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Fantasy baseball closer breakouts, sleepers, waiver wire add/drop analysis for Week 12 of 2026 include Garrett Whitlock, Grant Taylor, Orlando Ribalta, Erik Sabrowski, Rico Garcia and more.
Finding a potential saves source before they earn the ninth-inning or later can not only save managers much of their FAAB budget, but also provide them with a potential mut-start fantasy option.
Below, we will look at seven relievers who have begun to see their fantasy upside increase over the past week.
Should fantasy managers pick up these emerging relievers and closers? Let's dive in!
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Garrett Whitlock, Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock has been very effective in a setup role this season for the struggling Red Sox, allowing just seven earned runs while racking up 27 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings in his 22 appearances. He missed 15 days with left knee inflammation but returned last week and looked solid in two scoreless innings since coming back. Right now, he's clearly behind Aroldis Chapman in Boston's bullpen, and Chapman has been outstanding with 14 saves in 21 games.
Chapman has been so good, though, that he's likely to be a hot commodity at the MLB Trade Deadline. If the Sox trade Chapman and keep Whitlock, Whitlock would quickly be an elite closer. Whitlock could also be on the trading block, though, leaving many unknown factors. If he ends up as the primary closer with the Red Sox or another team, he has the potential to be a great source of saves. If you're in a deep league where you have to move early, stashing him now could be a strategy that pays off down the stretch.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Grant Taylor, Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor has been one of his team's best pitchers in 2026, recording a 2-0 record with a 2.21 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 52 strikeouts, and two saves across 36 2/3 innings (27 games). The 24-year-old is averaging 98.4 miles per hour on his fastball and owns an elite 29.1% K-BB rate. So far this season, Chicago has deployed Taylor as both an opener and in a fireman role out of the bullpen rather than in the ninth inning.
Veteran reliever Seranthony Dominguez currently leads the team with 12 saves, but he's also logged a 13.5% walk rate and a 3.81 ERA. The White Sox have shown a willingness to give save opportunities to both Taylor and left-hander Bryan Hudson. If Chicago eventually pulls the plug on Dominguez, Taylor profiles as the obvious replacement option. Even if Taylor only gets the occasional save the rest of the way, he's pitched well enough that he can still be a valuable waiver wire addition for fantasy managers.
-Written by Will Brady
Orlando Ribalta, Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Orlando Ribalta has been very effective as a setup man for the Nationals this season and could be a key name to watch if Clayton Beeter stumbles as closer. Ribalta has posted an impressive 1.80 ERA with a 3.40 FIP in his 20 appearances this season, earning two saves and four holds over 20 innings. He only has 14 strikeouts, so he isn't an elite strikeout producer, but he has limited his walks and only allowed a .171 batting average against him.
Ribalta isn't a must-add until his role changes in standard-sized leagues, but he's definitely pitching effectively enough to watch closely. In shallower leagues where bullpen arms are stretched thin, he could be a nice speculative pickup from the waiver wire if you're trying to get ahead of the ever-shifting bullpen roles in Washington.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Erik Sabrowski, Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland Guardians left-handed reliever Erik Sabrowski (elbow) was scheduled to begin his minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday with High-A Lake County, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Lake County's game ended up getting rained out on Sunday, so the 28-year-old's next chance to make a rehab appearance will come on Tuesday.
Sabrowski landed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left elbow on May 25, but if he can avoid a setback in a couple of rehab games, he could be back in Cleveland's bullpen by the weekend. Although Sabrowski is merely a late-inning setup man for the Guards in front of closer Cade Smith, he has become relevant in deeper fantasy leagues that reward holds for his dominant performance so far in 2026. Before injuring his elbow, the Canadian hurler went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA (1.87 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and 13 walks in 21 innings out of the bullpen.
He's currently rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues. Despite missing time with an injury, Sabrowski is tied for the major-league lead in holds (17) with St. Louis' JoJo Romero.
-Written by Keith Hernandez
Elvis Alvarado, Athletics
Athletics right-hander Elvis Alvarado struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Rockies. He has now converted saves in each of his last two outings and has pitched 5⅓ scoreless innings since returning to the big-league roster on June 5. Alvarado has put himself firmly in the mix in the Athletics' closing committee. Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, Justin Sterner, Jack Perkins, and Alvarado have all recorded at least one save for the Athletics this season.
Through 15 innings this season, Alvarado owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 20:7 K:BB ratio, while adding two saves and four holds. With momentum on his side, he's worth a look for fantasy managers chasing saves and is currently rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues.
-Written by Bruno Mule
Ian Seymour, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher/relief pitcher Ian Seymour seems to be moving towards a transition to a spot in the starting rotation after beginning the year in the bullpen. He has a 4.93 ERA and 4.64 FIP in his 38 1/3 innings this season, but his xERA is only 3.54, indicating he has had some below-average contact luck. He has 41 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings, and his 25% K% is enough to give him an intriguing upside.
The 27-year-old lefty started against the Red Sox last Monday and went four innings, giving up just one run. On Sunday, he came in after an opener and worked 3 1/3 innings against the Angels, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks. He'll need to improve his control and efficiency as he stretches back out, but his strikeout upside makes him worth stashing in deep leagues if the Rays continue to position him to pitch as a starter or a predictable primary reliever going forward.
-Written by Zach Thompson
Didier Fuentes, Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves right-hander Didier Fuentes has been pitching well out of the bullpen for the Braves of late. In May, he posted a 1.32 ERA over 12 games (13 2/3 innings), and so far in June, over five games (5 1/3 innings), he has a 0.00 ERA and six strikeouts. He has not allowed a run since his outing in Cincinnati on May 31, and before that, it was May 6 against the Mariners. He is primarily being used as the seventh-inning guy behind closer Raisel Iglesias and setup man Robert Suarez.
Because of that, although Fuentes was able to convert on a recent save on June 7, there are no signs that Iglesias or Suarez are in jeopardy of losing their job, as they've both been spectacular on the season, meaning Fuentes is going to remain in a position where his only value is leagues that reward holds (SVH). For leagues that do not, he is not worth rostering; however, for leagues that do, you could make a case for Fuentes, as he has been extremely sharp out of the bullpen, and his ratios have been phenomenal.
- Written by Nicho Roessler
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 | Tim Hill, Camilo Doval, Brent Headrick, Jake Bird | N/A |
| Questionable | Red Sox | Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Greg Weissert, Danny Coulombe, Justin Slaten | Garrett Whitlock |
| Solid | Blue Jays | Louis Varland | Tyler Rogers | Jeff Hoffman, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, Yimi Garcia (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Orioles | Rico Garcia, Andrew Kittredge | Yennier Cano, Ryan Helsley (IL) | Tyler Wells, Anthony Nunez, Keegan Akin, Grant Wolfram, Felix Bautista (IL) | Rico Garcia, Andrew Kittredge |
| Solid | Rays | Bryan Baker | Garrett Cleavinger, Kevin Kelly | Casey Legumina, Cole Sulser, Craig Kimbrel, 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 |
| Solid | Tigers | Kenley Jansen | Will Vest | Kyle Finnegan, Tyler Holton, Brenan Hanifee, Drew Anderson | N/A |
| Volatile | White Sox | Seranthony Dominguez, Grant Taylor | Bryan Hudson | Sean Newcomb, Tyler Davis, 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 | Alex Lange | Matt Strahm, Lucas Erceg | Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber, Carlos Estevez (IL) | Alex Lange |
| Volatile | Twins | Yoendrys Gomez | Anthony Banda, Travis Adams | Andrew Morris, Taylor Rogers Eric Orze, Cody Laweryson, Cole Sands (IL) | Yoendrys Gomez |
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 |
| Volatile | Angels | Kirby Yates, Sam Bachman | Ryan Zeferjahn | Brent Suter, Chase Silseth, Ben Joyce (IL) | Kirby Yates, Sam Bachman |
| Committee | Athletics | Elvis Alvarado. Hogan Harris | Scott Barlow, Mark Leiter Jr., Justin Sterner | Luis Medina, Mason Barnett | Elvis Alvarado. Hogan Harris |
| Solid | Astros | Josh Hader | Bryan King, Bryan Abreu | AJ Blubaugh, Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos | N/A |
| Questionable | Mariners | Andres Munoz | Jose A. Ferrer | Eduard Bazardo, Cooper Criswell, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash (IL) | 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, Didier Fuentes, Joe Jimenez (IL) | N/A |
| Solid | Marlins | Pete Fairbanks | Anthony Bender | John King, 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 | Orlando Ribalta, Gus Varland | Brad Lord, Richard Lovelady | 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 | Jacob Webb, Caleb Thielbar | Phil Maton, Hoby Milner | N/A |
| Volatile | Reds | Tony Santillan, Brock Burke | Caleb Ferguson, Tejay Antone, Emilio Pagan (IL) | Sam Moll, Pierce Johnson (IL), Graham Ashcraft (IL) | Tony Santillan, Brock Burke |
| Questionable | Brewers | Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby, Grant Anderson, Joel Kuhnel | N/A |
| Solid | Pirates | Gregory Soto | Mason Montgomery, Evan Sisk | Yohan Ramirez, Dennis Santana, Brandan Bidois | Gregory Soto |
| Volatile | Cardinals | Riley O'Brien | JoJo Romero, George Soriano | Ryne Stanek, Justin Bruihl | JoJo Romero, George Soriano |
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, Brandyn Garcia, Kevin Ginkel, A.J. Puk (IL), Justin Martinez (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Rockies | Juan Mejia | Antonio Senzatela, Victor Vodnik | Jaden Hill, Seth Halvorsen, Brennan Bernardino, 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 | Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam | Mason Miller (BRV) | Bradgley Rodriguez, Jeremiah Estrada (IL) | Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam |
| Solid | Giants | Caleb Kilian | Erik Miller, Ryan Walker | Sam Hentges, Dylan Smith, Keaton Winn (IL) | Caleb Kilian |
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 Garrett Whitlock, Grant Taylor, Orlando Ribalta, Erik Sabrowski, Rico Garcia, Ian Seymour, Didier Fuentes, Alex Lange, Abner Uribe, Elvis Alvarado, Paul Sewald. 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 Garrett Whitlock, Grant Taylor, Orlando Ribalta, Erik Sabrowski, Rico Garcia, Ian Seymour, Didier Fuentes, Alex Lange, Abner Uribe, Elvis Alvarado, Paul Sewald.:
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