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Fantasy baseball closer breakouts, sleepers, waiver wire add/drop analysis for Week 13 of 2026 include Will Vest, Tony Santillan, Alex Lange, and more.
Managers who are monitoring emerging players can find a potential lottery ticket on the waiver wire. Those who opted to stash Bryan Baker and Jacob Latz before they claimed the ninth-inning role on their teams secured a top-10 RP for the remainder of the season at a low cost.
Below, we will spotlight seven high-leverage relief pitchers who have seen their fantasy stock increase over the past few days and determine if managers should view them as top waiver wire targets.
Should fantasy managers pick up these emerging closers? Let's dive in!
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Tony Santillan, Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Tony Santillan tossed two shutout innings on Sunday against the Yankees to earn his sixth save of the season in nine opportunities. It was a crisp two innings for Santillan, as he did not allow a base runner and needed only 16 pitches to record six outs, and 11 of those were strikes. Santillan has had opportunities of late to close out games due to Emilio Pagan (hamstring) landing on the 15-day injured list.
Pagan is throwing right now, as he completed live batting practice in a simulated game on Friday, but is likely still going to do a few rehab assignments, meaning Santillan has the opportunity to close out games for another few weeks, so long as he continues to produce. Santillan, on the season, has not been sharp; he owns a 5.10 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, but has clearly become the preferred arm to close games, as the next closest arm for save opportunities is Sam Moll with four chances.
Although it may not be pretty, in leagues where saves are scarce, Santillan is worth a look in the short term simply based on opportunity.
-Written by Nicho Roessler
Alex Lange, Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Alex Lange has emerged from a crowded committee to be the team's go-to option at the end of the game, and the 30-year-old righty picked up another save on Monday. He came on in the ninth inning of a one-run game against the Rays and retired the side in order with one strikeout. On the season, he has a 3.86 ERA and 3.76 FIP, and he has earned all six of his saves in his 10 outings in June while allowing two earned runs and striking out 12 in 10 innings.
Lange seems to have a firm grasp on the closer job for now in Kansas City, making him a great pickup from the waiver wire if you need saves in the short-term. In the long term, he could end up as an available arm on the open market if the Royals decide to sell, or he could also lose his role to Carlos Estevez (shoulder), who is on the 60-day IL and working his way back from a shoulder injury. For now, though, Lange is one of the best options for saves on most leagues' waiver wires.
-Written by Zach Thompson
Sam Bachman, Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels' closing situation has been a revolving door in 2026, but Sam Bachman received his opportunity on Sunday and delivered. He tossed a clean inning, needing only 11 pitches and tossing nine of them for strikes. Although this was Bachman's first save of the season, he has had three opportunities, and now the Angels have nine pitchers who have recorded a save opportunity. This season, Bachman has been sharp, with a 3.63 ERA (3.30 xERA), 1.21 WHIP, and elite fastball velocity (97th percentile).
His stuff remains high-end, as evidenced by his whiff rate (33.6 percent) and strikeout rate (24.3 percent), but his control is at times inconsistent (11.8 percent). At this point, Bachman should be considered nothing more than a speculation add for fantasy managers, as we don't have much of a track record to suggest Bachman will take over, as this was his second career save and the Angels have not been consistent whatsoever with their bullpen, but Bachman is one to keep an eye on in deeper leagues where saves are scarece, especially if we start to notice a trend of him getting more opportunities.
-Written by Nicho Roessler
Grant Taylor, Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox right-handed relief pitcher Grant Taylor offers fantasy value even without a full-time closer role. Across 37 2/3 innings, the 24-year-old is 2-0 with two saves, five holds, a 2.39 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts. Taylor has been especially effective over his last 15 appearances, recording a 2.14 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 28:4 K:BB across 21 innings. Seranthony Dominguez remains Chicago's primary closer, while Bryan Hudson is also part of the late-inning mix, so Taylor should not be treated as the unquestioned ninth-inning option.
However, his strikeout production and strong ratios give him standalone value in saves-plus-holds formats, and he would be a logical candidate for more save chances if Dominguez continues to struggle (six earned runs over his last 11 frames). Taylor remains available in most Yahoo leagues at a 21% roster rate, making him an appealing bullpen pickup for fantasy managers seeking immediate strikeouts with the potential to earn saves.
- Written by Bruno Mule
Clayton Beeter, Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Clayton Beeter closed out his team's 4-1 victory over the Phillies on Monday night by working a clean ninth inning with one hit allowed and one strikeout. Beeter entered with a three-run lead and gave up a leadoff single to Bryce Harper, who was erased on a double-play ball before Beeter struck out pinch-hitter Justin Crawford to end the game.
The 27-year-old righty has successfully converted back-to-back save chances and has not allowed a run in four of his last five outings with eight strikeouts, a 1.00 WHIP and 1.70 FIP. He remains the team's top closing option, and should be available on Tuesday after needing just six pitches to earn his sixth save of the season on Monday. He's a solid end-of-game option if you need saves from your fantasy bullpen, and he should continue to get opportunities for the surprising Nats.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Will Vest, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest closed out the Yankees on Monday night to earn his second save of the season. The 31-year-old righty impressed by closing out the eighth inning with a strikeout of Jasson Dominguez with two runners on base and then working a 1-2-3 ninth inning with another strikeout to end the game against Amed Rosario.
Vest is currently the Tigers' top setup option in front of Kenley Jansen, but he has been very effective, allowing a run in just one of his last seven outings. If you are looking for a handcuff stash for the veteran Jansen or trying to get ahead of a potential shift in a deep league, Vest's recent run deserves a look since he could continue to get high-leverage looks for the Tigers and even more chances to close out games if Jansen struggles or gets injured again.
- Written by Zach Thompson
Lake Bachar, Miami Marlins
Miami Marlins right-hander Lake Bachar picked up his first save of 2026 on Sunday, working a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants. The 31-year-old has largely worked as an opener and bulk reliever so far this season. However, he's been a highly effective arm, recording a 3.02 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 46 strikeouts across 41 2/3 innings (25 games).
Bachar owns a 27.4% strikeout rate and has held opponents to a 6.8% barrel rate and 38.8% hard-hit rate. Marlins veteran Pete Fairbanks has been the team's preferred option in the ninth inning this year with 11 saves, five of which have come in June. Still, Fairbanks has pitched to a 6.14 ERA this season and has an extensive track record of injury issues. In deeper leagues, Bachar could be an undervalued potential saves source to target 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Questionable | 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 |
| Solid | Mariners | Andres Munoz | Jose A. Ferrer | Eduard Bazardo, Cooper Criswell, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash (IL) | 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 | 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 |
| Questionable | Reds | Tony Santillan | Brock Burke, Tejay Antone, Emilio Pagan (IL) | Caleb Ferguson, Sam Moll, Pierce Johnson (IL), Graham Ashcraft (IL) | Tony Santillan |
| Solid | 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 | Antonio Senzatela, Jaden Hill | Juan Mejia, Jimmy Herget | Victor Vodnik, Brennan Bernardino | Antonio Senzatela |
| Solid | Dodgers | Tanner Scott | Alex Vesia, Kyle Hurt, Will Klein | Edgardo Henriquez, Edwin Diaz (IL) | Tanner Scott |
| Solid | Padres | Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam | Kyle Hart, David Morgan, Jeremiah Estrada (IL) | N/A |
| 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 Caleb Kilian, Clayton Beeter, Alex Lange, Will Vest, Antonio Senzatela, Garrett Whitlock, Alex Vesia. Gregory Soto, Jojo Romero, Tony Santillan, Jacob Latz, Elvis Alvarado, Kiry Yates. 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 Caleb Kilian, Clayton Beeter, Alex Lange, Will Vest, Antonio Senzatela, Garrett Whitlock, Alex Vesia. Gregory Soto, Jojo Romero, Tony Santillan, Jacob Latz, Elvis Alvarado, Kiry Yates:
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