Although the fantasy community craves stability, especially in the world of relievers, chaos reigns supreme. The good news is that this keeps me employed. Formulating rankings is challenging because of the inherent uncertainty of multiple teams and potential roles in their respective bullpens. Because of this, relievers on some teams may not appear in my Top 40, but things change constantly before opening day.
Before delving into the rankings, which will be fluid moving forward, some perspective helps. First, the save trends over the past five full seasons:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rjQvu/2/
Fewer relievers recorded 20 saves than in 2023, and the divide grew deeper for closers accruing at least 30 saves last year. There is more than one way to target saves during a team build. Fantasy managers should play to their strengths in approaching the volatile category. More strategy articles will be posted before the season begins, so here are nine fun facts about relievers from 2024 before my rankings are revealed.
Nine relievers had 50 games finished or more in 2024:
- Emmanuel Clase (66)
- Josh Hader, Ryan Helsley (62)
- Kyle Finnegan (58)
- Robert Suarez (55)
- Raisel Iglesias (52)
- Alexis Díaz, Clay Holmes, Kirby Yates (50)
Eight relievers secured at least 30 saves:
- Ryan Helsley (49)
- Emmanuel Clase (47)
- Kyle Finnegan (38)
- Robert Suarez (36)
- Josh Hader (34)
- Raisel Iglesias, Kirby Yates (33)
- Clay Holmes (30)
Seven qualified relievers recorded a K-BB rate of 20% or better, a strike rate greater than 66%, a swinging-strike rate above 16% and a contact rate allowed below 68%:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rjQvu/2/
Six qualified relievers posted a swinging strike rate of over 18%:
- Josh Hader (20.5%)
- Dylan Lee (20.2%)
- Mason Miller (19.6%)
- Griffin Jax (18.4%)
- Jason Adam (18.4%)
- Jeremiah Estrada (18.2%)
Five pitchers recorded more than 100 strikeouts as relievers:
- Josh Hader (105)
- Mason Miller (104)
- Bryan Abreu, Cade Smith, Luke Weaver (103)
Four relievers had at least 10 saves and 20 holds:
- Aroldis Chapman (14 saves, 22 holds)
- Griffin Jax (10 saves, 24 holds)
- Ryan Walker (10 saves, 21 holds)
- Jeff Hoffman (10 saves, 21 holds)
Three qualified relievers recorded a WHIP of less than 0.75:
- Emmanuel Clase (0.66)
- Bryan Hudson (0.72)
- Raisel Iglesias (0.74)
Two qualified relievers had a K-BB rate of at least 30%:
- Mason Miller (33.3)
- A.J. Puk (30)
One qualified reliever had a SIERA below 2.00 in 2024 — Mason Miller (1.91).
Top 40 Relievers for Fantasy Baseball 2025
Tier 1
1. Emmanuel Clase, CLE
2. Josh Hader, HOU
3. Mason Miller, OAK
4. Ryan Helsley, STL
5. Edwin Díaz, NYM
6. Devin Williams, NYY
7. Raisel Iglesias, ATL
Another writer’s research has revealed that a closer has not recorded four straight 40-plus save seasons while throwing at least 70 innings in each campaign. Clase has achieved this in each year since 2022. While this poses a risky proposition, and he’s not Mariano Rivera, “The Sandman” posted six consecutive seasons with 70 or more innings between 2003-2008 (444.2 innings total) with a combined 239 saves and a minuscule 0.951 WHIP. Another fun fact: Clase leads all relievers with 133 saves since the start of 2022. Only Josh Hader (103) has more than 100 in this timeframe.
Segue alert: Hader led all MLB relievers in strikeouts in 2024. He also made seven multiple-inning outings, including four two-inning efforts. Before last season, he had not logged a multi-inning appearance since 2020. Houston went 7-0 in these games.
Miller set the A’s franchise record for saves by a rookie with a 90.3 save percentage (28-for-31), seventh best in the majors for the 2024 season. He threw 510 pitches of 100+ mph, the most in baseball in 2024. Since 2008, when MLB began tracking pitch speed, he has the third-most pitches of 100 mph or higher in a season (Jordan Hicks — 659 in 2018; Aroldis Chapman — 568 in 2016).
Helsley posted 23 clean saves, a Cardinals franchise record. He also converted 31 straight save chances from April 2 to July 2 en route to a career-high 49 saves.
Díaz only allowed 3 earned runs in his final 16 innings, coming on the heels of losses incurred on Aug. 25 and 28. His 116 saves with the Mets rank fourth on the team’s all-time list. He can opt out after this season, which may result in a rebound season with eyes on another lucrative contract.
Williams brings his “Airbender” to the Bronx after being traded this winter. He did miss 104 games after suffering stress fractures in his back last year. As a result, he earned his first save on Aug. 10 vs. the Reds; from that date through the end of the season, he tied Clase for the most in the majors.
Iglesias is also on track for free agency at the end of 2025. September 28, 2024, marked his 150th appearance with Atlanta, and his 1.86 ERA was the fifth-best in franchise history (since 1900) in a pitcher’s first 150 games with the team. Only Miller (1.76) and Kirby Yates (1.81) finished with a lower xERA than Iglesias’ 2.26 mark.
Tier 2
8. Jhoan Duran, MIN
9. Andrés Muñoz, SEA
10. Ryan Walker, SF
11. Félix Bautista, BAL
Duran has thrown 1,087 four-seam fastballs at 100+ mph since 2022, the most in baseball. He converted 8-of-9 save opportunities with 37 strikeouts versus 5 walks in the second half. His struggles last year, especially in batting average on balls in play (BABIP), make him one of the best values based on his price point in early drafts.
Before his injury in June, Muñoz was 7-for-7 in save chances with a 0.68 ERA (13.1 innings) with 19 strikeouts against 1 walk in May. He recorded 11 appearances requiring four or more outs in 2024, converting 7-of-8 save opportunities and winning 2-of-3 decisions. It’s not a matter of talent but staying healthy for the season.
Walker’s 97 strikeouts as a reliever (he was the opener on April 24) were the most by a Giants reliever since Robb Nen struck out 110 in 1998. Walker owned a 1.21 ERA in 28 games in the second half with 37 strikeouts (29.2 innings).
Back from Tommy John surgery, “The Mountain” looks to recapture his fantasy standing from the past, but one proceeds with caution until Bautista faces opposing batters. However, on Aug. 18, 2023, Bautista was tied for the American League lead in saves with 32, and his 108 strikeouts were more than 12 qualified starting pitchers. From a fantasy perspective, his impact was further punctuated by recording a win or a save in 41 of his 56 appearances (73.2%), along with the gaudy strikeout total. Despite his season being cut short, he became the seventh Orioles reliever with at least 100 strikeouts in a season, the first since B.J. Ryan in 2005.
Tier 3
12. Jeff Hoffman, TOR
13. David Bednar, PIT
14. Tanner Scott, LAD
15. Robert Suarez, SD
Signed as the closer in Toronto, Hoffman was scoreless in 57 of his career-high 68 appearances in 2024 (83.8%). Not only was he one of the seven relievers highlighted among the fun facts above, but he’s also one of eight meeting the following requirements:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/F1jPr/1/
Bednar has to bounce back; his team is counting on it. He’s one year removed from tying for the National League lead in saves. Food for thought from last year:
- Bednar before his oblique: 3.48 SIERA, 13.2 SwingingStrike%, 75.3 Contact%, 68.7 Strike%, .685 OPS, .264 BABIP
- Bednar after his oblique: 5.23 SIERA, 12.9 SwingingStrike%, 72.8 Contact%, 62 Strike%, .729 OPS, .293 BABIP
One cannot be sure what the brunt of Scott’s save opportunities will be with the Dodgers, but he enters the season as the preferred save share. I project 19 saves, but he moves into the Top 7 if he gets 25 or more. He was 4-for-4 in save chances with San Diego and 22-of-24 on the season. His 91.7 conversion percentage ranked second in the National League and fifth in MLB. Among all relievers since 2022, he ranks tied for first in wins (22), second in strikeouts (278), tied for second in appearances (213), and third in innings (213.2).
Suarez will be rated much lower in my rankings than others. One can argue he’s the third-best reliever for San Diego entering the season. He did rack up 36 saves last season, relying on his four-seam fastball. However, his numbers after the All-Star break should not be ignored:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TuzoP/2/
Tier 4
16. Ryan Pressly, CHC
17. Kenley Jansen, LAA
18. Carlos Estévez, KC
19. Pete Fairbanks, TB
20. Trevor Megill, MIL
21. Alexis Díaz, CIN
In this tier, the cliff occurs based on roles and performance for the upcoming season. Beginning with Pressly, he waived his no-trade clause to close games for the Cubs. However, he recorded his lowest K-BB percentage (16.4) since 2017 and his highest WHIP since 2020 last year.
Jansen will miss time due to one of his medical issues. When healthy, he’s a reliable option at closer as long as one realizes he has not recorded more than 55 appearances since 2022. The good news is that he was 56-for-64 (87.5% success rate) in save opportunities during the previous two seasons with the Red Sox.
Contracts suggest Estévez will be the Royals’ “closer,” but the team has suggested saves will be split based on matchups. Over his final 38 appearances of 2024, he posted a 1.38 ERA (39 innings), 33 strikeouts, 9 walks and a 0.77 WHIP (146 batters faced). Can he maintain the gains he displayed in his walk rate?
Not only has Fairbanks posted consecutive 45-inning seasons, but in 2024, his K-BB percentage decreased by 11.5, and his swinging strike rate fell by over 3% while he gave up 6.9% more contact. A lack of durability combined with a clause escalating his contract value in 2026 makes him a prime sell-high candidate for the Rays before the trade deadline.
Another reliever I remain cautious about is Megill. He earned his first career save on April 25 at Pittsburgh. From the date of that first save through July 23 (his 20th save), he ranked fourth in the majors in the category. However, note his trends as the season progressed, though it’s reported a back issue affected him in the second half:
Lastly, Alexis Díaz will try to hold on to the closer role for the Reds despite his command issues. It remains debatable how patient Terry Francona will be with him:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zZsq2/2/
Tier 5
22. Justin Martinez, ARI
23. Jordan Romano, PHI
24. Liam Hendriks, BOS
25. Chris Martin, TEX
The above four situations are far from settled, but they are the early leaders for the closer role for their respective teams. After Arizona demoted Paul Sewald from the ninth inning, here are the innings of entry for Martinez and A.J. Puk:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AuPk0/1/
From August until the end of the season, Martinez posted eight saves to Puk’s two. It’s not always about being the best reliever when forecasting roles. If Martinez improves against left-handed hitters, he’s a potential steal at his current ranking. Romano and Hendriks will move up or down based on spring velocities and performance. Each of their team’s leverage ladders has relievers capable of replacing them, adding more risk to their portfolios. Martin has been one of the most reliable set-up relievers since 2022. Can he emerge as the closer in Texas? Time will tell. I am intrigued about Jon Gray as a reliever, but this will not happen overnight.
Before revealing the final 15 relievers in my Top 40, I need to cover the five teams without a reliever listed. The process of ranking my Top 40 relievers includes looking at how the pitcher impacts ratio statistics, not solely saves. Roles are not defined yet for these teams, and it would take 20 or more saves for one of their relievers to be relevant in 12-team leagues.
- Chicago White Sox: They only produced 21 saves last year. Prelander Berroa has received praise in early reports, but health and command remain hurdles toward fantasy relevance. Can James Karinchak find past form as a non-roster invitee? Otherwise, this bullpen is bleak.
- Colorado Rockies: There is hope for this unit, especially for its hard-throwing, young relievers. Figuring out who leads the team in saves remains the problem. Seth Halvorsen? Tyler Kinley? Victor Vodnik? They also have Jaden Hill and Zach Agnos waiting in the wings. This feels like a fluid bullpen until later this season.
- Detroit Tigers: Yes, Jason Foley recorded a career-high in saves last year, then was used once in the postseason. Beau Brieske and Will Vest were deployed in the highest-leverage situations. Add in that the team hopes Alex Lange can regain a leverage role after his stint on the 60-day injured list. Plus, the Tigers signed Tommy Kahnle and John Brebbia, clogging up roster spots in what may be a burn-and-churn leverage ladder.
- Miami Marlins: After the trade deadline, Calvin Faucher and Jesús Tinoco pitched well in the second half. Can one of them emerge with the closer role this spring? It’s possible, and if so, they would enter the Tier 5-6 range of the rankings, though it will depend on who wins it.
- Washington Nationals: As currently constructed, Jorge López and Jose A. Ferrer project as the matchup options for save chances on opening day. It will be tough replacing a reliever who recorded 95% of the team’s saves in 2024 (Kyle Finnegan).
Now, for the final three tiers…
Tier 6
26. A.J. Puk, ARI
27. Griffin Jax, MIN
28. Orion Kerkering, PHI
29. Jason Adam, SD
30. Aroldis Chapman, BOS
Leagues that use SOLDS will see these relievers receive a much more deserving rank based on their talent, not their role. Kerkering represents an interesting pivot for those who can stash and wait for saves or in dynasty formats. Suarez could be traded since he has an opt-out clause from San Diego at the end of the season.
Tier 7
31. Kirby Yates, LAD
32. Bryan Abreu, HOU
33. Luke Weaver, NYY
34. Lucas Erceg, KC
35. Cade Smith, CLE
This group represents the next man up in their respective bullpen, though Yates and Erceg will accrue ancillary saves this season. Abreu, Weaver and Smith provide strikeout upside and ratio protection, especially in head-to-head formats.
Tier 8
36. Edwin Uceta, TB
37. Matt Strahm, PHI
38. Jeremiah Estrada, SD
39. Ben Joyce, LAA
40. Camilo Doval, SF
This concludes my first run through reliever rankings. The spreadsheet linked below includes blended projections for our subscribers who are interested in them. I fused OOPSY, Steamer, and ZiPS projections with my save projections for each reliever, sorted by SGPs.
► The Athletic Blended RP Projections
Statistical Credits: Fangraphs.com; Baseball-Reference.com; BaseballSavant.com; BrooksBaseball.net
Steamer projections courtesy of Steamerprojections.com on Fangraphs; ZiPS DC courtesy of Dan Szymborski; OOPSY Projections courtesy of Jordan Rosenblum
For daily coverage of bullpens, check out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey
(Top photo of Emmanuel Clase: Jason Miller / Getty Images)
