We have no time to talk, only to find saves. Let’s get right down to it.
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Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report
AL East
David Bednar remains the closer in New York. He has two saves this week, including one Friday night in a critical series with the Boston Red Sox. Perhaps interestingly, Devin Williams got holds in both of those saves. Luke Weaver has only pitched once this week, while Camilo Doval has pushed down to a middle relief role. This could all change based on success or failure; the Yankees have options.
Toronto looks like they are in turmoil. Jeff Hoffman remains the closer, but his struggles persist with the Blue Jays trying to close out the always competitive AL East. Hoffman earned a win and a loss this week. and is stuck on 30 saves with a tepid 4.76 ERA despite a strong 30.4% K%. My best guess is that if they decide to give Hoffman a break, they will go to Seranthony Dominguez, their top setup guy, who has 40 career saves. Hoffman is definitely on the hot seat.
AL Central
Three different relievers have saves for the Chicago White Sox this week: Jordan Leasure, Mike Vasil, and Tyler Gilbert. LEasure now has seven saves, and Vasil and Taylor each have four saves. The lean is Leasure; Vasil is a jack of all trades in this bullpen and has been a revelation as a Rule 5 pick. Taylor has shown flashes of brilliance but is hampered right now by a groin strain. The Sox will be careful with Taylor as they have no reason to push him hard to get back. This bullpen could be interesting in 2026: these guys return, and they may have uncovered a new weapon in Wikelman Gonzalez, acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade, who has a 1.56 ERA and a 29.6% K% in 17.1 innings this season.
Cade Smith has rebounded with three saves this week. He has 13 on the season now in relief of Emmanuel Clase, who is suspended indefinitely. Smith could be an in-demand closer in drafts next year, depending on what happens with Clase’s suspension. Continue to use Smith with confidence.
Will Vest is the closer in Detroit with Kyle Finnegan on the IL, but he had zero opportunities this week. Veteran starter Chris Paddack has the only save this week for Detroit.
Looks like we have a committee situation in Minnesota, where Justin Topa, the de facto closer, hit the IL this week. Cole Sands is maybe the top choice, with Kody Funderburk and Michael Tonkin also possibly getting chances. Avoid this one, friends.
AL West
I still have no idea who the closer is for the Athletics, although Sean Newcomb did earn his first save Friday night. This could also be a committee down the stretch, with Elvis Alvarado and Hogan Harris also getting shots at it. Avoid unless desperate.
What a year for Andres Munoz in Seattle: 34 saves, including three this week, with a 1.60 ERA and 31.9% K% as the Mariners fight for the AL West crown in the season’s final weeks.
Shawn Armstrong has locked down the job in Texas. The Rangers are making a late push for a playoff spot, and Armstrong’s contributions have been solid. Armstrong now has eight saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 26% K%. Phil Maton earned a save on Wednesday, getting the last two outs for Armstrong, who has pitched the eighth and got one out in the ninth inning. I am comfortable with Armstrong being listed as the closer here; Maton and lefty Robert Garcia are best served in setup roles as this team fights for its playoff life.
NL East
The closer committee in Miami, consisting of Calvin Faucher, Ronny Henriquez, and Tyler Phillips, has no saves this week. Ho hum.
New York closer Edwin Diaz has only pitched once this week as the Mets continue to struggle. Diaz remains the closer and has 26 saves with a 1.80 ERA and a 38.4% K%.
Jhoan Duran continues to look terrific in Philadelphia, with two more saves added to his ledger this week, giving him 29 in 2025. Lefty Jose Alvarado went on the IL this week with a forearm strain that could end his season. He is not eligible for the playoffs anyway due to his earlier suspension this season. Matt Strahm and David Robertson look to be the top options for holds right now.
Jose A. Ferrer is making a strong case in Washington to be their closer in 2026: three more saves this week added to his total of eight to go with 21 holds.
NL Central
Chicago: With Daniel Palencia out with a shoulder strain, veteran Andrew Kittredge has stepped in and nabbed the last two saves for the Cubs. Brad Keller and Caleb Thielbar are the top setup options. It is unknown when Palencia may return, but he did play catch on Friday, so he seems to be working his way back. Kittredge might be a nice pickup this weekend if you need last-minute saves.
Changing of the guard in Cincinnati? Tony Santillan might be the closer now. He had two critical saves this week, while Emilio Pagan had the other for a team fighting for its playoff lives. Starter Chase Burns has also been added to the bullpen as another weapon there. Pagan has 27 saves, and Santillan has six this season. I will be watching this one carefully.
In Milwaukee, Abner Uribe remains the closer, even without any save situations this week. Trevor Megill had a setback this week with his elbow, but is throwing a bullpen on Saturday and cold face hitters next week. Keeo Uribe in those lineups.
NL West
Blown save chances abound this week in Arizona. Injuries have ravaged this bullpen. When Andreww Saalfrank, Jake Woodford, and Taylor Rashi are your committee, you do not have a closer. Pass.
Things are messy in Los Angeles, where nobody seems to be able to throw a strike. Tanner Scott has one save this week. Blake Treinen took a loss last night, and he doesn’t look right to me; something is off there. Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates are back, but pitching in middle relief, essentially. Scott should remain the nominal choice here, but with the playoffs looming, the Dodgers will most certainly move some of their six starters to the bullpen. Perhaps Roki Sasaki returns and fills a role here, too? It will be interesting to watch, although I admittedly dream of seeing Shohei Ohtani close games…a guy can dream, right?
Robert Suarez remains the closer in San Diego with 37 saves, set up by Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon.
Ryan Walker should get all the chances down the stretch in San Francisco; the team announced this week that Randy Rodriguez would have Tommy John surgery later this month and be out for all of 2026.
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