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Fantasy baseball closer breakouts, sleepers, waiver wire add/drop analysis for Week 10 of 2026 include Will Vest, Aaron Ashby, Clayton Beeter, Grant Taylor, more.
Targeting high-end relievers before they overtake the ninth-inning job is a great wya to gain an edge in fantasy. Those who opted to pick up Riley O'Brien, Jacob Latz, or Bryan Baker before they officially slid into the ninth-inning or later potentially acquired a top-10 closer for the remainder of the season.
Below, we will spotlight seven relievers who have seen their fantasy value gradually increase over the past week and determine if managers should consider picking them up.
Should fantasy managers pick up these emerging closers? Let's dive in!
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Will Vest, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest closed out his team's 10-9 win over the Rays on Monday night, earning his first save of the season. The 30-year-old righty entered a messy situation in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and one out while his team was holding a 10-5 lead. He gave up a double and a single, allowing four runs to score, but preserved the lead. Things went much more smoothly for Vest in the 1-2-3 ninth inning, finishing with back-to-back strikeouts. He was charged with one run in his 1 2/3 innings, but he still lowered his ERA to 7.23 on the season.
His 3.45 FIP and 3.35 xERA indicate he has pitched better than his elevated ERA indicates, but he is still very high-risk after his rough start to the season. Even though he's risky, he does have enough upside to consider from the waiver wire, though, since the Tigers are without closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) and saves should be available. Vest got the job done on Monday and does have potential to be a short-term source of saves for deep leagues.
-Written by Zach Thompson
Aaron Ashby, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby has a case as the most valuable relief pitcher in baseball so far this season. Across 36 innings (26 games), Ashby has recorded a 9-0 record with a 2.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts. The 28-year-old's WHIP is inflated by his 11.9% walk rate, but he's struck out 33.8% of the batters he's faced. Ashby also owns an impressive 56.8% ground-ball rate and has been taken deep just one time in 2026.
Milwaukee appears likely to continue utilizing Ashby in a fireman role and relying on the combination of right-handers Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill in the ninth inning. Still, Ashby's high-leverage usage has allowed him to rack up wins at a prolific rate. Even if Ashby slows down from his current 25-win pace, he should provide fantasy managers with an elite strikeout rate and plenty of assistance in the ERA category. Particularly in deeper leagues, Ashby is a worthy waiver wire target.
- Written by Will Brady
Clayton Beeter, Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals' carousel of closers continues, with right-hander Clayton Beeter recording the most recent two saves during the Nationals' three-game series against the Padres over the weekend. Beeter recorded the save on both Saturday and Sunday, working 2 1/3 innings, allowing one hit, and two walks with two strikeouts over the two outings. On the season, Beeter now owns a 2.30 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings pitched. He has converted on four of his six save opportunities on the season and is holding batters to a .135 batting average against.
Considering Beeter got two opportunities in a row and is now tied for the team's lead in saves and save opportunities, he should be considered as a top closer fantasy option off the waiver wire in deeper formats where saves are difficult to come by. With the current state of closing pitching in MLB, Beeter's value is on the rise and is worth considering if you are struggling for saves.
-Written by Nicho Roessler
Grant Taylor, Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor has arguably been his team's top relief option so far in 2026, recording a 2.12 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 44 strikeouts across 29 2/3 innings (23 games). The 24-year-old has recorded just one save on the year, as the White Sox have primarily utilized veteran reliever Seranthony Dominguez in the ninth inning. However, Dominguez owns an 11.3% walk rate and a 1.99 HR/9 on the season, a combination that makes him prone to blow-up innings.
With an average fastball velocity of 98.5 miles per hour and a 28.7% K-BB rate, Taylor profiles as the closer of the future in Chicago. If the White Sox continue to hang around the playoff picture in the American League, the team could make the switch to Taylor sooner rather than later. For deeper-league managers in need of saves, Taylor could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his possible emergence as the preferred ninth-inning option in Chicago.
GRANT TAYLOR STRIKES OUT THE SIDE IN THE 9TH TO SEAL THE WIN FOR THE @whitesox 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RxnkcabJ7I
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) May 20, 2026
- Written by Will Brady
Yoendrys Gomez, Minnesota Twins
Since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in early May, Minnesota Twins reliever Yoendrys Gomez has emerged as a key piece in his new team's bullpen. Across 11 1/3 innings (13 games) with Minnesota, Gomez has pitched to a 0.79 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and two saves. The 26-year-old has also finished six games on the mound for the Twins.
Minnesota has opted for a committee approach to the ninth inning in 2026, as 11 different relievers have earned saves for the team so far this season. However, Gomez and veteran lefty Taylor Rogers are the only Twins pitchers currently on the active roster with multiple saves, and Rogers has struggled to a 4.15 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in his 25 appearances. If Gomez can continue his strong work, he could take hold of the closer role in Minnesota. He profiles as a worthy waiver wire target in deeper leagues.
- Written by Will Brady
Kirby Yates, Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates gave up one earned run on two hits in the ninth inning on Monday, taking the loss as his team fell to the Rockies, 9-8. Yanes gave up a single to Kyle Karros and a double to Jake McCarthy before the game-winning sacrifice fly from T.J. Rumfield. Yates was entering the game in a non-save situation after a wild eighth inning, in which the Rockies scored five times to take the lead, and the Angels answered with two runs to tie the game back up when Yates entered.
The 39-year-old righty has a 4.32 ERA and 4.04 FIP in his nine games this season, and before Monday, he allowed just one run in his previous six appearances. He has only had a single save this season since the Angels don't present a ton of opportunities, but he'll likely remain the top closer for now in the absence of any other experienced options at the back of the bullpen.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Sam Moll, Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Sam Moll picked up his first save of the season on Sunday, recording the final out in his team's 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. Moll came on in relief of right-hander Tony Santillan, who started the ninth inning but exited after two hits, a walk, and an earned run. With closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list and top setup man Graham Ashcraft on the 60-day IL, the Reds are currently without a primary option in the ninth inning.
Moll has pitched well so far in 2026, recording a 2.49 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 26 strikeouts across 25 1/3 innings (28 games). The 32-year-old has just two career saves and averages 92.3 miles per hour with his fastball, so he does not profile as a prototypical closer. Still, given Cincinnati's current situation, Moll could be a worthy saves target on the waiver wire for deep-league fantasy managers.
- Written by Will Brady
Updated Closers and Saves Depth Charts
Check out our updated closer depth charts for each of the 30 MLB teams that are updated regularly by Nick Mariano.
AL EAST: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closers & Saves
| RotoBaller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Current Closer |
Direct Backup |
More Holds Candidates |
Waiver Wire Add |
| Solid | Yankees | David Bednar | Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval | Tim Hill, Brent Headrick, Yovanny Cruz | N/A |
| Solid | Red Sox | Aroldis Chapman | Justin Slaten | Greg Weissert, Danny Coulombe, Tyler Samaniego, Garrett Whitlock (IL) | N/A |
| Solid | Blue Jays | Louis Varland | Jeff Hoffman | Tyler Rogers, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, Adam Macko, Yimi Garcia (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Orioles | Rico Garcia, Anthony Nunez | Yennier Cano, Ryan Helsley (IL) | Tyler Wells, Andrew Kittredge, Keegan Akin, Grant Wolfram (IL), Felix Bautista (IL) | Rico Garcia, Anthony Nunez |
| Solid | Rays | Bryan Baker | Ian Seymour, Kevin Kelly | Garrett Cleavinger, Cole Sulser, Edwin Uceta (IL) | N/A |
AL CENTRAL: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closers & Saves
| RotoBaller Stability Rating |
Team Name | Current Closer | Direct Backup | More Holds Candidates |
Waiver Wire Add |
| Volatile | Tigers | Will Vest | Kyle Finnegan, Kenley Jansen (IL) | Tyler Holton, Brenan Hanifee, Drew Anderson | Will Vest |
| Questionable | White Sox | Seranthony Dominguez | Grant Taylor, Bryan Hudson | Sean Newcomb, Jordan Hicks (IL) | Grant Taylor, Bryan Hudson |
| Solid | Guardians | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis, Erik Sabrowski (IL) | Matt Festa, Tim Herrin, Colin Holderman, Shawn Armstrong | N/A |
| Volatile | Royals | Lucas Erceg | Daniel Lynch IV, Matt Strahm | John Schreiber, Alex Lange, Carlos Estevez (IL) | Daniel Lynch IV, Matt Strahm |
| Committee | Twins | Yoendrys Gomez, Eric Orze, Taylor Rogers | Andrew Morris, Cody Laweryson, Cole Sands (IL) | Anthony Banda, Travis Adams | N/A |
AL WEST: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closers & Saves
| RotoBaller Stability Rating | Team Name | Current Closer | Direct Backup | More Holds Candidates |
Waiver Wire Add |
| Solid | Rangers | Jacob Latz | Jakob Junis, Robert Garcia (IL) | Tyler Alexander, Jalen Beeks, Chris Martin (IL), Cole Winn (IL) | Jacob Latz |
| Questionable | Angels | Kirby Yates | Ryan Zeferjahn, Sam Bachman | Brent Suter, Chase Silseth, Drew Pomeranz, Ben Joyce (IL) | Kirby Yates |
| Committee | Athletics | Jack Perkins, Mark Leiter Jr., Hogan Harris | Joel Kuhnel | Justin Sterner, Scott Barlow | Jack Perkins, Mark Leiter Jr., Hogan Harris |
| Volatile | Astros | Bryan King | Bryan Abreu, Enyel De Los Santos, Josh Hader (IL) | AJ Blubaugh, Steven Okert, Nate Pearson | Bryan King |
| Solid | Mariners | Andres Munoz | Jose A. Ferrer, Matt Brash | Eduard Bazardo, Cooper Criswell, Gabe Speier | Jose A. Ferrer, |
NL EAST: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closers & Saves
| RotoBaller Stability Rating | Team Name | Current Closer | Direct Backup | More Holds Candidates |
Waiver Wire Add |
| Solid | Braves | Raisel Iglesias | Robert Suarez, Dylan Lee | Tyler Kinley, Reynaldo Lopez, Joe Jimenez (IL) | N/A |
| Solid | Marlins | Pete Fairbanks | John King, Anthony Bender | Calvin Faucher, Michael Petersen | N/A |
| Solid | Mets | Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazoban, A.J. Minter | N/A |
| Solid | Phillies | Jhoan Duran | Brad Keller, Jose Alvarado | Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks, Tim Mayza | N/A |
| Volatile | Nationals | Clayton Beeter | Gus Varland, Richard Lovelady | PJ Poulin, Brad Lord | Clayton Beeter |
NL CENTRAL: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closers & Saves
| RotoBaller Stability Rating | Team Name | Current Closer | Direct Backup | More Holds Candidates |
Waiver Wire Add |
| Solid | Cubs | Daniel Palencia | Phil Maton, Caleb Thielbar | Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, Riley Martin (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Reds | Tony Santillan | Brock Burke, Tejay Antone, Emilio Pagan (IL) | Sam Moll, Caleb Ferguson, Pierce Johnson (IL), Graham Ashcraft (IL) | Tony Santillan |
| Volatile | Brewers | Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby | Chad Patrick, Grant Anderson, DL Hall | N/A |
| Solid | Pirates | Gregory Soto | Mason Montgomery, Dennis Santana | Yohan Ramirez, Evan Sisk, Brandan Bidois | Gregory Soto |
| Solid | Cardinals | Riley O'Brien | JoJo Romero, George Soriano | Ryne Stanek, Justin Bruihl | N/A |
NL WEST: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closers & Saves
| RotoBaller Stability Rating | Team Name | Current Closer | Direct Backup |
More Holds Candidates |
Waiver Wire Add |
| Solid | Diamondbacks | Paul Sewald | Taylor Clarke, Juan Morillo | Jonathan Loaisiga, Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, A.J. Puk (IL), Justin Martinez (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Rockies | Antonio Senzatela, Juan Mejia | Brennan Bernardino | Jaden Hill, Seth Halvorsen, Victor Vodnik (IL), Jimmy Herget (IL) | Antonio Senzatela, Juan Mejia |
| Solid | Dodgers | Tanner Scott | Alex Vesia, Kyle Hurt, Will Klein | Blake Treinen, Edgardo Henriquez, Edwin Diaz (IL) | Tanner Scott |
| Solid | Padres | Mason Miller | Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon | Bradgley Rodriguez, Jeremiah Estrada | N/A |
| Committee | Giants | Caleb Kilian, Erik Miller | Keaton Winn, Matt Gage | Sam Hentges, Joel Peguero (IL) | Caleb Kilian, Erik Miller |
Who Should I Pickup Fantasy Baseball Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
2026 Player Decisions. Looking to pick up someone else instead? Today's focus is on specific players like Will Vest, Aaron Ashby, Clayton Beeter, Grant Taylor, Yoendrys Gomez, Kirby Yates, Sam Moll, Trevor Megill, Jacob Latz, Rico Garcia, Bryan Baker. These are some common searches for 2026 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four MLB players at once, and then click the Who To Pickup? button to see who the recommended waiver wire pickups are based on fantasy baseball rankings, projections, and more.
Improvements For Who Should I Pickup? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Pickup? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win on the waiver wire in 2026. You'll see MLB player tiles with stats, projections, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings and projections based on their research, and updates them constantly throughout the week. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked.
Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Looking to pick up someone else instead? Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2026 for players like Will Vest, Aaron Ashby, Clayton Beeter, Grant Taylor, Yoendrys Gomez, Kirby Yates, Sam Moll, Trevor Megill, Jacob Latz, Rico Garcia, Bryan Baker:
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