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2026 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
ARI
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CHC
CIN
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CWS
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Paul Sewald
Next in Line: Ryan Thompson , Juan Morillo
(5/2) After setting a record with 17 pitchers recording at least one save during the 2025 campaign, Arizona's bullpen has been far more stable to open 2026 thanks to veteran Paul Sewald. After training at Driveline Baseball during the offseason, Sewald re-joined the D'Backs and immediately became a candidate to open the season as closer. He's pitched well enough to retain primary closing duties through the first month and change of 2026, recorded 7 of Arizona's 9 saves through early May. Eventually, A.J. Puk (elbow) and Justin Martinez (elbow) will return once their done rehabbing 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. Their returns could impact Sewald's stability if he still is the team's closer at that point, but for now this appears to be Sewald's job.
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Sacramento AthleticsTeam: Sacramento Athletics
Total Saves: 11
Closer: Jack Perkins
Next in Line: Joel Kuhnel , Mark Leiter
(5/2) The Athletics went from having one of the most stable closing situations in baseball to one of the most unsettled after they traded Mason Miller at last year's deadline. After a month and change of the 2026 campaign, it can still be a guessing game for who will get the call for the ninth-inning. Four different relievers have accounted for the Athletics' 11 saves thus far, as Mark Kotsay has yet to commit to a primary closer. That said, Jack Perkins has gained some momentum of late, securing 3 of the team's past 4 saves. Perkins is clearly the A's best reliever and is the only one with a strikeout rate north of 30 percent. Kotsay may still call upon Mark Leiter, Joel Kuhnel or Hogan Harris from time to time, but Perkins currently gives the team the best chance of converting save chances.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Raisel Iglesias 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Robert Suarez , Tyler Kinley
(5/2) Raisel Iglesias secured 5 of Atlanta's first 9 saves of the 2026 campaign, but the veteran closer slept on his shoulder wrong in mid-April and subsequently hit the IL with right shoulder inflammation. Iglesias' absence is expected to be brief with an anticipated return next week. Prior to his injury, Iglesias racked up 8.2 scoreless innings with an 11:1 K:BB, giving him favorable odds to reclaim closing duties upon his return. Robert Suarez has been fantastic as well, posting both an ERA and WHIP under 1.00 through 13.2 frames. After leading the NL with 40 saves in 2025, the right-hander has gone 4-for-4 in save opportunities thus far. Manager Walt Weiss' unit currently ranks 3rd in the league with a 3.20 ERA.
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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: 10
Closer: Ryan Helsley 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Rico Garcia , Andrew Kittredge
(5/2) Ryan Helsley, who signed a 2-year, $28 million deal with Baltimore this offseason, struggled last season, but is just one year removed from tallying an MLB-high 49 saves in 2024. With Felix Bautista (shoulder) likely out for 2026, Helsley opened as Baltimore's closer, securing 7 of the Orioles' first 10 saves before right elbow inflammation forced a trip to the injured list. An MRI confirmed no structural damage for Helsley, but he'll be sidelined until at least May 15. Comments from manager Craig Albernaz suggest Helsley may not need much more than a minimum-stay on the IL, but in the meantime, Rico Garcia, Andrew Kittredge and possibly Yennier Cano figure to be the leading candidates for saves in Baltimore.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
(4/2) 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 has opened 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.
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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: 7
Closer: Committee
(4/2) Daniel Palencia's electric performance in the World Baseball Classic made his ADP skyrocket the closer we got to Opening Day. Unfortunately, Palencia's fantasy managers are still waiting for him to record a save on his 2026 ledger, as the Cubs only save of the season thus far went to Colin Rea (who picked up a 3-inning save). While Palencia should rack up saves as the season progresses, fantasy managers must be patient for now. Despite the lack of save chances, Palencia's stability as Chicago's closer remains high, 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: 10
Closer: Emilio Pagan
Next in Line: Tony Santillan , Graham Ashcraft
(4/2) 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; tying 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. His performance earned him a 2-year, $20 million contract to return to Cincinnati. Unfortunately, Pagan's 2026 campaign has gotten off to a rough start. He blew a save during his first appearance of the season and has allowed 2 home runs through his first three games. Pagan figures to maintain a bit of leash as the Reds' closer, but if his performance continues to suffer throughout April, Francona could turn closing duties over to Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft or Pierce Johnson.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 10
Closer: Cade Smith
Next in Line: Erik Sabrowski , Hunter Gaddis
(4/2) 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 battled some challenges through his first few appearances of 2026, permitting at least 1 ER in three straight outings. He does have one win and one save through his first four outings, but Smith isn't yet producing whiffs or strikeouts at the level we're used to seeing from him. His stability as the Guardians closer remains high, however, especially with top setup man Hunter Gaddis (forearm) currently on the IL. Shawn Armstrong and Erik Sabrowski are worth monitoring as potential closer-in-waiting candidates should Smith's struggles extend further into the season.
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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: 10
Closer: Victor Vodnik
Next in Line: Jimmy Herget , Juan Mejia
(4/6) Seth Halvorsen's poor spring (5 IP, 4:12 K:BB, 12 runs allowed) earned him a trip to the minors to open 2026, meaning Victor Vodnik currently sits atop Colorado's hierarchy for saves. Vodnik finished second on the team with 10 saves and a 35% team save share last season and has one of the Rockies' 2 saves through the first week and change. Jimmy Herget has recorded the other and has yet to be scored upon through 4.1 innings. Brennan Bernardino, Zach Agnos and Antonio Senzatela have all performed well in the early going of 2026 and appear to be in the mix for high-leverage work.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 10
Closer: Seranthony Dominguez
Next in Line: Jordan Leasure , Grant Taylor
(4/3) The White Sox signed Seranthony Dominguez to a 2-year, $20 million deal this past offseason and manager Will Venable named him the team's closer shortly thereafter. The veteran righty was tagged with a blown save early on, but figures to have some leash in the closer role due based on his experience in high-leverage (40 career saves) and the inexperience of Chicago's other options. Jordan Leasure (7 saves in 2025) and Grant Taylor (6) accounted for a little more than half of the team's saves in 2025 and figure to be next-in-line should Dominguez struggle as the season progresses.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 8
Closer: Kenley Jansen Day-To-Day
(4/6) 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 during Spring Training, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch 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 now 2 saves away from 3rd place on the all-time leaderboard and 23 away from 500 for his career after picking up a save, and also blowing one, in the early going of 2026. All five of the outs Jansen has recorded thus far have come via strikeout. 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: 6
Closer: Committee
(4/3) Hader's (biceps) 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 cloud his save upside. The southpaw has been throwing off the mound since early March and has completed bullpen sessions late last month, but Astros general manager Dana Brown said afterwards that Hader will begin facing hitters by mid-April. Hader will surely need a rehab assignment before being activated, so it's unlikely he'll be back before late-April. In his stead, Bryan Abreu tops the Houston hierarchy for saves, but he's given up 2 home runs through 3 appearances and was pulled from a recent save chance after issuing 2 leadoff walks to open the 9th inning. Bryan King came on to record the save, so we're labeling this a committee - at least until Hader returns.
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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: 10
Closer: Lucas Erceg
(4/17) Carlos Estevez led MLB with 42 saves last season, but diminished velocity during spring training, poor performance and a foot injury after being struck by a line drive leaves his placement within Kansas City's hierarchy for saves in question. Estevez, who is currently on the IL, has resumed throwing and is nearing a rehab assignment. The Royals want him to be healthy, but also to rediscover some lost velocity, so the reliever might stay on his rehab assignment until he gets into a groove. While Estevez has been on the IL, Lucas Erceg has gone 5-for-6 in save chances for the Royals and could keep the closer job even after Estevez returns. Perhaps manager Matt Quatraro gives Estevez some lower-leverage work upon his return, but in all likelihood the right-hander will be given a shot to close again for the Royals in 2026.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 4
Closer: Committee
(4/27) Jordan Romano claimed the closer job to start the year, but he was designated for assignment Sunday after allowing nine runs across his last five appearances for the Angels. Drew Pomeranz got the save chance later that day but blew the save. He still looks as likely as anyone in this bullpen to get the next save chance but has been far from convincing this season, though the same can be said for pretty much every other Angels reliever. That could open the door for Kirby Yates once he returns from knee inflammation, though he's pitched poorly on his rehab assignment.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Committee
(4/20) One month into the 2026 campaign after signing a 3-year, $69 million with the Dodgers, closer Edwin Diaz was placed on the IL and is expected to miss 2-to-3 months. Diaz had been shut down for over a week due to concerns around the noticeable dip in his fastball velocity. Sunday's outing against the Rockies was his first since April 10, but he failed to record an out while allowing three runs on three hits and a walk, with his fastball averaging 95.4 mph compared to the 97.3 mph during the 2025 regular season. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Diaz will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove the loose bodies from his right elbow. It's a procedure that typically takes 2-to-3 months to recover from, so Diaz may not be ready to return until late June or early July at the earliest. Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott are the top candidates to take over closing duties for the Dodgers for as long as Diaz is sidelined.
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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: Pete Fairbanks 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Calvin Faucher , Tyler Phillips
(4/28) With Ronny Henriquez (elbow) out for the 2026 campaign and Calvin Faucher failing to establish himself as a bona-fide closer, Miami sought a more established closer this offseason, signing veteran Pete Fairbanks to a 1-year, $13 million deal. Fairbanks finally managed to stay healthy for a full season in 2025, but is currently dealing with numbness in his pitching hand, a potential recurrence of the nerve issue that sidelined him back in April 2024. Fairbanks was sidelined for about three weeks in 2024 when the issue first surfaced. It's currently unknown how long he will be unavailable this time around, as an official diagnosis is still pending. Fairbanks remains atop the hierarchy for now, but if he's placed on the IL, the Marlins will likely deploy a committee in the ninth inning, with Anthony Bender, Tyler Phillips, Andrew Nardi and Calvin Faucher all options to close out games depending on matchups.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Committee
(4/17) Abner Uribe's usage down the stretch of the 2025 campaign and during the playoffs had fantasy managers questioning who would open 2026 as the Brewers' closer. While Megill picked up Milwaukee's first 3 saves of the 2026 campaign, a string of poor outings forced manager Pat Murphy to consider a change at closer. Since then, Uribe and Angel Zerpa have both tallied saves for the Brewers. Uribe tops this hierarchy for now, but Megill could re-enter the mix if his performance is up to par.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 5
Closer: Committee
(4/13) It has been difficult to identify the Twins' closer ever since they traded Jhoan Duran at the 2025 deadline. There's also a new manager in Minnesota, and while Derek Shelton typically had a primary closer during his time in Pittsburgh, he may not have that luxury with his new squad. The Twins have recorded 5 saves through Apr. 12 with all five going to a different relief pitcher — Cole Sands, Cody Laweryson, Justin Topa, Kody Funderburk and, most recently, Eric Orze. Sure enough, the draft market's favorite to lead the Twins in saves, Taylor Rogers, doesn't appear to be in the mix at all despite having the most experience (89 career saves) and previously serving as the Twins' full-time closer back in 2019. Through six appearances, he's been summoned with Minnesota trailing in the game four times. In his other two appearances, the southpaw recorded a hold coming on during the seventh and eighth innings. Rogers' sinker hasn't been good for a few years now and he's lost velocity (-2.5 miles per hour) on the pitch. He's added a cutter to his arsenal this year, which may benefit Rogers over the course of the season. However, most should probably cut Rogers if they have him rostered in fantasy.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 3
Closer: Devin Williams
(4/17) Devin Williams was one of the first free-agent relievers to sign this past offseason after he joined the Mets on a 3-year, $51 million deal. Williams had an up-and-down 2025, but has tallied both of the Mets' saves thus far in 2026. Unfortunately, New York's poor start to the season may have Williams' fantasy managers scrambling for additional save sources. Williams' stability is high in this bullpen, but the lack of save opportunities thus far has been frustrating.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 9
Closer: David Bednar
Next in Line: Camilo Doval , Fernando Cruz
(4/13) 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 has opened 2026 as the Yankees closer, but his stability has taken a slight hit after taking the loss in back-to-back appearances. 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: 6
Closer: Jhoan Duran 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Brad Keller , Jose Alvarado
(4/13) Phillies manager Rob Thomson's typically fluid approach to the ninth inning was more narrowly focused after the Phillies acquired Jhoan Duran ahead of the trade deadline last summer. Prior to the trade, the Phillies split save chances between a handful of relievers. Over the final two months of 2025, Duran racked up a team-leading 16 saves for an 80 percent team save share. The flamethrowing righty has opened 2026 racking up all 5 of the Phillies' saves through mid-April. Brad Keller or Jose Alvarado may benefit from the occasional ancillary save if Duran is unavailable, but based on his usage thus far, the latter can be expected to rack up at least an 80 percent team save share in 2026.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 5
Closer: Committee
(4/13) It was tough to ignore Dennis Santana's career-best 2.18 ERA and 0.87 WHIP from last year, as both marks were near the top of the 2025 leaderboard for relief pitchers. It was also tough to overlook the fact that Santana was summoned for 10 of the Pirates' 12 saves (83.3 percent save share) after the team traded David Bednar at last year's deadline. While this gave him some momentum to open 2026 as the Pirates' closer, the 29-year-old has never fit the typical closer profile. He struck out just 22.2 percent of the batters he faced last year, while his 4.13 career ERA and 3.56 xERA painted a cloudier outlook. While it's clear Santana is a trusted high-leverage arm under manager Don Kelly - as evidenced by a recent save on his ledger, Santana's first of 2026 - Gregory Soto appears to be the preferred closing option in Pittsburgh. Soto has been lights out to begin the 2026 campaign, posting a 13:5 K:BB and 0.81 WHIP across his first 8.2 innings. He has one save and warmed up for a few others before Pittsburgh's offense churned out insurance runs to erase those chances. For now, we'll still label this a committee between Soto and Santana, with the left-hander atop the hierarchy.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 12
Closer: Mason Miller
Next in Line: Jeremiah Estrada , Jason Adam
(4/17) With 2025 closer, Robert Suarez, declining his $8 million option for 2026 to become a free-agent before ultimately signing with Atlanta, Mason Miller was named the San Diego's closer by new manager Craig Stammen. Miller has been absolutely dominant, recording all 6 of the Padres' saves through mid-April while posting a ridiculous 0.21 WHIP and 23:1 K:BB through 9.1 scoreless innings. Miller's 2026 draft cost was high, but those who made that investment are feeling pretty comfortable.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 9
Closer: Andres Munoz
(4/17) Manager Dan Wilson summoned only 3 Mariners for saves during the 2025 season (fewest in the league), but he's already matched that total through mid-April. Andres Munoz - who finished 3rd in the league with 38 saves last year - has struggled at the onset of 2026 and only picked up 1 of Seattle's 3 saves thus far. Gabe Speier and Cooper Criswell have also recorded one save apiece. Matt Brash should also be in the mix for ancillary saves and figures to be next-in-line for closing duties if Munoz's struggles persist.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 6
Closer: Committee
(4/6) While Ryan Walker current sits atop the Giants' hierarchy for saves, it's worth noting that he was recently summoned during the 6th inning in a contest against the Mets when San Francisco was leading 6-2. Manager Tony Vitello explained that deploying Walker in that spot gave the opposing team a completely different look than the starter in that game - Robbie Ray. It will be interesting to see if Walker continues to get deployed like this in games Ray starts, so we'll be monitoring as the season progresses. Eventually, leverage roles will settle under Vitello - who 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. Keaton Winn, Erik Miller, Caleb Kilian and Joel Peguero are also worth monitoring in the early going of 2026.
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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: 11
Closer: Riley O'Brien
Next in Line: JoJo Romero , Ryne Stanek
(4/17) St. Louis' bullpen looks a lot different to open 2026 than it did last year, now headlined by Riley O'Brien, Ryne Stanek, JoJo Romero and Matt Svanson. O'Brien was the draft market's favorite to lead the Cardinals in saves, but it was Stanek who secured the team's first of 2026. Stanek walked a tight rope issuing three walks in the contest, but ultimately got the job done. Meanwhile, O'Brien was summoned for the opposing team's toughest lineup pocket between the seventh and eighth innings. At the time, that was enough to leave O'Brien atop this hierarchy and he's since recorded the last 5 saves for St. Louis. With O'Brien pitching well - he's posted a 0.39 WHIP and 11:0 K:BB through 10.1 scoreless innings thus far - his stability gets a boost.
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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: 13
Closer: Bryan Baker
Next in Line: Griffin Jax , Garrett Cleavinger
(4/13) After Pete Fairbanks signed with Miami this past offseason, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported the Rays were planning to deploy a closer-by-committee for 2026. Griffin Jax, Garrett Cleavinger (calf) and Edwin Uceta (shoulder) were named as the expected committee members. However, Jax has struggled at the onset of 2026, while Cleavinger and Uceta are currently on the IL. Under the circumstances, Bryan Baker has seemingly leap-frogged all three in this hierarchy. Baker recently picked up his first 2 saves of 2026 and appears to be "the guy"... for now. Jax was the draft market's favorite to lead Tampa Bay in saves, and while he currently leads all qualified relievers in Game Leverage Index, he's allowed at least one earned run in 3 of his 7 appearances thus far. The right-hander simply isn't producing many whiffs on his sweeper or changeup, which are his bread-and-butter. Jax is throwing a harder sweeper too — up 1.5 miles per hour from 2025 — but hasn't found success with the pitch in 2026 just yet. The 31-year-old is also tossing more sinkers and curveballs, so it's worth monitoring the performance of those offerings as the season progresses. Kevin Kelly is currently tied for the team-lead with 2 saves... just like we all predicted. I wouldn't count him out of the equation, but right now he's benefiting from increased opportunities while Cleavinger and Uceta unavailable.
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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: 9
Closer: Jacob Latz
Next in Line: Jakob Junis , Cole Winn
(5/2) After Tyler Alexander picked up the Rangers' first 2 saves of 2026, Jakob Junis has recorded 2 in a row. Meanwhile, Robert Garcia and Chris Martin still have zero saves. For context, Alexander's first save of the season came during extra-innings, while his second came when Garcia and Martin were unavailable after pitching back-to-back days. Keep in mind Alexander is pitching for his fourth team over the last 3 seasons and the southpaw current sports his 12.0 K-BB percentage and 7.3 percent swinging-strike rate. Neither of those stats inspire much confidence for continued high-leverage opportunities. As for Junis, who is also pitching for his 4th team over the past 3 seasons, he's been the Rangers' best reliever thus far, racking up 7 scoreless innings with a 4:0 K:BB, 0.43 WHIP and team-leading 1.80 Game Leverage Index. That's enough to move him atop the hierarchy for saves, especially since he was called for a save chance in a game where Chris Martin was likely available (even though Garcia pitched two in a row). We're not counting Garcia out of the saves equation just yet. Meanwhile, Cole Winn currently ranks second on the team with a 1.51 gmLI. Don't count him out either.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Louis Varland
(5/2) Jeff Hoffman has struck out 28 through 13.2 innings thus far, but the veteran right-hander's inconsistent performance - he has as many blown saves (3) as successful ones in 2026 - has dropped him into a setup role for the time being. Louis Varland has taken over closing duties, recording 4 straight for the Blue Jays (all during the past week-and-a-half). With a 0.53 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 28:5 K:BB through his first 17 innings, Varland figures to maintain some leash in the role as long as he's pitching well.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 7
Closer: Committee
(4/17) Washington's new manager, Blake Butera, has his team playing surprisingly competitive baseball in the early stages of the 2026 campaign. The Nationals won their opening series against the Cubs and currently sit with a near .500 record through 18 games. Unfortunately, Washington's closer role remains unsettled. Clayton Beeter and Gus Varland have tallied 2 saves apiece for the Nationals, but neither have pitched particularly well. Beeter, in particular, currently sits atop the hierarchy for saves, but sports a negative K-BB percentage, making it tough to put any faith in him maintaining even a share of the closer role.
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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.