This weekend’s edition of the Closer Report provides an updated ranking of MLB closers following the trade deadline, analyzing the impact of Thursday’s surge in league-wide player movements. It also spotlights several notable waiver pickups by teams looking to bolster their save opportunities in the remaining two months of the season.
Fantasy Baseball Rankings
Tier 1
Josh Hader (Houston Astros), Andrés Muñoz (Seattle Mariners), Edwin Díaz (New York Mets)
Hader continues to be the top closer in baseball with 28 saves and a 2.22 ERA. Muñoz and Díaz recorded 24 and 23 saves, respectively, both maintaining ERAs under 2.00. While the Astros and Mariners made few bullpen changes at the deadline, the Mets enhanced theirs by adding Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rodgers. Helsley, with a solid track record including 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA in 2024, has joined the Mets to back up Díaz, diminishing his fantasy save prospects. Meanwhile, Rodgers offers consistency from his seven-year tenure with the Giants, providing valuable innings. Helsley mainly acts as a handcuff for Díaz.
Tier 2
Aroldis Chapman (Boston Red Sox), JoJo Duran (Philadelphia Phillies), Trevor Megill (Milwaukee Brewers), Robert Suárez (San Diego Padres)
This group features strong saviors, beginning with Chapman, a 37-year-old veteran lefty posting a 1.29 ERA in 42 innings. The Red Sox reinforced their middle relief by acquiring Steven Mats from the Cardinals, who has pitched well in multiple-inning outings. Philadelphia’s Duran moved from Minnesota and is expected to be the Phillies’ primary closer, potentially pushing others like Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering to the waiver wire. The Brewers added Shelby Miller, but he isn’t expected to challenge Trevor Megill, who has converted 24 saves with a 2.19 ERA. The Padres picked up Mason Miller, a dominant reliever recently transitioned from starting, bolstering an already elite bullpen alongside Suárez, though Suárez struggled late last season.
Tier 3
Devin Williams (New York Yankees), Daniel Palencia (Chicago Cubs), Randy Rodriguez (San Francisco Giants), Will Best/Kyle Finnegan (Detroit Tigers), Emilio Pagán (Cincinnati Reds), Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Angels), Pete Fairbanks (Tampa Bay Rays), Kade Smith (Cleveland Guardians), Jeff Hoffman (Toronto Blue Jays), Carlos Estévez (Kansas City Royals), Dennis Santana (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The Yankees were active at the deadline, adding bullpen reinforcements including Kamilo Doval and David Bednar, complementing Williams as the closer. The Cubs pin their hopes on Palencia with minor bullpen additions, while the Giants debut Randy Rodriguez, who has excelled this year and should be added in all fantasy formats. Detroit incorporated Finnegan into their save mix, with Best and Finnegan potentially sharing closing duties. The Reds shifted Nick Martínez to relief behind closer Pagán, and the Angels strengthened their middle relief behind Jansen. The Rays retained Fairbanks and acquired Griffin Jax for additional depth. Despite off-field distractions impacting the Guardians, Kade Smith is expected to step up in save chances. The Blue Jays gained middle relief depth, while Pittsburgh added Santana, who is likely to finish the season with the Pirates.
Tier 4
Raisel Iglesias (Atlanta Braves), JoJo Romero (St. Louis Cardinals), Robert Garcia (Texas Rangers), Blake Treinen/Alex Vesia (Los Angeles ), Cole Sands (Minnesota Twins)
Braves saw little trade deadline activity with Iglesias continuing as closer despite a down year. The Cardinals and Rangers initiated a trade involving Phil Maton and JoJo Romero, with Romero expected to be a dependable if unspectacular option. The Rangers lean on Robert Garcia for closing duties, although Maton might see some save opportunities. The currently use a committee approach with injuries sidelining Tanner Scott, while the Twins look to Cole Sands as their main save candidate.
Tier 5
Anthony Bender/Ronnie Henriquez/Calvin Faucher (Miami Marlins), Kevin Ginkel (Arizona Diamondbacks), Corbin Martin/Kegan Akin (Baltimore Orioles), Sean Newcomb/Jack Perkins (Athletics), José Feller (Washington Nationals), Grant Taylor (Chicago White Sox), Seth Halvorsen (Colorado Rockies)
This tier features less stable save situations. The Marlins’ bullpen remains uncertain, with Henriquez and Faucher sharing saves. Seth Halvorsen leads this group despite a high ERA, and other teams in this tier generally should be avoided for saves.
Fan Take:
This detailed analysis of closers post-trade deadline is essential for baseball fans and fantasy players alike, as bullpen roles can dramatically shift down the stretch. Understanding these changes helps fans stay ahead of potential breakout closers and informs strategic decisions, keeping the excitement alive through the season’s final stretch.
