The saves category is always a tricky draft question. Do you punt the position for a player who may only contribute majorly in one category, or do you stock up on two or three closers to ensure you win that fantasy baseball category?
Recently, I addressed this scenario in an article on when fantasy managers should select a closer. With the closer role, there are elite options, players who may reach 20 to 25 saves, and then the players who are in a timeshare.
If you find yourself trying to find a closer later in the draft, then these (except Smith) may be relief pitching sleepers who fantasy managers may want to keep an eye on for their drafts.
2026 Fantasy Baseball: Relief Pitcher Sleepers
Cade Smith – Cleveland Guardians (ADP: 61)
Cade Smith is currently the fifth-ranked closer, so what makes him a sleeper? Well, the Cleveland Guardians have had 219 save opportunities over the last three seasons. With Emmanuel Clase out of the picture, Smith is now the recipient of those ninth-inning opportunities. He took over the role full-time last season on July 28, converting seven of 10 opportunities in the second half of the regular season.
Overall, he recorded 16 saves and 19 holds, though he blew 6 saves. The reason I believe Smith is a sleeper is that he has dynamic stuff on the mound. Over 73.2 innings, he posted an impressive 1.95 FIP and had a 34.7 strikeout percentage last season. He also held batters to a .199 batting average.
The Guardians’ offense isn’t built to outscore opponents by a large margin; they prefer to get an early lead and lean on their bullpen to secure the win. Last season, the bullpen finished third in ERA (3.44) and second in saves (47). Which means Smith can easily be the best closer this season and should be drafted as such.
Daniel Palencia – Chicago Cubs (ADP: 150)
Daniel Palencia was outstanding in his first season as the Chicago Cubs’ closer. He converted 22 of his 25 save opportunities despite struggling down the stretch. His 3.08 FIP was average, but he posted a 25 strikeout percentage and held batters to a .182 batting average. He allowed 17 earned runs, but 11 of those came in August and September.
The Cubs aren’t like the Guardians; they are built to put up runs. However, the Cubs are projected to win 84 games, which means Palencia will likely have ample opportunities to close out the ninth inning. Being ranked 19th among closers seems criminal, given the potential the right-hander possesses.
Closer Situations to Monitor
Abner Uribe – Milwaukee Brewers (ADP: 198)
The Milwaukee Brewers’ closer situation is an enticing one. They are projected to win 81 games, which means whoever can win the closer role will have ample opportunities for saves. I love the stuff Uribe has on the mound, so I believe one day he will be a stud closer. I don’t know if it’ll be this year, though.
Last season as a setup man in front of Trevor Megill, Uribe posted 37 holds, a 2.75 FIP, and had a 30.2 strikeout percentage. Walks were a major issue in Uribe’s game, but he reduced them last season, going from 18.2 percent to 9.1 percent.
Megill went down with a right elbow flexor strain late last season, and Uribe converted five of his seven saves in Megill’s place. Megill did everything he needed to last season to hold on to the closer role this season. However, if he struggles or suffers an injury, be ready to grab Uribe off the waiver wire if he goes undrafted.
Clayton Beeter – Washington Nationals (ADP: 389)
The backend of the Washington Nationals’ bullpen is a little messy. Clayton Beeter is the best option to be the closer, but he’s projected to split time closing games with Cole Henry. Neither pitcher is an elite option, as neither has been truly impressive in their limited MLB experiences.
Beeter had a cup of coffee with the New York Yankees in 2024, throwing 3.2 innings. He then joined the Nationals at last season’s trade deadline in the deal that sent Amed Rosario to the Yankees.
In 25.1 innings between both teams last season, Beeter posted an awful 4.20 FIP and had a 17.3 walk percentage. However, he did limit hitters to a .151 batting average against him. The average was even more impressive while with the Nationals (.114) over 21.2 innings. He also posted a 38.1 strikeout percentage in his time span with the Nationals last season.
Henry made his MLB debut last season, throwing 52.2 innings, but his stats were mostly worse. He posted a 5.34 FIP, and his strikeout rate was only 21.6 percent. Though he was better at not walking batters (13.3 percent), it’s still an awful stat.
Beeter should get the save opportunities early, but this situation may be more of a timeshare. Definitely a scenario that fantasy managers should keep an eye on.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.
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