RADIO
Fantasy baseball closer breakouts, sleepers, waiver wire add/drop analysis for Week 13 of 2026 include Clayton Beeter, Tristan Beck, Alex Vesia, Jacob Webb, Kirby Yates and Aaron Ashby.
Finding high-end relievers before they fully claim the closer role will provide a major boost to their fantasy teams, especially when looking for saves. Additionally, a top set-up reliever can not only be a high-end handcuff but also deliver strong ratios.
In this piece, we will take a look at six relief pitchers who have seen their fantasy stock climb over the past week and determine if they are a worthy waiver wire target.
Should fantasy managers pick up these emerging closers? Let's dive in!
Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SUMMER, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW
Clayton Beeter, Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Clayton Beeter hit a few bumps in the road early in June, but he seems to have regained his footing and remains the top closer option for the Nationals. Beeter gave up two runs in back-to-back appearances to start the month, but he has bounced back with three scoreless innings in his last three games.
He hasn't allowed a hit in those outings and has racked up five strikeouts while walking just one. Gus Varland did get the team's most recent save on Tuesday, but Beeter had pitched back-to-back days in non-save situations coming into that contest. After getting two days off, he is positioned well for potential closing opportunities this weekend in Tampa Bay and can be a solid option if you're shopping for saves on the waiver wire.
-Written by Zach Thompson
Tristan Beck, San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tristan Beck earned his first save of the season on Wednesday against the Braves, as the Giants continue to use a committee approach to fill their closer role. Matt Gage started the ninth inning with his team leading 7-2, but he only recorded one out while allowing three runs on four straight hits. Beck came on with a three-run lead and retired Ozzie Albies on a groundout before striking out Austin Riley to end the game.
Before Gage, the Giants used Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker in the seventh and eighth innings, but they never went to Caleb Kilian, who has been their primary closer lately. Kilian had pitched in three of the previous four games, and he'll likely remain the primary option in save situations for now. It is worth watching the situation, though, since Beck got the job done on Wednesday and could be worth a pick-up in deep leagues if he earns more high-leverage work.
-Written by Zach Thompson
Alex Vesia, Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia worked an adventurous ninth inning on Wednesday against the Rays, but he was able to preserve his team's one-run lead and lock down his third save of the season. The 30-year-old lefty issued three walks (one intentional) and struck out Cedric Mullins on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded for the final out of the game.
Vesia has a 2.59 ERA and 2.32 FIP in his 33 games this season, earning 11 holds to go with his three saves. He has only allowed a run in one of his last 16 games, and he remains one of the team's top setup options ahead of Tanner Scott, who is closing while Edwin Diaz (elbow) is on the shelf. Scott got saves on both Monday and Tuesday, so Vesia was called on to fill in on Wednesday. Vesia is a great handcuff to pick up to attach to Scott since he's the next man up, even though Wednesday's game was definitely not his cleanest outing.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Jacob Webb, Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb entered the ninth inning of a three-run game against the Rockies on Wednesday night and was able to secure his second save of the season. Webb allowed a solo home run to Kyle Karros, and he has given up a run in three of his last four starts, but he still could have some fantasy value if he continues to be one of the primary options to fill in for the injured Danny Palencia (elbow), who is on the 15-day injured list.
Webb is expected to share the closer role with lefty Caleb Thielbar, who got two outs in the eighth inning on Wednesday before Webb entered. Webb now has a 3.13 ERA, 3.76 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP in his 32 games, with 37 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. It looks like he'll get the first chance to pick up saves for Chicago while Palencia is out, so he's worth a short-term pickup if you need saves for the next few weeks. Thielbar could also get the call if lefties are in the mix, so he's also worth considering as a speculative pickup for saves in deep leagues.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Kirby Yates, Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates remains a speculative waiver-wire option for fantasy managers chasing saves, but the role is not completely stable. Over 13 1/3 innings, the 39-year-old has one save, a 4.05 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts. The season-long ratios are not ideal, but Yates has settled down recently with three straight scoreless appearances, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out four over three innings.
The main issue is role clarity. Ryan Zeferjahn and Sam Bachman remain part of the late-inning picture, and Zeferjahn recently earned his second save of the season on June 12. Still, Yates has the most closing experience in the group and remains firmly in the mix if Los Angeles continues rotating ninth-inning chances. At 28% rostered on Yahoo, he is a reasonable short-term pickup for fantasy managers who need saves and can tolerate some bullpen uncertainty.
- Written by Bruno Mule
Aaron Ashby, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby is off to a dominant start to the 2026 season, as he's recorded a 9-0 record with a 2.35 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts across 38 1/3 innings (28 games). With Ashby's ability to work more than one inning, Milwaukee has opted to keep him in a fireman role rather than move him to the ninth inning.
While the lack of saves limits Ashby's fantasy upside, his role with the Brewers still allows him to provide value for fantasy managers. Given his frequent appearances in high-leverage situations, Ashby should continue to find himself in a position to rack up wins. He's also struck out 32.5% of the batters he's faced so far this season. In deeper league formats, Ashby may have more value as a waiver wire target than a below-average starting pitcher.
- 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 | 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 |
| Questionable | Orioles | Ryan Helsley | Rico Garcia, Andrew Kittredge | Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Yennier Cano, Grant Wolfram, Felix Bautista (IL) | N/A |
| 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 | Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering | Tanner Banks, Tim Mayza, Brad Keller (IL) | 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 |
| Committee | Cubs | Jacob Webb, Caleb Thielbar | Phil Maton, Hoby Milner | Ryan Rolison, Ethan Roberts, Daniel Palencia (IL) | N/A |
| Volatile | Reds | Tony Santillan | Brock Burke, Tejay Antone, Emilio Pagan (IL) | Caleb Ferguson, Sam Moll, Pierce Johnson (IL), Graham Ashcraft (IL) | Tony Santillan |
| 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, Jaden Hill | Seth Halvorsen, Victor Vodnik, 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 Clayton Beeter, Tristan Beck, Alex Vesia, Jacob Webb, Kirby Yates, Aaron Ashby, Jacob Latz, Elvis Alvarado, Caleb Kilian, Tanner Scott. 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 Clayton Beeter, Tristan Beck, Alex Vesia, Jacob Webb, Kirby Yates, Aaron Ashby, Jacob Latz, Elvis Alvarado, Caleb Kilian, Tanner Scott:
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
