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2026 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
ARI
ATH
ATL
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CHC
CIN
CLE
COL
CWS
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 42
Closer: Committee
(2/12) Arizona led the league and set a record in 2025 with 17 pitchers recording at least one save during the season. Injuries simply decimated this unit, with A.J. Puk (elbow), Justin Martinez (elbow) and Kevin Ginkel (shoulder) all suffering season-ending injuries during the campaign. Only Ginkel enters 2026 healthy, as both Puk and Martinez continue their recovery from Tommy John surgery. Puk, who received an internal brace, indicated recently that "he hoped to be back in early May." Whether the team allows him to return that fast is a different story, but it appears he's likely to return before the 2026 All-Star break. Martinez is tentatively targeting a return in August. Meanwhile, Andrew Saalfrank underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the 2026 campaign. Ginkel might be the favorite to take on the bulk of closing duties early on, as he's set to become a free-agent in 2027. Ryan Thompson - another 2027 free-agent - could be in the mix as well, while the draft market has been showing love to Drey Jameson and recent trade acquisition, Kade Strowd, as a dark-horse candidates for saves, at least until Puk returns.
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Sacramento AthleticsTeam: Sacramento Athletics
Total Saves: 35
Closer: Committee
(2/12) The Athletics were tied for 25th in the league with 35 saves in 2025 and recorded one in 46.1 percent of their 76 wins. They had one of the most stable closing situations in baseball until they traded away star closer, Mason Miller, at last year's deadline. Following the trade, 7 Athletics pitchers combined for the team's remaining 15 saves. Looking ahead to 2026, the team may take a similar approach to closing duties without a clear-cut closer on the roster. From a skills perspective, Justin Sterner and Elvis Alvarado stand out as the favorites for at least a share of closing duties. Recent free-agent signee, Scott Barlow, has the most experience with 59 career saves. Mark Leiter has always been on fantasy radars as a potential save source, but his statistics have been trending in the wrong direction over the past few seasons. Hogan Harris led the A's with four of the club's 15 saves following the trade of Miller last year, though it's tough to project him as part of Sacramento's closer mix for 2026, as he owns a mere 21.0 percent strikeout rate and poor 10.9 percent walk rate for his career. Michael Kelley was also in the mix for saves last year, but his 6.1 K-BB percentage was one of the worst marks among relief pitchers, while his 10.2 percent walk rate for his career doesn't bode well for continued high-leverage opportunities. Ultimately, manager Mark Kotsay is likely to take a hot-hand approach to the ninth-inning in 2026 and deploy a closer committee until (if?) someone emerges.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 34
Closer: Raisel Iglesias
Next in Line: Robert Suarez , Dylan Lee
(2/12) Raisel Iglesias accounted for 29 of Atlanta's 34 saves in 2025 for an 85.3 percent team save share that was 3rd-highest among closers overall. The veteran endured some struggles during his age-35 campaign, but finished last year strong by posting a 0.38 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and a league-leading 16 saves over the final 2 months. However, it's important to note Iglesias had no real competition for save chances. Now that Robert Suarez is with the team for the next few seasons, any signs of struggles from Iglesias - who the team indicated would close in 2026 after re-signing him to a one-year, $16M deal - could result in a quick role change. New manager Walt Weiss could also turn to Tyler Kinley, whom Atlanta acquired at last year's deadline and re-signed this off-season. Kinley is coming off a career-year and should pitch important high-leverage innings for Atlanta in 2026.
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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: 38
Closer: Ryan Helsley
Next in Line: Andrew Kittredge , Keegan Akin
(2/12) While Felix Bautista (shoulder) returned for the onset of the 2025 campaign after missing the entirety of 2024, he was limited to just 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. Enter Ryan Helsley, who signed a 2-year, $28 million deal with the Orioles this offseason. Helsley struggled last season, but is just one year removed from tallying an MLB-high 49 saves in 2024. He'll open 2026 as Baltimore's closer, and if his struggles remain, new manager Craig Albernaz could turn to Andrew Kittredge. Kittredge has endured durability issues throughout his career, but he might be the most skilled reliever (among those who are currently healthy) on Baltimore's roster.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 45
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Next in Line: Garrett Whitlock , Justin Slaten
(2/12) Boston's bullpen was a strength of the team in 2025, ranking 2nd in the league with a 3.41 ERA while tying for sixth with 45 saves. In large part, this unit's success 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 and Greg Weissert figure to pitch important innings as part of the bridge to Chapman in the ninth. The Red Sox bullpen could still use a left-handed reliever (or two), so there may be some changes before the 2026 season kicks off.
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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: 44
Closer: Daniel Palencia
Next in Line: Phil Maton , Hunter Harvey
(2/12) The Cubs were one of four teams to have 10+ pitchers record at least one save during the 2025 season, as 12 different relievers combined for their 44 saves. However, rookie Daniel Palencia was the only one to record double-digit saves with 22; good for a 50% team save share. Cubs manager Craig Counsell was asked recently whether Palencia would get the ninth-inning if the regular season started now and he was pretty definitive with a simple "yes" as opposed to deflecting the question. As such, his stability increases a bit, even with the team signing a trio of successful high-leverage arms this offseason in Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey and Caleb Thielbar.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 41
Closer: Emilio Pagan
Next in Line: Tony Santillan , Graham Ashcraft
(2/12) Reds 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). Pagan re-signed with Cincinnati this offseason on a 2-year, $20 million pact. He figures to reprise his role as the Reds' closer to open the 2026 campaign.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 47
Closer: Cade Smith
Next in Line: Hunter Gaddis , Shawn Armstrong
(2/12) While Emmanuel Clase's future in MLB is in jeopardy due to his alleged role in sports-betting, the Guardians and manager Stephen Vogt can take comfort with Cade Smith as their closer for the foreseeable future. Smith finished with 16 saves last year; 13 of which came after Clase was unavailable. This represented a 76.4% team save share from July 28 onwards. Ultimately, Smith was as dominant in 2025 as he was the season prior, being one of five relief pitchers to record 100+ strikeouts. Smith has typically been among the first 5 closers off the board in 2026 drafts and is worth the high draft pick. Hunter Gaddis is next in line for ancillary saves, while Shawn Armstrong should be part of that mix as well after a strong campaign with Texas in 2025.
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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: 29
Closer: Committee
(2/12) 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 Rockies 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.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 25
Closer: Seranthony Dominguez
Next in Line: Jordan Leasure , Grant Taylor
(2/12) The White Sox ranked dead-last with 25 saves last season, with eight Chicago pitchers combining for those saves. Jordan Leasure (seven) and Grant Taylor (six) accounted for a little more than half of the team total. However, there should be more clarity heading into 2026 after the White Sox signed Seranthony Dominguez in January, with the early reports indicating that he'll fill the closer role. Despite the uncertainty at the back end last year, 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 Taylor is expected to shift to more of a long-relief role. Leasure was the favorite for saves prior to the signing of Dominguez after posting a 3.92 ERA and 11.3 K/9 in 2025, so he'll likely operate as Chicago's top setup man along with Taylor and Vasil.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 40
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Next in Line: Will Vest , Kyle Finnegan
(2/12) The Tigers bullpen ranked 26th in strikeouts (533) and 17th in ERA (4.05) last season, so there was a clear need to address the unit this offseason. Not only did Detroit re-sign Kyle Finnegan on a two-year, $19 million pact, they added future Hall of Famer, Kenley Jansen, on a one-year, $11 million deal. Speaking about his high-leverage relief options, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch recently said, "I think they're all going to get saves," before adding "I think we can pretty much guess how it's gonna go given that one of them has a historic number of saves." The latter comment was in reference to Jansen, who is 3 saves away from 3rd place on the all-time leaderboard and 24 away from 500 for his career. It doesn't mean the 38-year-old will finish the 2026 season as the Tigers' closer, but Jansen should open the year as Hinch's first choice to handle save opportunities. Will Vest and/or Kyle Finnegan would be next-in-line if Jansen slips up.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 45
Closer: Josh Hader Out
Next in Line: Bryan Abreu , Bennett Sousa
(2/12) Hader's stability as Houston's closer has been as high as it comes in the league, but a season-ending left shoulder strain in 2025 and biceps inflammation to kick off 2026 spring training cloud his save upside for the coming season. Bryan Abreu - who has been one of the top closers-in-waiting candidates for the past few seasons - recorded 7 of the Astros' final 11 saves after Hader got hurt last year. Looking towards 2026, Hader's availability for Opening Day is in question due to the biceps injury, and since the Astros won't push things with their star closer, Abreu will draw more appeal in draft rooms. Once healthy, Hader will reclaim closing duties since Houston is paying him $19M per season through 2028.
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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: 47
Closer: Carlos Estevez
Next in Line: Lucas Erceg , Matt Strahm
(2/12) With a legitimate closer on the roster, Royals manager Matt Quatraro was more strict in his approach to the ninth-inning, as only 5 pitchers recorded saves for Kansas City in 2025. 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. Estevez managed to find success last year 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 put him in line to open 2026 as Kansas City's closer once again.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 38
Closer: Committee
(2/12) With 2025 closer, Kenley Jansen, signing with Detroit this offseason, the Angels were left to revamp its bullpen, especially with Robert Stephenson (elbow) and Ben Joyce (shoulder) still recovering from lengthy injuries. Los Angeles signed two veterans with plenty of closing experience - Kirby Yates (98 career saves) and Jordan Romano (113) - but both appear to be on the downswing of their respective careers and will have to earn save chances under new manager Kurt Suzuki. Yates was hurt for most of last season, but he currently stands as the safest bet to open 2026 as the Angels' closer, at least until Stephenson and Joyce are healthy enough to return. Drew Pomeranz could also factor into the mix, but the southpaw only has 10 career saves along with a history of durability issues. Joyce is the Angels closer of the future, but health has been his biggest obstacle in his young career thus far.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 46
Closer: Edwin Diaz
Next in Line: Tanner Scott , Alex Vesia
(2/12) Los Angeles - the 2025 World Series champions - racked up 93 wins and 46 saves (49.5% save percentage) during the regular season. 12 Dodgers recorded at least one save, marking the 5th consecutive year that manager Dave Roberts used 10+ pitchers during a season to close out games. However, now that Edwin Diaz has signed a 3-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, Roberts may not have to deploy as many pitchers to close games as he has in the past. Tanner Scott (lower body) is coming off a rocky 2025 after signing a 4-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason, but the southpaw represents the next-in-line for saves, if healthy. Edgardo Henriquez is a dark-horse candidate for ancillary saves, while it's worth monitoring Brusdar Graterol's (shoulder) health, performance and velocity during spring training to see if he's set to reclaim a high-leverage role for 2026. Evan Phillips is also worth monitoring if he's healthy enough to return later this summer.
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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: 40
Closer: Pete Fairbanks
(2/12) 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. However, he never fully solidified himself in the role, leading Miami to seek a more established closer this offseason, especially with 2025 breakout reliever, Ronny Henriquez (elbow), set to miss the upcoming campaign. Veteran Pete Fairbanks, who finally managed to stay healthy for a full season in 2025, signed a 1-year, $13 million deal with the Marlins to serve as closer in 2026. The short-term deal could make Fairbanks a trade candidate later this summer, but he should receive the majority of Miami's save chances up until the trade deadline.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 45
Closer: Trevor Megill
Next in Line: Abner Uribe , Jared Koenig
(2/12) 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 outstanding 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, both Megill and Uribe make strong cases to open the campaign as the Brewers' closer. Megill currently sits atop this hierarchy, but Uribe is one of the top closer-in-waiting candidates for 2026 and could easily wrestle away the job that he held as recently as the 2025 playoffs. Uribe is even being drafted ahead of Megill in some drafts, which might be the correct call or huge mistake. Uribe's playoff usage last year makes him a favorite among many drafters, but Milwaukee's trade of Freddy Peralta this offseason makes it more likely Megill sticks around with the club due the salary savings the team gained with the trade. Spring training performance will be closely monitored for both Megill and Uribe, but hopefully manager Pat Murphy offers more clarity before the regular season kicks off.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 28
Closer: Committee
(1/28) 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 optimistic 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. Taylor Rogers, who returns to Minnesota after spending the first six years of his career as a Twin, by far has the most experience with 83 career saves, but the southpaw has only recorded 2 over the past three seasons combined. For now, this looks like a team to avoid when drafting for saves.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 40
Closer: Devin Williams
(1/28) 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. Looking ahead to 2026, the Mets were forced to rebuild its bullpen yet again, as Diaz declined his $18.5M player option to become a free-agent before ultimately signing with the Dodgers. Enter Devin Williams, who was one of the first free-agent relief pitchers to sign this offseason. He joins the Mets on a 3-year, $51 million deal after an up-and-down 2025, but is the favorite to close in 2026. Luke Weaver and Luis Garcia also signed with New York for added depth behind Williams.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 43
Closer: David Bednar
Next in Line: Camilo Doval , Fernando Cruz
(2/12) After four consecutive top-6 finishes in bullpen ERA, the Yankees slipped all the way to 23rd (4.37) last year. New York didn't do much to improve its bullpen for 2026 either, losing out on the star free-agent closers while also witnessing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver sign with the Mets this offseason. David Bednar remains, who recorded 10 of the Yankees' final 13 saves for a 77% team save share after New York acquired his services at last year's trade deadline. Bednar is under team control through the upcoming campaign and is the heavy favorite to open 2026 as the Yankees closer. Camilo Doval and Fernando Cruz remain with the team and line up for ancillary saves, but both allow too much traffic on the basepaths to reliably handle full-time closing duties.
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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: 47
Closer: Jhoan Duran
Next in Line: Brad Keller , Jose Alvarado
(2/13) Phillies manager Rob Thomson's typically fluid approach to the 9th-inning was more narrowly focused after the Phillies acquired Jhoan Duran at last year's trade deadline. Prior to the trade, the Phillies split save chances between a handful of relievers. Over the final 2 months of 2025, Duran racked up a team-leading 16 saves for an 80% team save share after August 1. The flamethrowing righty enters 2026 as the Phillies' unquestioned closer, while Jose Alvarado and newcomer Brad Keller fill important setup roles that should provide the occasional ancillary save opportunity. Orion Kerkering is still worth monitoring in dynasty formats, but he may not be the team's closer of the future after all.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 36
Closer: Dennis Santana
Next in Line: Gregory Soto , Isaac Mattson
(2/13) Pirates manager Don Kelly summoned Dennis Santana for 10 of the team's final 12 saves (83.3% team save share) after longtime closer David Bednar was traded last season. Pittsburgh was active on the free-agent market this offseason, but didn't sign a bona-fide closer that figures to challenge Santana for closing duties to open 2026. The team did add Gregory Soto through free-agency and Mason Montgomery via trade, but neither are likely to overtake Santana, who has combined for a 3.04 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over the past two campaigns. It's worth noting that Santana will be a free-agent in 2027 and his tenure as Pirates' closer may come to an end at or near the 2026 trade deadline if the team is out of playoff contention. Justin Lawrence and Kyle Nicolas are worth monitoring in deeper formats as potential second-half save sources.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 49
Closer: Mason Miller
(2/13) 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 of 2025. Still, he 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. With 2025 closer, Robert Suarez, declining his $8 million option for 2026 to become a free-agent before ultimately signing with Atlanta, Miller was recently named the team's closer by new manager Craig Stammen. Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon and Jason Adam figure to be important contributors once again. 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 in 2025, recording 3 apiece.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 43
Closer: Andres Munoz
(2/13) New manager Dan Wilson summoned only 3 Mariners for saves during the 2025 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) was the only other Seattle reliever to record multiple saves last season, which speaks to the saves upside Munoz carries with him into 2026. 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.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 41
Closer: Ryan Walker
(2/13) Ryan Walker opened the 2025 season as the Giants' closer, but a rough April-May (4.91 ERA) forced a change and he didn't reclaim the job until the end of the campaign when Camilo Doval (traded) and Randy Rodriguez (injured) were no longer available. Walker actually pitched much better in-between his stints as the Giants' closer last season, which suggests he may be better off in a more fluid role. However, that will be up to new manager Tony Vitello, who takes over in 2026 after Bob 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. Walker currently sits atop San Francisco's hierarchy for saves, but that could change quickly if his performance is not up to par. Joel Peguero is one of the next-in-line candidates for the Giants. He is inexperienced at the big league level, but logged 32 saves across eight seasons in the minors and performed well through 22.1 innings with San Francisco last year.
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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: 42
Closer: Committee
(2/13) St. Louis' bullpen will look a lot different to open 2026 than it did last year. With Ryan Helsley (Orioles), Phil Maton (Cubs) and Steven Matz (Rays) now pitching for other teams, the Cardinals bullpen is now headlined by Riley O'Brien, JoJo Romero, Ryne Stanek and Matt Svanson. O'Brien and Romero figure to open 2026 in a timeshare for closing duties, as both received save chances over the final two months of 2025. Romeo appeared to be the preferred save share after Helsley was traded last season, 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. Svanson is a potential dark horse for 2026 saves, as the 26-year-old righty was dominant in the 2nd-half last year, 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.
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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: 35
Closer: Committee
(2/13) With Tampa Bay moving on from Pete Fairbanks this offseason, the Rays still have high-quality options to take on save chances in 2026. They 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. Garrett Cleavinger and Edwin Uceta (who was one of 5 relievers to strike out 100+ batters in 2025) are also expected to be part of the Rays closer committee in 2026. Cleavinger established several career-best marks in 2025 and has neutral splits, so don't discount the possibility that he could lead the Rays in saves by the end of 2026.
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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: 37
Closer: Committee
(2/19) After losing a trio of high-leverage relievers (Phil Maton, Shawn Armstrong, Danny Coulombe) to free-agency this offseason, Texas was forced to restructure its bullpen for the 2026 campaign. They were able to re-sign Chris Martin after the veteran mulled the possibility of retirement, but the Rangers' other free-agent relief pitcher signings weren't as exciting. Alexis Diaz drew the headlines as a former closer with 75 career saves, but he's coming off an awful 2025 campaign that saw him bounce around between three different clubs. Tyler Alexander, Jakob Junis and Ryan Brasier were the other signings. New Rangers manager, Skip Schumaker, recently indicated Martin and Robert Garcia are the favorites to see save chances in 2026. He also indicated Diaz has a chance to see saves for the club this season, but wants to see how the former Reds closer looks in spring training games first. We're labeling this a committee for now, as the Rangers' closer role to be somewhat fluid early in the 2026 season, but performance may dictate who emerges from the trio of Garcia, Martin and Diaz. Rule 5 pick Carter Baumler is one to watch as we get closer to the regular season opener.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 42
Closer: Jeff Hoffman
(2/13) After signing a 3-year, $33M contract with the Blue Jays last offseason, Jeff Hoffman was given his first shot at being a full-time closer. He finished 4th in the league with 33 saves, while his 78.6% team save share was 5th-highest among closers. Hoffman's numbers weren't great on the surface - his ratios were inflated thanks to a 20% Home Run to Fly Ball ratio along with a 1.99 HR/9 that was 2nd-worst among qualified relievers - but the 32-year-old was effective enough to maintain fairly high stability as the Blue Jays' closer all season. We've docked his stability a bit as we enter Spring Training 2026, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider recently indicated that he's "100 percent confident if [Hoffman] is closing most games." Toronto inked submariner Tyler Rogers to a three-year, $37 million contract during the winter to bolster the bullpen, but he has just three saves across the past four seasons despite consistently working in a high-leverage role. Yimi Garcia (elbow) and Louis Varland are bigger threats to overtake Hoffman as the team's closer in 2026.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 37
Closer: Committee
(2/13) With Kyle Finnegan (Detroit) and Jose Ferrer (Seattle) no longer with the team, Washington's closer role may be one of the most unsettled as we approach 2026 Opening Day. Unfortunately, there's just not much to get excited about given the way this bullpen is currently constructed. The Nationals will also have a new manager at the helm after 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 previously served as the Rays' senior player development director. Butera hasn't tipped his hat yet this spring as to how he'll approach the ninth-inning, but Clayton Better and Cole Henry are worth monitoring as potential save sources for 2026. Beeter struck out 31.7% of the batters he faced last season, but walked 18 across his 25.1 innings. Henry picked up 2 saves and 9 holds in 2025 before a back strain ended his season prematurely. No one else is worth speculating on as most of the relief options in Washington are unproven and don't have a track record of success in the majors.
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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.