Closer Situations
Cade Smith
MLB-leading 18 saves with 37 K vs. 5 BB across 25.2 IP. The most consistent closer in baseball — the 1.05 WHIP is genuine. Top-5 RP rest of season.
Tanner Scott
10-game scoreless streak with elite peripherals (0.48 WHIP, 38.9% K-BB%). The Dodgers' 9th is unquestionably his. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Gregory Soto
Scoreless in 7 of his last 9 May games with quality command metrics. The Pirates' save volume is limited but Soto's grip on the role is strong. Top-25 RP rest of season.
Kenley Jansen
4 blown saves and a career-high 13.6% walk rate. Center-cut pitches are getting crushed (20% HR rate). The Tigers are 1.5 games out of first — the patience may be wearing thin. Will Vest is the alternative. Fade in standard formats.
Twins Committee
11 different pitchers with at least one save this season (Arizona's 2025 record is 17). Travis Adams just got his first career save. There's no closer in Minnesota. Avoid in standard formats unless you can stomach total volatility.
Paul Sewald
12 saves, 0.72 WHIP in May, 5-for-6 conversion rate. The 35-year-old's career revival is real and the D-backs are winning enough close games. Top-12 RP rest of season.
Jhoan Duran
9 saves, 29.4% K-BB%, scoreless in 7 of his last 8 outings since returning from the IL. Locked in the Phillies' 9th. Top-12 RP rest of season.
Kirby Yates
Picked up his first save since July 2025 — the 99th of his career. The 4.26 ERA masks a 2.80 SIERA, but contact-quality concerns persist. The Angels are winning more games (Soriano, Detmers leading the way), so save chances should pile up. Speculative add in deeper formats.
Tony Santillan
3 blown saves and 6 HRs allowed in his last 23 batters since May 5. The Reds' bullpen is full chaos — Pierce Johnson and Graham Ashcraft are both ahead of Santillan in the leverage hierarchy. Fade in standard formats.
Riley O'Brien
Has allowed runs in 4 of his last 9 outings — the dominant April form has slipped. Still the Cardinals' primary save option but the leash is shortening. Hold for now; monitor the next 3-4 appearances closely.
Camilo Doval
Reclaimed the closer role after Ryan Walker was optioned to Triple-A on May 10. The Giants haven't committed publicly to a defined ninth-inning hierarchy, but Doval is the de facto guy right now. Add with confidence, but keep an eye on Walker's Triple-A performance — if he's recalled, this race reopens.
Rico Garcia
Sharing save opportunities in Baltimore with Andrew Kittredge and Yennier Cano while Ryan Helsley (right elbow inflammation) remains on the IL since May 1. MRI showed no structural damage for Helsley, but no return date has been set. Garcia has the slight edge in the committee, but this is unpredictable save volume — treat it as a streaming option, not a closer to own.
Bryan Abreu
Scoreless in 6 straight, but his 7.63 ERA on the year and 2.09 WHIP tell you the hot stretch isn't the norm. Hader (5 more rehab outings needed) is coming back by early June — Abreu's role has an expiration date. Stream saves while you can, but don't pay closer value in a trade.
Jeff Hoffman
Recorded his 4th save Friday but it was his first since April 20. A full month without a save opportunity — with no injury explanation — is a red flag. Ryan Zeferjahn stepped into the closer role after Jordan Romano's DFA and could still challenge. Blue Jays' save situation is murkier than it looks.
Bryan Baker
Leading Tampa Bay's revolving ninth inning with 3 saves in May, but Ian Seymour has also earned a save. The Rays don't have a defined hierarchy and haven't for weeks. Speculate on Baker as the slight favorite, but don't count on consistent volume.
Cade Smith
MLB-leading 16 saves across 23 appearances. The most reliable closer in baseball this year — no cracks in the role. Top-5 RP rest of season.
Aroldis Chapman
12 saves and a 14-game scoreless streak since April 7 (10-for-10 on chances in that span). The early-May velocity concern has faded — he's been dominant. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Paul Sewald
11 saves, 4-for-5 on opportunities this month. The career revival continues and the D-backs are winning enough close games to keep the volume flowing. Top-15 RP rest of season.
Kirby Yates
Blew a save Thursday and the velocity charts are flashing red — his fastball is down notably from his career norm. The Angels' manager still expresses trust, but the metrics warrant real caution. Fade in standard formats; the ninth-inning role is genuinely up for grabs.
Twins Committee
Yoendrys Gómez, Luis García, and Andrew Morris are all in the mix — Morris just notched his first career save. No clear hierarchy. Avoid in standard formats; speculate on García as the slight leverage favorite if forced to choose.
Cade Smith
15 saves (MLB lead); 9-of-10 scoreless over his last 10 outings. The Guardians' bullpen has fully settled around him. Top-5 RP rest of season.
Bryan Baker
13 saves with 1.03 WHIP through 20.1 IP. Tampa's bullpen has been steady — Baker is the unquestioned 9th-inning arm. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Devin Williams
10-game scoreless streak now. 37%+ K-BB rate and 0.34 WHIP over the stretch. Mets' offense produces close games regularly. Top-7 RP rest of season.
Andrés Muñoz
2nd blown save this week — Closer Monkey flags him as overworked. The Mariners may rest him for a game or two; Jose A. Ferrer is the next-up. Hold but monitor the next 2 outings; if he settles, the role is fine.
Riley O'Brien
4th blown save of the year. Closer Monkey: 'trending toward second half.' Hold for now — the Cardinals haven't named an alternative — but the slider whiff rate is down and George Soriano is the speculative next-up if O'Brien continues to slip.
Aroldis Chapman
11 saves with 13 straight scoreless outings. 0.87 WHIP, 19 K vs. 6 BB across 12.2 IP. The Red Sox have him locked through at least the All-Star break. Top-8 RP rest of season.
Jhoan Duran
8 saves; 3 straight conversions with multi-K outings each time. The Phillies' offense produces enough close wins to keep his volume elite. Top-10 RP rest of season.
David Bednar
Three multi-run outings in a row, 1.62 WHIP, fastball velocity down 1.3 mph from 2025. Closer Monkey is increasingly concerned. Hold for now but Luke Weaver / Whitlock are worth preemptive deep-league claims.
Antonio Senzatela
Now the leading vote-getter in Colorado's bullpen-by-committee. Vodnik is a full fade per Closer Monkey. Juan Mejia and Jaden Hill are alternate sources. Deep-league speculative add only.
Twins Committee
First team in MLB this year with 8+ different pitchers earning a save. Luis García, Eric Orze, and Taylor Rogers are the three with most usage. The volume is real but the unpredictability makes them all deep-league fliers.
Bryan Baker
12th save with a 1.08 WHIP, 23 K vs. 8 BB over the year. The Rays' bullpen has stabilized around him. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Lucas Erceg
11 saves; 6-of-7 conversions since April 21. With Bubic on IL and the Royals leaning into their bullpen for tight games, Erceg's volume should climb. Top-12 RP rest of season.
Devin Williams
9-game scoreless streak with 4 straight save conversions and a 0.346 WHIP. The Mets' offense is producing nightly. Top-7 RP rest of season.
David Bednar
Second blown save Monday — gave up the game-tying HR to Tyrone Taylor. Fastball velocity is 95.8 mph (down from 97.1 last year). Hold for now but Luke Weaver / Garrett Whitlock-style backups are worth speculating on if you have an RP slot to burn.
Seranthony Domínguez
Third blown save and the third multi-run outing in a row in his new CWS role. The role is fragile — Brandon Eisert and Jordan Leasure are the next-up options if the White Sox decide to make a change. Hold but monitor.
Devin Williams
6 saves, scoreless in 8 consecutive outings. 0.261 WHIP and 37.5% K-BB% over his last 7.2 IP. Locked in the Mets' 9th inning. Top-7 RP rest of season — claim anywhere he's still floating.
Cade Smith
14 saves, 11 consecutive conversions. 31 K vs. 5 BB across 21.2 IP. Most consistent closer in MLB. Top-7 RP rest of season.
Aroldis Chapman
10 saves still locked, but Closer Monkey flagged the velocity drop (below 98 mph for the season — down from his 100 mph career average). 46.9% hard-hit rate. Garrett Whitlock is the next-up option if Chapman slips. Hold but monitor.
Antonio Senzatela
Just secured his first traditional save Sunday in the ninth. Ranks 5th in WPA among qualified relievers and manager hasn't named a defined closer with Herget on IL. Deployment is fluid — high-leverage specialist as much as ninth-inning lock. Deep-league add for saves chasers.
Rays Committee
Bryan Baker and others failing to close decisively. Tampa Bay's bullpen hierarchy is unstable. Avoid in standard formats; Cole Sulser is the vulture pick if you must speculate.
Mason Miller
MLB-leading 14 saves, 0.63 SIERA, 55.7% K-rate. The most dominant closer in baseball. Hierarchy is Miller / Adam / Estrada — Miller is untouchable. Top-5 RP rest of season.
Kenley Jansen
Scoreless in 4 straight, multi-K outings in 3 consecutive. Tigers offense is producing close wins. Top-15 RP rest of season.
Raisel Iglesias
Scoreless since August 30, 2025 — 26.1 IP and counting. 26 consecutive saves. Top-5 RP rest of season; the most consistent closer in the league.
Gregory Soto
2nd blown save this week; Don Kelly called him out for 'trying to be too fine.' 50% strike rate on 30 pitches Friday. Drop in standard formats — Bidois is the rising alternative.
David Bednar
Runs allowed in 5 of 8 recent appearances. .364 BABIP masks ugly underlying metrics. Drop in standard formats; the Yankees may turn to a committee setup soon.
Tanner Scott
0.574 WHIP with 14 K vs. 2 BB across 15.2 IP since April 4. Scott is now the unquestioned Dodgers closer even when Edwin Díaz returns. Top-8 RP rest of season.
Riley O'Brien
13 saves, 5-of-6 conversions in May. The Cardinals are winning enough close games to drive volume. Top-15 RP rest of season — claim if somehow on your wire.
Jhoan Duran
7 saves; his recent post-IL outing showed full health. Phillies offense is firing (Schwarber, Harper) so closer chances will continue piling up. Top-12 RP rest of season.
Pirates Committee
Soto and Santana both blew leads in Friday's extra-inning loss. Pittsburgh's bullpen is now a true chaos committee; neither is reliable for saves chasers. Avoid in standard formats.
Jack Perkins
2nd blown save in last 4 outings; the A's may shift to Hogan Harris or Luis Medina shortly. Drop in standard formats; monitor next 5-7 days for committee resolution.
Raisel Iglesias
26 consecutive save conversions since July 28, 2025. 25.1-inning scoreless streak. The most dominant closer in baseball right now — top-5 RP rest of season. Claim if somehow on your wire.
Cade Smith
13 saves, 10-of-11 conversion rate over his last 14 appearances. Cleveland is winning close games and Smith is locked. Top-8 RP rest of season.
Mason Miller
13 saves with elite K production. The Padres' bullpen has been deep and Miller is the unquestioned ninth-inning arm. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Paul Sewald
Just suffered an ugly blown save. Still has the role for now (9 saves on the year) but Closer Monkey is monitoring the next few outings closely. Hold — don't drop — but back-up alternatives in deeper leagues might be Justin Martinez.
Tony Santillan
HRs in four consecutive appearances; velocity 2 mph below last year. The Reds' bullpen meltdown continues. Graham Ashcraft is leveraged ahead of him for saves. Fade in standard formats.
Cade Smith
13 saves, sub-1.50 ERA, 33.3% whiff rate. The most reliable closer in baseball this year. Top-5 RP rest of season — claim if somehow on your wire.
Mason Miller
13 saves (tied for MLB lead). San Diego picked him up over the winter and he's been everything advertised — elite velocity plus a Padres bullpen that gets him into save chances. Top-8 RP rest of season.
Raisel Iglesias
7 saves, scoreless streak since season start, 0.60 WHIP, 34.2% K-BB rate. The cleanest 9th-inning arm in the NL East. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Paul Sewald
Blew his first save of the year Wednesday. Manager A.J. Hinch says he keeps the role, but the leash is tightened. Hold but monitor the next 2-3 chances closely.
Rays Committee
Baker/Seymour/Kelly all getting high-leverage looks. Pete Fairbanks just activated from IL — could reclaim the closer role outright in the next week. Hold Fairbanks; Baker is a fade unless Cash names him outright.
Bryan Baker
11 saves and a 9-game scoreless streak. Tampa's bullpen is one of the league's best and Baker is the unquestioned ninth-inning arm. Top-8 RP rest of season — claim if somehow on your wire.
Paul Sewald
9 saves with a 0.68 WHIP. The career revival is real and the D-backs are winning enough close games to drive volume. Top-12 RP rest of season.
Andrés Muñoz
8 saves but a 5.63 ERA — the surface ERA hides good underlying stuff (78.6% strike rate in his last outing, improved pitch mix). The role is locked. Top-20 RP rest of season.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Yates is collapsing (4 ER in 2/3 IP, velocity down 2 mph). Zeferjahn is now the leverage choice for the Angels — first up for saves when chances come. Deep-league add but the Angels don't win many close ones.
Giants Committee
Peguero and Kilian splitting the 9th. Manager Bob Melvin reportedly 'may not name a closer this season.' Avoid in standard formats — the volume isn't worth the unpredictability. Watch Joel Peguero as the leverage favorite if forced to pick one.
Pete Fairbanks
Activated Tuesday and reclaims the closer role per Marlins manager. Faucher / Cabrera / Bender committee converted only 60% of save chances in his absence. Fairbanks was at 1.45 ERA pre-injury with 13 K / 1 BB. Top-15 RP rest of season — claim before tonight's lineup card.
Bryan Abreu
Closer Monkey's vulture-save priority. With Josh Hader still 12 days from return (May 24 estimate), Abreu has the high-leverage 9th locked. He earned his 4th save Sunday; if Hader is delayed at all, Abreu becomes a top-25 RP. Speculative add in 14+ team leagues.
Mason Miller
0.84 ERA, 23 K in 16 IP. The setup-to-closer story of the year — fully locked since Robert Suarez went out. Top-5 RP rest of season; claim immediately if available.
Aroldis Chapman
Extended his scoreless streak with another clean 9th Sunday. 0.807 WHIP, 13 K vs. 2 BB over the recent stretch. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Twins + Reds + Pirates Bullpens
Three genuine committees with no clear hierarchy. Twins: Luis García got his first save Saturday, but Eric Orze / Anthony Banda still rotate; Reds: Graham Ashcraft / Pierce Johnson split; Pirates: Soto leads Santana but neither is fully locked. Avoid in standard formats — the volatility is too high.
Pete Fairbanks
Activated Tuesday and resumes the closer role per Roberts. Marlins ran a committee in his absence and only converted 60% of save chances — Fairbanks is fully secure on return. 1.45 ERA pre-injury with 13 K/1 BB. Top-15 RP rest of season.
Mason Miller
The cleanest setup-to-closer story of the year. 0.84 ERA, 23 K in 16 IP, and the role is uncontested with Robert Suarez out. Top-5 RP rest of season — at this point he's the priority RP add in any league he's somehow available.
Paul Sewald
Sewald has the D-Backs' 9th locked since the role opened. Has converted 8 of 9 save chances. Top-15 RP rest of season — claim in any deep league still rostering him below 50%.
Tanner Scott
Díaz transferred to 60-day IL Sunday — Scott is the Dodgers' primary closer through at least mid-July. Alex Vesia still gets the occasional high-leverage look. The role is secure; just temper save-count expectations because LA's offense often blows games open.
Reds + Twins + A's Bullpens
Three genuine committees with no clear hierarchy. Twins used 6 different relievers for 7 saves this season (Luis García got his first Saturday); A's split between Perkins / Harris / Kuhnel; Reds' Ashcraft/Johnson committee is unstable. Fade all 3 bullpens in standard formats.
Aroldis Chapman
Extended his scoreless streak to 9 games with his 8th save. 0.807 WHIP, 13 K vs. 2 BB across recent outings. The Red Sox have him locked through at least the All-Star break. Top-10 RP rest of season.
Cade Smith
Notched his 11th save Saturday, has been the most reliable closer in baseball this year. Sub-1.50 ERA. Top-7 RP rest of season — claim immediately if somehow on your wire.
Louis Varland
5 saves, has converted 5-of-6 since late April. Toronto's offense keeps games close enough that the volume is real. Top-15 RP rest of season.
Kenley Jansen
Still nominally the closer but Kyle Finnegan blew Saturday's save and the Tigers' bullpen ranks bottom-5 in WPA over 14 days. Hold Jansen but the situation is fragile — Finnegan could take saves on Jansen's off-nights.
Reds + Rockies Bullpens
Tony Santillan (CIN) has allowed 5 HRs of his 15 hits this season — Graham Ashcraft is leveraged ahead of him. Jimmy Herget (COL) blew Friday's save; Vodnik and Mejia are preferred. Both bullpens are full crisis — fade in standard formats.
Cade Smith
Quietly the best closer in baseball right now. 11 saves, sub-1.50 ERA, 2 K in his clean ninth Friday. The Guardians are winning enough close games that the volume is real. Top-7 RP rest of season — claim immediately if he's somehow on your wire.
Lucas Erceg
Estévez's rotator cuff strain shut him down for at least 6+ weeks (3-week no-throw, then ramp). Erceg is locked. Top-12 RP rest of season — still on the wire in 53% of leagues. Last call.
Riley O'Brien
11 saves, clean ninth Friday with a strikeout. The Cardinals' rotation is keeping games close; O'Brien's getting plenty of work. Top-15 RP rest of season.
Gregory Soto
Picked up his 3rd save Friday with a clean ninth. Splitting save chances with Dennis Santana but is now clearly the leverage choice — Soto leads in usage and has the back-to-back saves. Pirates' games are infrequent but the role is real for now. Add in deep formats.
Reds Bullpen
The full crisis. -1.87 WPA over the last 7 days, 8 meltdowns on the year, 7-game losing streak. Tony Santillan is the nominal closer but the Reds aren't winning anything close. Avoid every Reds reliever in standard formats.
Lucas Erceg
Estévez's rotator cuff strain shuts him down for 3 weeks (return mid-to-late June at earliest). Erceg is locked as the KC closer through at least mid-summer. Top-12 RP rest of season; claim in any league he's still floating.
Tony Santillan
Inherits the Reds' 9th with Pagán out 4-8 weeks. Graham Ashcraft is a co-closer threat — recently blew a save which created some uncertainty. Santillan has the experience edge (7 saves last season). Hold and monitor usage; Ashcraft is the speculative second add.
Gregory Soto
Earned his 2nd save in as many days Thursday. Splitting the 9th with Dennis Santana — Soto leads in usage but Santana still gets save chances. Pirates win games infrequently; both arms are deep-league only.
Caleb Kilian
Closer Monkey notes Kilian is part of an 'obvious closer-by-committee' with Keaton Winn and Joel Peguero. The Giants' 9th is unsettled and likely stays that way. Avoid in standard formats.
Rico Garcia
Picked up his 2nd save Thursday — 0.412 WHIP across 17 IP is genuinely elite. Andrew Kittredge is the alternative if Hyde shifts; Garcia is the priority Baltimore add for saves chasers. Top-30 RP rest of season.
Tony Santillan
Pagán's hamstring is a 4-8 week absence — Santillan inherits the Reds' 9th. He had 7 saves last year and a 27% K-rate this year. Graham Ashcraft is a co-closer threat (just earned his first career save), but Santillan is the priority add.
Lucas Erceg
Estévez's rehab setback (shoulder discomfort) means Erceg's hold on the Royals' 9th is now indefinite. He's a top-15 RP rest of season — claim in any league where he's still floating.
Caleb Kilian
Got the first MLB save Monday; the Giants' 9th-inning hierarchy is still murky behind him with Erik Miller IL'd and Ryan Walker scuffling. Hold Kilian in deep leagues; Robert Garcia or Walker could re-enter the picture.
Calvin Faucher
Fairbanks is still out and the Marlins' 9th is a committee with Faucher, Anthony Bender, and Tyler Phillips. Faucher worked the 9th in a loss Sunday but the role rotation continues. Avoid in standard.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Kirby Yates was activated from the IL Tuesday; Closer Monkey notes he'll be eased into leverage. Until then, Zeferjahn stays the lead Angels save candidate. Hold in saves-needy formats.
Caleb Kilian
Got the first MLB save Monday vs. SD — struck out Tatis Jr. and Machado. With Miller IL'd and Walker scuffling, Kilian is the lead candidate to inherit the Giants' saves. Speculative-add in 12+ team formats now.
Kenley Jansen
Returned from the groin injury but velocity was down a tick and command was erratic per Closer Monkey. Kyle Finnegan moves up the hierarchy as backup. Hold but add Finnegan as protection in saves-needy formats.
Tony Santillan
Pagán's leash is officially gone (3 blown saves, 56.8% hard-hit, 4.72 xERA). Santillan is the most likely beneficiary of a role flip. Drop Pagán in 12-team; speculate-add Santillan in deep formats.
Lucas Erceg
Closer Monkey notes Estévez and Hader scheduled for Triple-A appearances. Until they're cleared, Erceg is the locked KC closer — top-15 RP rest of next 4 weeks.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Continues to lead the LAA committee post-Suárez DFA. Kirby Yates was activated from the IL Tuesday and could re-enter the picture in the coming days. Hold Zeferjahn in saves-needy formats.
Caleb Kilian
Earned his first big-league save Monday vs. SD (1 IP, 1 ER, 2 K). With Erik Miller on the IL (back) and Ryan Walker scuffling, Kilian is the lead candidate to inherit save chances near-term. Speculative-add in saves-needy 12+ team leagues.
Rico Garcia
Closer Monkey notes Garcia continues to be deployed against elite hitters in non-9th high-leverage spots — Hyde won't save him for save situations during this Yankees series. Still the top BAL save candidate when matchups normalize.
Emilio Pagán
Justin Mason flagged Pagán's collapse as the next saves role to flip — 6.43 ERA, 3 blown saves, and the leash is gone. Tony Santillan is the most likely beneficiary in Cincinnati. Drop Pagán in 12-team formats; speculate-add Santillan in deep saves leagues.
Calvin Faucher
Closer Monkey notes Faucher worked the 9th in a loss Sunday and may get the same inning with a lead. Tyler Phillips and Anthony Bender share the committee. Hold Phillips if rostered; Faucher is a deep-league add only.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Closer Monkey says Zeferjahn is 'emerging as one of the most trusted relievers' for Kurt Suzuki post-Suárez DFA. Still a closer-by-committee with Sam Bachman, but Zeferjahn is the lead. Deep-league saves speculation.
Rico Garcia
Still the top save candidate in Baltimore with Helsley out, but the Yankees series puts him in non-9th high-leverage spots. The risk: Hyde may not save him for save situations until BAL is out of NYY. Hold and add Yennier Cano as backup.
Kenley Jansen
Still day-to-day with the groin/abdomen issue but per Tuesday's update, was available to pitch. Kyle Finnegan ascends to the next-up spot per Closer Monkey. Hold with Tommy Kahnle as protection.
Lucas Erceg
8 saves and counting — but Estevez's rehab status remains uncertain, which means the role could be tested when he's ready. For now, Erceg is the play; consider him a top-15 RP rest of the next 4-6 weeks.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Closer Monkey flagged Zeferjahn and Sam Bachman as the post-Suárez Angels save sources. Kirby Yates and Ben Joyce are on rehab paths and may take over later in May. Speculative-add Zeferjahn in deep saves leagues only.
Justin Topa
Cole Sands' IL stint shifts more of the chaos onto Topa, but the Twins' bullpen remains a closer-by-committee. Funderburk and the rest of the group rotate; no clear hierarchy. Avoid in standard.
Rico Garcia
Closer Monkey now lists Garcia as the top save candidate in Baltimore with Helsley on the IL. The risk: he's the team's best high-leverage RHP, so Hyde might use him in the 7th-8th vs. Aaron Judge instead of saving him for the 9th. Still the best speculative add of the day in saves-needy formats.
Kenley Jansen
Day-to-day with groin/abdomen issues and unavailable for at least the next game. With Vest also IL'd, Tommy Kahnle is the most likely backup save source. Hold Jansen if rostered but add Kahnle as protection.
Tyler Phillips
Still leading the Marlins' committee with Fairbanks out. Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender remain in the mix, but Phillips has the highest-leverage usage. Hold if rostered.
Tanner Scott
Roberts continues to mix Scott with Vesia and Treinen — and continues to use Scott in losing high-leverage spots, which kills his fantasy value. Sell if you can; the talent is real but the role isn't producing.
Hunter Gaddis
Closer Monkey explicitly placed Gaddis 'on watch' after another rough outing — multiple hits and walks. Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski remain alternative options. Hold but don't trade for him.
Yennier Cano
With Helsley on the IL and Bautista not back until September, the Orioles are in full committee. Cano is the top setup arm (especially vs. lefties); Seranthony Domínguez and Andrew Kittredge are the other save candidates. Speculate-add Cano now in 12+ team formats.
Tyler Phillips
Still leading the Marlins' committee with Fairbanks out — has 2 saves and the highest-leverage usage. Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender remain in the mix. Hold if rostered.
Tanner Scott
Roberts is still mixing and matching with Vesia and Treinen. Closer Monkey notes Scott was deployed in losing high-leverage spots again — fantasy value remains low until Roberts commits. Sell if you can find a believer.
Will Vest
Closer Monkey flagged Vest as the next-up audition arm if Finnegan is unavailable. Tigers' bullpen depth chart now reads Perkins / Harris / Leiter Jr. behind, but Vest is the saves dark horse. Deep-league speculative add.
Victor Vodnik
2.052 WHIP and runs allowed in three of his last four outings — the leash is short. Antonio Senzatela is the alternative in a Rockies committee. Avoid in standard leagues; deep-only if you're chasing saves.
Kenley Jansen
Three blown saves in nine chances and a 1.637 WHIP for the Tigers' new closer. The Olson walk-off in Atlanta on Wednesday was on Jansen, who entered with a one-run lead and walked Albies before serving up the bomb. A.J. Hinch is publicly committed, but Kyle Finnegan picked up Friday's save and Will Vest is auditioning. Hold; don't acquire.
Tyler Phillips
Still leading the Marlins committee with Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender behind. Got the lead share again Wednesday. With Fairbanks out 2-3 more weeks, the priority-add window from yesterday's issue still stands.
Will Vest
Closer Monkey flagged Vest as auditioning for a larger role — Kyle Finnegan picked up his first save Friday and Jansen-the-non-Tigers-version closer (their Kenley Jansen) keeps the primary role, but Vest's stuff is the sharpest in the pen. Speculative add in deep/holds leagues.
Hunter Gaddis
Cade Smith is still the priority arm in the Cleveland leverage hierarchy with Gaddis as the secondary option. No fresh updates from the ledger; the role hasn't formally moved but Gaddis isn't the answer for save chasers.
Eric Orze
Second blown save Wednesday — 3 ER, 2 BB in one inning. The Twins bullpen is a fantasy black hole right now; avoid in leagues where saves don't pay extra for risk. Watch for Brock Stewart or Cole Sands to emerge.
Tyler Phillips
Second save Tuesday — Closer Monkey now lists him as the lead arm in the Marlins committee with Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender behind. Fairbanks could come back in 2-3 weeks, so the window is real. Add now if you didn't yesterday — saves are saves.
Tanner Scott
Roberts continues to burn Scott in non-save high-leverage spots, killing his fantasy value despite real talent. Vesia and Treinen rotate in 9th-inning roles with no clear hierarchy. Sell if you can find a believer; otherwise just stomach the volatility.
Seranthony Domínguez
Closer Monkey confirms Domínguez maintains the closer role despite a 1.417 WHIP — Grant Taylor and Jordan Hicks are the next-up arms. Bryan Hudson got Monday's save situationally, but the regular role goes through Domínguez. Hold if rostered, but don't pay closer prices.
Hunter Gaddis
No fresh update from the ledger, but Monday's blown save lingers. Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski remain the alternative options if Cleveland formally pivots. Gaddis still gets the next chance — but the rope is short.
Dennis Santana
Walk rate has doubled (13.8% vs. 6.3%), the xERA is 4.63, and he's already taken two losses. Pittsburgh has publicly backed him, but the next blown save likely flips the role. Avoid in deep leagues.
Tyler Phillips
With Fairbanks now officially on the IL, Phillips is the lead candidate to inherit save chances per the FanGraphs Riteup, having already recorded one. Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender will mix in — but Phillips is the priority add until usage clarifies.
Dennis Santana
Second blown save / second loss Monday with 4 ER on 0 outs. Walk rate has doubled (13.8% vs. 6.3% in 2025) and his 4.63 xERA is alarming. Management still publicly supports him, but the leash is short. Avoid in deep leagues, monitor in others.
Tanner Scott
Still no clear hierarchy between Scott, Alex Vesia, and Blake Treinen, despite Scott's prior dominance. Roto Riteup flagged the situation as one to avoid — none of the three are reliable for saves week to week. Don't pay closer prices for any of them.
Hunter Gaddis
First loss and first blown save Monday — gave up a game-tying solo HR without recording an out. Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski are alternative options, and the role hasn't been formally locked. Hold if rostered, but don't acquire as your only closer.
Grant Taylor
Bryan Hudson, not Taylor, got the 9th Monday and earned his first career save. Could be matchup-driven, but worth watching whether the White Sox formally pivot. Hudson is a deep-league speculative add; Taylor stays in the mix for now.
Louis Varland
3rd save Sunday with 4 K in 20 pitches. Jeff Hoffman continues to implode (3 blown saves, 7.59 ERA). Varland has clearly seized the role despite the 'committee' label. Must-add in all leagues — 49% rostered and climbing fast.
Pete Fairbanks
NEW CONCERN: Left Monday's game with numbness in his hand. Has Raynaud's Syndrome history. If he hits the IL, Calvin Faucher leads a committee with Anthony Bender and Tyler Phillips. Monitor daily.
Mason Miller
Scoreless streak ended at 34.2 IP on a controversial umpire call, but he still earned the save. Season line: 1.26 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 28:2 K:BB. Undisputed closer. Don't overreact — top-3 reliever in fantasy.
Riley O'Brien
JoJo Romero also blew it Sunday (go-ahead pinch-hit HR). The Cardinals' 9th inning remains a total mess with O'Brien and Romero both failing in save situations. Avoid unless desperate.
Bryan Hudson
Picked up an emergency save in Monday's 8-7 win over the Angels. Seranthony Dominguez remains the primary closer, but Hudson showed he can handle the role if needed. Deep-league stash only.
Louis Varland
3rd save on Sunday. Still technically a 'committee' per the front office but he's clearly the guy — dominant peripherals and earning consecutive save chances. Must-add if not already rostered.
Tanner Scott
Gave up the go-ahead HR Friday and confidence is shaky with Díaz out. Alex Vesia lurking as the next man up. Scott still has the most saves but the leash is shortening. Hold but have Vesia stashed.
Jack Perkins
Earned save #2 Sunday behind Mason Miller (10 saves, 34.2 scoreless IP franchise record). If Miller ever misses time, Perkins is next in line. Stash only in the deepest of leagues.
Riley O'Brien
Second blown save on Saturday — surrendered 4 hits, 2 ER with a pathetic 7.7% SwStr%. JoJo Romero also lost Sunday (go-ahead pinch-hit HR). The Cardinals' 9th inning is a mess. Avoid unless desperate for saves.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Angels bullpen in full disarray after Jordan Romano was DFA'd (2.125 WHIP) and Kirby Yates' rehab is going poorly (velocity down, gave up 3-run HR in AAA). Zeferjahn leads a three-man committee with Drew Pomeranz and Sam Bachman. Avoid in shallow leagues.
Louis Varland
2nd save on 4/25 (allowed 1 run on 3 hits in the 9th). Still labeled a 'committee' by the front office but he's clearly the guy — 0.00 ERA, 19 K in 13 IP. The only knock: he gave up a run for the first time Friday. Still a must-add.
Tanner Scott
Gave up the go-ahead homer to Swanson on Friday after Treinen blew the save in the 8th. The Dodgers' closer situation is a mess with Díaz out. Scott still has the most saves but confidence is shaky. Vesia lurking.
Jacob Latz
Per today's Closer Monkey Ledger, Latz has entered the Rangers' save share. He carries a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 IP. Worth monitoring in deeper leagues where saves are scarce.
Corbin Martin
Earned his 1st career save Friday (1-2-3 9th vs. Dodgers), but Phil Maton is expected to be activated within two days per MLBTR. Martin's window may be short — only add if you need saves this week.
Robert Suarez
3rd save as Iglesias' replacement. Has a 0.93 ERA in 10 appearances. The Braves signed him for $45M as a setup man but he led the NL with 40 saves for the Padres last year. He can handle the role — add now, ride until Iglesias returns in early May.
Louis Varland
Hoffman removed after 7.59 ERA and 3 BS. Varland has a 0.00 ERA with 19 K in 13 IP — he is the frontrunner despite the 'committee' label. Add immediately.
Tanner Scott
Díaz out ~3 months (elbow surgery). Scott getting bulk of chances; Vesia has 2 saves and a 0.00 ERA in 8.2 IP as the secondary option.
Enyel De Los Santos
Hader on 60-day IL (bicep). Abreu imploding (14.73 ERA, velo down 2 mph). De Los Santos has converted the last two chances.
Robert Suarez
Raisel Iglesias on 15-day IL (shoulder inflammation). Suarez is the easy pivot; Iglesias eligible to return early May.
Ben Brown
Palencia (oblique) was closer, Thielbar filled in but now on IL too (hamstring). Five relievers on IL. Brown (2.37 ERA, 26% K rate) is next man up by default.
Tanner Scott
Frontrunner for Díaz's closer role. Elite LHP reliever. Add immediately — biggest saves opportunity of the month. Vesia and Treinen also in the mix.
Enyel De Los Santos
Hader on 60-day IL, Javier to 60-day IL. Houston's pitching crisis is total. De Los Santos has saves but no clear hierarchy.
Caleb Thielbar
Picked up first save of 2026. Scoreless in 3 straight with 7 K in 2.2 IP. Emerging as the Cubs' primary option.
Hunter Bigge
Workload concerns after 13-inning marathon. Englert to IL adds to bullpen strain. Fluid situation.
Caleb Thielbar
First save of 2026 — scoreless in 3 straight, 7 K in 2.2 IP. Could be emerging as the Cubs closer. Monitor for an expanded role.
Hunter Bigge
Per Closer Monkey, leverage ladder running on fumes after 13-inning game. Baker threw 31 pitches, Jax in 3 straight. Workload concerns make this a fluid situation.
Enyel De Los Santos
Hader on 60-day IL. De Los Santos has saves but Abreu showing improvement. No clear hierarchy — committee until Hader returns late May.
Jose Suarez
Picked up a 3-inning save Saturday while Iglesias rested. If Iglesias gets a lighter workload, Suarez could see more save chances as the secondary option.
Paul Sewald
MLB-leading 7 saves. 10-pitch save Saturday. Dominant.
Mason Miller
Extended scoreless streak continues. Elite K rate.
Jakob Junis
Consistent. Rangers keep winning.
Jose Suarez
First save of the season — 3 IP, 2 H, 1 K. Raisel Iglesias presumably still the primary but Suarez getting high-leverage work.
Enyel De Los Santos
Hader on 60-day IL. De Los Santos has saves but the committee continues. Bryan Abreu showing signs of life.
Paul Sewald
Perfect conversion rate. No threats.
Mason Miller
Extended scoreless streak per Closer Monkey. Dominant K rate. Jeffrey Springs now primarily starting.
Jakob Junis
Sub-1.00 WHIP. Rangers keep winning.
Bryan Baker
Picked up a save Friday per Closer Monkey. Monitor for an expanded role — the Rays bullpen has been in flux all season.
Enyel De Los Santos
Hader to 60-day IL. De Los Santos has 2 saves but Abreu had 1.1 scoreless IP this week. Committee until further notice.
Paul Sewald
Perfect conversion rate continues. No threats anywhere.
Jakob Junis
Sub-1.00 WHIP. Rangers keep winning, Junis keeps saving.
Jeffrey Springs
1.47 ERA, 0.76 WHIP. Still doing double duty as closer and spot starter. Elite.
Andrés Muñoz
Walked Machado, allowed multiple hits in a 4-run lead. Per Closer Monkey, shaky command in recent outings. Watch for committee.
Enyel De Los Santos
2nd save while Hader rehabs. Abreu had 1.1 scoreless IP — bullpen stabilizing but still no clear hierarchy.
Paul Sewald
Elite WHIP, perfect conversion. Set and forget.
Jakob Junis
Sub-1.00 WHIP, no threats. Texas wins keep coming.
Jeffrey Springs
1.47 ERA, 0.76 WHIP. Closing while making spot starts. Elite multi-cat asset.
Trevor Megill
First blown save Tuesday — 3 ER on 3 hits, 1 BB, only 1 whiff in 20 pitches. 7 ER over last 2 outings. Abner Uribe getting saves now.
Bryan Abreu
Hader still ~one month out. Abreu un-rosterable. Bryan King is the speculative add until Hader returns late April.