uceta – Uceta got off to a rocky start but finished the year strong (2.33 SIERA, 28.4% K-BB, 19% SwStr over second half) just as he did in 2024. His role should remain the same for next season unless Fairbanks is moved.
Bryan Baker – Baker got off to a slow start in Baltimore before turning into the Orioles’ best reliever and eventually being traded to Tampa, where he once again got off to a slow start but finished strong. Baker ultimately finished with a 2.74 SIERA and 24.1% K-BB rate, and could find himself in the mix for saves if Fairbanks is moved and Jax enters the rotation.
Garrett Cleavinger – Similarly to Speier, Cleavinger turned into one of the most underrated relievers in baseball this year as he finished with strong marks across the board (2.50 SIERA, 26.3% K-BB, 36.2% CSW rates) and tallied 21 holds. He should return as the Rays’ top lefty to open the 2026 season.
Mason Montgomery – It was a season to forget for Montgomery, but that being said, stuff is still very apparent (18.3% SwStr, 125 Stuff+), and he feels like just a tweak or two away from breaking out in a big way. I’m loving him in deeper formats next year as a post hype sleeper.
Griffin Jax – I feel like he will be stretched out as a starter this winter, but if he winds up in the bullpen, he’ll factor into a high-leverage role and should bounce back in a big way after an unlucky 2025.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Robert Garcia (30%) |
| Next In Line: | Josh Sborz (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Jacob Webb (10%) |
Robert Garcia – Garcia put together a respectable 2025 (3.92 xFIP, 32.2% CSW) with his new team, but was never able to lock down the closer role as the team used multiple relievers in the ninth over the course of the year. He finished with nine saves, though, and as of now is the only returning reliever with “closer experience”.
Josh Sborz – Sborz only saw 12 innings in his brief minor league rehab stint last year before being shut down, as he wasn’t exactly having success. Let’s hope some more time off and a full offseason can get Sborz back on track, as he could have a huge role in this bullpen if healthy.
Jacob Webb – Webb was fairly consistent in 2025, but never really factored into high-leverage situations. He improved over the second half (3.16 SIERA, 22.4% K-BB rate post All-Star break) and is returning to a fairly empty bullpen as things stand now.
Cole Winn – Winn had great ratios in 2025, but the peripherals don’t match, and he finished with just an 11.1% K-BB rate. He has some interesting reliever stuff, but he needs to improve his fastball command still.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Jeff Hoffman (75%) |
| Next In Line: | Yimi García (10%) |
| Sleeper: | Louis Varland (10%) |
Jeff Hoffman – Hoffman dealt with some poor home run luck in his first season in Toronto, allowing 15 home runs this year after allowing 14 COMBINED over his previous THREE seasons. The stuff remained intact, though (29.3% K, 16.1% SwStr), and he should be a popular “sleeper” pick next year in drafts.
Yimi García – If García were healthy, he may have stolen some saves from Hoffman by the end of the season, but unfortunately, he was limited to just 21 innings due to an elbow injury. When healthy, the stuff we saw last year was still there (119 Stuff+), but health will be the big question mark next season.
Louis Varland – Varland and his big fastball are exciting, and he’s just starting to get used to being a full-time reliever. The stuff is there for more swing and miss (5.27 PLV), and he should have a role in Toronto that leads to plenty of holds next year.
Brendon Little – Little was just another left-handed pitcher to break out in a big way this season, as he was a bat-missing machine with 30.8% strikeout and 17.7% swinging-strike rates, with a 117 Stuff+ to back it up.
Braydon Fisher – Fisher doesn’t have a great fastball, but it didn’t matter when he was throwing his curveball and slider 38% of the time each (76% combined). That breaking ball usage led to 30.7% strikeout and 35.1% CSW rates.
| CLOSER SITUATION | |
| Favorite: | Jose A. Ferrer (55%) |
| Next In Line: | Clayton Beeter (15%) |
| Sleeper: | Cole Henry (5%) |
Jose A. Ferrer – Ferrer has a fun pitch mix that hypothetically should result in better strikeout rates, but he’s at least continued to improve over the past two seasons regardless, and finished the year on a high note as he dominated in the second half (2.53 xFIP, 21.1% K-BB, 109 Stuff+).
Clayton Beeter – Beeter had a bit of a mini-breakout in the second half (2.93 xFIP, 38.1% K, 15.8% SwStr) over 25 innings, and the ability is certainly there for him to lock down a high-leverage role heading into 2026. That 17.3% walk rate will need to improve, though.
Cole Henry – Starter turned reliever has some decent stuff, but it hasn’t quite translated. Still, Henry wound up with the second most SV+HLDs on the team with 11.
Konnor Pilkington / PJ Poulin – Pilkington and Poulin give the National some left-handed depth if Ferrer continues to be the ninth-inning man.
Top 75 Closers for Fantasy Baseball 2026
