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Fantasy baseball closer breakouts, sleepers, waiver wire add/drop analysis for Week 11 of 2026 include Daniel Lynch, Will Vest, Anthony Bender, more.
Every season, fantasy managers see closers slowly climb the high-leverage ladder on their roster and emerge as top saves sources. This season has been no different as Jacob Latz, Bryan Baker, and Louie Varland have claimed the ninth-inning roles on their team, despite beginning the season in a low-leverage spot.
Below, we will spotlight seven high-leverage relief arms that have seen their fantasy value 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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Ryan Zeferjahn, Los Angeles Angels
Across 30 2/3 innings (25 games) so far this season, Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn has pitched to a 5.28 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and one save. While the 28-year-old's top-line numbers are ugly, he's averaging 97.4 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 27% of the batters he's faced. His xERA is 3.92, and his strand rate is a below-average 64.7%, so he may be a victim of some poor luck.
Perhaps most importantly for fantasy managers, Zeferjahn may be the leading candidate in the Angels bullpen to assume the closer role from the struggling Kirby Yates. Yates has pitched the ninth inning in eight straight appearances, and in that stretch, he's blown two saves and suffered two losses while allowing four earned runs. Zeferjahn's profile comes with some risk, but he might be the highest-upside reliever in an Angels bullpen that has struggled mightily to fill the closer role in 2026. In deeper fantasy leagues, managers may want to take a chance on Zeferjahn on the waiver wire.
- Written by Will Brady
Gus Varland, Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Gus Varland secured his team's 4-3 win over the Giants on Monday night after Keaton Winn blew the save for San Francisco. After the Nats plated three runs in the top of the ninth, Varland had two strikeouts while allowing a single and a walk on his way to his fifth save of the year.
The 29-year-old righty has a 4.01 ERA and 3.23 FIP in his 24 2/3 innings this season and is currently sharing time at the end of games with Clayton Beeter, who earned the win on Tuesday despite giving up two runs before Varland entered. Varland seems to be the slightly better option of the two relievers at this point in the Nationals' bullpen, although both relievers have been shaky this season for fantasy production.
-Written by Zach Thompson
Daniel Lynch IV, Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch IV has emerged as a key piece of his team's bullpen in 2026, pitching to a 1.71 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and one save across 26 1/3 innings (26 games). The 29-year-old is averaging a career-high 94.8 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 27.1% of the batters he's faced this season.
After removing the struggling Lucas Erceg from their closer role, the Royals have opted for veteran right-hander Alex Lange in the ninth inning in recent games. Lange has converted all three of his save chances so far, but he's struggled with command throughout his career and owns a 4.03 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 2026. Should Lange fail to lock down the closer role in Kansas City, Lynch IV could be the next man up. In deeper fantasy leagues, managers may want to consider stashing Lynch IV as a potential source of saves.
- Written by Will Brady
Anthony Bender, Miami Marlins
Miami Marlins right-hander Anthony Bender recorded his second save of the season on Sunday, allowing one hit while striking out one batter in 24 pitches. Marlins' primary closer, Pete Fairbanks, has struggled so far this season, with a 7.41 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 10 walks in 17 innings pitched, and has converted on seven of his nine save opportunities, but with the struggling Fairbanks, it could open the door for Bender to get more opportunities down the stretch.
Bender does have 16 career saves, so while he has not been primarily used as a closer in his five-year career, he does have some exposure to those situations. Bender has had a nice season himself, with a 0.86 WHIP and 3.04 ERA while striking out 29 batters in 26 2/3 innings pitched. Bender is worth a look in deeper formats, but for now, this situation is better viewed as a committee closer approach rather than a takeover by Bender.
-Written by Nicho Roessler
Dylan Smith, San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants reliever Dylan Smith earned the save in extra innings on Sunday night as he preserved a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Chicago Cubs. Smith entered the inning with the runner on second base and proceeded to strike out Michael Conforto and get Michael Busch and Alex Bregman to pop out to shortstop. Smith has spent most of his 2026 season in Triple-A this year, and now has three appearances at the MLB level, two of which came since his call-up earlier in the week. At Triple-A, he had a 3.98 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 20 1/3 innings pitched and a 10.18 K/9.
In his 15 appearances at Triple-A, he only had one save, and the save on Sunday night for Smith was the first of his career at the MLB level, so fantasy managers shouldn't be sprinting to the waiver wires to pick him up. This appeared to be more a result of having to pitch in extra innings than of Smith being the closer. Nonetheless, the Giants' closer position has been a bit of a carousel this season, so it is worth monitoring Smith's usage to see if the Giants give him more opportunities down the stretch.
-Written by Nicho Roessler
Will Vest, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever Will Vest picked up his second win of the season in the team's 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the visiting Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park on Sunday in the series finale. Vest was deployed in the top of the ninth inning with the team trailing 4-3 and pitched a scoreless inning with one hit allowed and a strikeout before the Tigers walked it off in the bottom of the frame.
The 31-year-old veteran blew a save on May 26 against the Los Angeles Angels, giving up a season-high five earned runs, but since then, he's settled down, giving up an earned run on five hits while walking one and striking out six with a win, a save, and a hold for the Tigers. The former 12th-round selection out of Stephen F. Austin State University in 2017 has a bloated 6.53 ERA in 21 outings in 2026, but his FIP sits at a more respectable 3.44, and he is going to continue to see high-leverage work in the Tigers' bullpen with veteran Kenley Jansen (pelvis) on the injured list. Vest is rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
-Written by Keith Hernandez
Yoendrys Gomez, Minnesota Twins
Since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in early May, Minnesota Twins right-hander Yoendrys Gomez has emerged as a key piece in his new team's bullpen. Across 14 innings (16 games) with Minnesota, Gomez owns a 0.64 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and three saves. The 26-year-old's average fastball velocity is currently a career-best 95.4 miles per hour, and he's struck out 32.7% of the batters he's faced as a Twin.
Gomez's last two appearances for the Twins have both come in the eighth inning as the team continues to operate with a committee approach to the closer role. However, he's been the best reliever in Minnesota since joining the team, and it could be just a matter of time before he emerges as the preferred option in the ninth inning. For fantasy managers in need of saves, Gomez could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
- 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, Jake Bird | N/A |
| Questionable | Red Sox | Aroldis Chapman | Justin Slaten | Greg Weissert, Danny Coulombe, Garrett Whitlock (IL) | Justin Slaten, Garrett Whitlock (IL) |
| Solid | Blue Jays | Louis Varland | Tyler Rogers | Jeff Hoffman, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, Yimi Garcia (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Orioles | Rico Garcia, Anthony Nunez | Yennier Cano, Ryan Helsley (IL) | Tyler Wells, Andrew Kittredge, Keegan Akin, Grant Wolfram, 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 |
| 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 |
| Questionable | Royals | Alex Lange | Matt Strahm, Lucas Erceg | Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber, Carlos Estevez (IL) | Alex Lange |
| Committee | Twins | Yoendrys Gomez, Eric Orze, Taylor Rogers | Travis Adams, Cole Sands (IL) | Anthony Banda, Andrew Morris, Cody Laweryson | 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 | Sam Bachman | Brent Suter, Chase Silseth, Ryan Zeferjahn, Drew Pomeranz, Ben Joyce (IL) | Kirby Yates, Sam Bachman |
| Committee | Athletics | Scott Barlow, Mark Leiter Jr., Hogan Harris | Justin Sterner | Luis Medina | Scott Barlow, Mark Leiter Jr., Hogan Harris |
| Solid | Astros | Josh Hader | Bryan King, Bryan Abreu | AJ Blubaugh, Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos | N/A |
| Solid | Mariners | Andres Munoz | Jose A. Ferrer, Matt Brash | Eduard Bazardo, Cooper Criswell, Gabe Speier | N/A |
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 | 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 | Brad Lord, Orlando Ribalta | 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, Tejay Antone | Caleb Ferguson, Emilio Pagan (IL) | Sam Moll, Pierce Johnson (IL), Graham Ashcraft (IL) | Tony Santillan, Brock Burke, Tejay Antone |
| Questionable | Brewers | Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby, Grant Anderson, Craig Yoho | N/A |
| Solid | Pirates | Gregory Soto | Mason Montgomery, Dennis Santana | Yohan Ramirez, Evan Sisk, Brandan Bidois | Gregory Soto |
| Questionable | 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 | 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 | Adrian Morejon | Jason Adam, Bradgley Rodriguez, Jeremiah Estrada (IL) | N/A |
| Committee | Giants | Caleb Kilian, Keaton Winn | Erik Miller, Dylan Smith | Sam Hentges, Joel Peguero (IL), Matt Gage (IL) | Caleb Kilian, Keaton Winn |
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 Dylan Lynch IV, Ryan Zeferjahn, Gus Varland, Anthony Bender, Dylan Smith, Yoendrys Gomez, Will Vest, Rico Garcia, Jacob Latz, Kyle Finnegan, Abner Uribe. 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 Dylan Lynch IV, Ryan Zeferjahn, Gus Varland, Anthony Bender, Dylan Smith, Yoendrys Gomez, Will Vest, Rico Garcia, Jacob Latz, Kyle Finnegan, Abner Uribe:
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