X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Report for Week 1 (2025)

Chris Martin - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

David's closers and saves fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and bullpen report for Week 1 (2025). His relief pitcher updates, and closers to add for saves.

It feels like "we're so back" has run its course as a thing that people say without other people rolling their eyes, so let's say that definitely wasn't the plan for the start of this article. But baseball season is back and that means fantasy baseball is back and that means RotoBaller's Closers and Saves Report is back as well!

This weekly publication (every Friday) will be your go-to for bullpen news, top relief pitching performances, and exciting waiver wire/FAAB adds. For this first edition of 2025, we'll look at the most prominent question coming from each team's bullpen and then get to our usual format next week once we have a few non-Grapefruit and non-Cactus League games to look at.

All that and more in this week's report! Be sure to also keep an eye on our Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts for saves, holds, and bullpens. They will be updated daily or sometimes even more often throughout the 2025 baseball season. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Bullpens To Watch

Colorado Rockies

Seth Halvorsen got the final four outs with a strikeout and zero baserunners to seal the win. We doubt they suddenly cement him in the ninth, but it is a notable performance given that both Tyler Kinley and Victor Vodnik had failed to keep the scoresheet clean the day before. Any Rockies reliever is still a suboptimal play, but some of us have to get dirty for saves!

Cincinnati Reds

On Saturday Cincinnati sent Emilio Pagan out for a perfect ninth after Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft worked the seventh and eighth, respectively. It's tough to chase one day with such a wide pool of arms but Pagan now has two clean frames to his name and is a viable pickup.

Texas Rangers

3/29: Despite giving up three runs in Thursday’s opener, Luke Jackson was tabbed for Friday’s save opp and rewarded Bruce Bochy with a 1-2-3 ninth. Neither Chris Martin nor Robert Garcia appeared, with Jacob Webb tossing a perfect eighth. It may be a volatile ride but Jackson needs to be rostered in most leagues.

3/28: After Luke Jackson worked back-to-back games to open the season, Texas turned to Chris Martin for Saturday’s save. He struck out two in a perfect frame, throwing 9-of-13 pitches for strikes. He’s likely the better pitcher compared to Jackson, but he’s also 38 with some durability concerns so perhaps his workload and B2B appearances will be limited. Both must be rostered.

Pittsburgh Pirates

David Bednar’s struggles continue as he gave up a leadoff walk that scored on an Otto Lopez home run. Luckily, he was working with a three-run lead and the bottom of Miami’s order was vulnerable. This came one day after he allowed three to reach base (two hits, one intentional walk) without recording an out in the season-opening loss. Dennis Santana and Colin Holderman are good stashes.

Boston Red Sox

With a 2-2 lead in the eighth inning, Boston turned to Aroldis Chapman to face Corey Seager and the heart of the order. The Red Sox then took the lead in the top of the ninth and Justin Slaten slammed the door with a perfect frame. Garrett Whitlock also tossed two scoreless innings before Chapman. With Liam Hendriks (elbow) on IL, each of those three RPs is worth rostering in most formats.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies took a 3-1 advantage into the eighth and turned to Jordan Romano with the 8-9-1 section of Washington’s lineup due up (with two righties). But he walked Dylan Crews and hit Jacob Young, who then pulled off a double steal. Both would score. Jose Alvarado would strike out two in a perfect ninth. The L/R split of who is due up will be decisive early, but Alvarado, who lost weight and picked up velocity, looks like a solid play.

Cleveland Guardians

Following a tumultuous postseason and iffy spring, Emmanuel Clase blew his first save opportunity via three hits allowed. He did hit 100.1 mph and regularly sat at 99, with two of the hits against logging .230 and .040 xBA marks. It’s not encouraging, but it may not be as bad as you think. Paul Sewald scooped the 10th-inning save with Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, and Hunter Gaddis working scoreless innings ahead of Clase.

 

National League East - Closers and Saves Report

Atlanta Braves

Closer: Raisel Iglesias (definitely)

Holds: Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer

Question: Craig Kimbrel is back with the Braves. Will he be rejuvenated or released?

Miami Marlins

Closer: Calvin Faucher (probably)

Holds: Anthony Bender, Jesus Tinoco

Question: Will anyone on the Marlins reach double digits in saves? Will anyone hit a home run off of Calvin Faucher? Will there be any big leaguers left in the bullpen after the trade deadline?

New York Mets

Closer: Edwin Diaz (definitely)

Holds: A.J. Minter, Reed Garrett

Question: Edwin Diaz threw way more fastballs and way fewer sliders in the second half last year, and it worked. Can he continue being effective with this pitch mix even though his velocity was down throughout Grapefruit League play?

Philadelphia Phillies

Closer: Jordan Romano ("floating")

Holds: Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering

Question: Phillies manager Rob Thomson has made it no secret that he prefers to use a "floating closer" in his bullpen, meaning several relievers will earn saves. Will Jordan Romano lead the way because of his experience, or will Jose Alvarado's elite stuff float him to the top?

Washington Nationals

Closer: Kyle Finnegan (definitely)

Holds: Jorge Lopez, Jose A. Ferrer

Question: Kyle Finnegan had 38 saves last season. The Nationals, as a team, had 40. There's no "floating closer" in DC, but what happens if Finnegan, on a one-year deal, gets dealt at the trade deadline?

 

National League Central - Closers and Saves Report

Chicago Cubs

Closer: Ryan Pressly (definitely, for now)

Holds: Porter Hodge, Ryan Brasier

Question: At this point in their respective careers, Porter Hodge is a better reliever than Ryan Pressly. Will the Cubs lock the veteran Pressly into the ninth inning to keep Hodge in a more versatile fireman role?

Cincinnati Reds

Closer: Nobody Knows (but Ian Gibaut got and blew the first Reds save chance)

Holds: Tony Santillan, Emilio Pagan, Graham Ashcraft

Question: Once he's healthy, does Alexis Diaz (hamstring) take over the closer's role, or do the Reds go with a committee all year?

Milwaukee Brewers

Closer: Trevor Megill (definitely)

Holds: Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe

Question: The Brewers still have several very high-upside arms in their bullpen, even after trading Devin Williams. Will Megill remain "the guy," or will someone like Uribe or even a rookie like Craig Yoho or Jacob Misiorowski step up?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Closer: David Bednar (for now?)

Holds: Colin Holderman, Dennis Santana

Question: Can David Bednar find his 2023 form (2.00 ERA, 39 saves in 42 chances) and leave his 2024 form (5.77 ERA, 23 saves in 30 chances) behind? (Bonus question: Would the Pirates be willing to move the best-named holds pitcher, Colin Holderman, into a saves role?)

St. Louis Cardinals

Closer: Ryan Helsley (definitely)

Holds: JoJo Romero, Ryan Fernandez

Question: Ryan Helsley set a Cardinals record with 49 saves last season. With his contract up at the end of this season, where will he be pitching after the deadline if St. Louis falls out of contention?

 

National League West - Closers and Saves Report

Arizona Diamondbacks

Closer: Justin Martinez (most of the time)

Holds: A.J. Puk, Ryan Thompson, Shelby Miller

Question: Can Justin Martinez and his new (extremely DBacks-friendly) contract hold off A.J. Puk for the main closer's role? They will likely mix and match based on scheduled batters, but one will probably take the "bigger" half.

Colorado Rockies

Closer: Victor Vodnik (first shot, likely permanent if he does well)

Holds: Tyler Kinley, Seth Halvorsen

Question: Rockies manager Bud Black has said that Victor Vodnik will get the first shot as closer with Kinley and Halvorsen working in setup roles. Halvorsen was outstanding in Cactus League play though, could he jump Vodnik for the Rockies ninth inning job?

Los Angeles Dodgers

Closer: A rotating door (for now and probably most of the season)

Holds/Saves: Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, Alex Vesia, more

Question: Will anyone take over the closer's role for the Dodgers, or will they continue to mix and match from game to game? In three games so far this season, three different Dodgers relievers have recorded a save.

San Diego Padres

Closer: Robert Suarez (probably)

Holds: Jeremiah Estrada, Jason Adam

Question: Robert Suarez wasn't great in the second half last season and those struggles continued in spring training this year. Can he put it together and be super effective like he was in the first half of 2024, or will someone like Adam, Estrada, or even Adrian Morejon need to step up for saves?

San Francisco Giants

Closer: Ryan Walker (definitely)

Holds: Camilo Doval, Erik Miller, Tyler Rogers

Question: Camilo Doval struggled on the mound in 2024. Can he return to the reliever he was before and give the Giants one of the most solid bullpens in the league?

 

American League East - Closers and Saves Report

Baltimore Orioles

Closer: Felix Bautista (definitely, but with days off)

Holds: Yennier Cano, Seranthony Dominguez

Question: Felix Bautista is returning from Tommy John Surgery and will be operating under a "managed workload." What does that look like to start the season, and how quickly does he get into a true closer-like routine?

Boston Red Sox

Closer: Aroldis Chapman, Justin Slaten (committee for now)

Holds: Garrett Whitlock, Liam Hendriks (soon)

Question: Do the Red Sox stick with a fairly open committee approach, or does someone take over the ninth inning role? Also, how does Liam Hendriks do when he returns from his (expectedly short) season-opening IL stint?

New York Yankees

Closer: Devin Williams (definitely)

Holds: Luke Weaver, Mark Leiter Jr.

Question: The Yankees' eighth and ninth innings are pretty much set in stone with Weaver and Williams, but who steps up in the earlier innings to bridge games from their starters to their two big relievers?

Tampa Bay Rays

Closer: Pete Fairbanks (definitely)

Holds: Edwin Uceta, Garrett Cleavinger

Question: Will the Rays, seemingly the originators of the closer-by-committee approach, stick to a more traditional bullpen setup with Fairbanks in most of their ninth innings?

Toronto Blue Jays

Closer: Jeff Hoffman (definitely)

Holds: Yimi Garcia, Chad Green

Question: Jeff Hoffman has been one of baseball's best relievers for the past two seasons, mostly working as a fireman in the Phillies bullpen, but can he keep that success going now that he's locked into Toronto's specific closer role?

 

American League Central - Closers and Saves Report

Chicago White Sox

Closer: Mike Clevinger (definitely what they're going with)

Holds: Jordan Leasure, Fraser Ellard

Question: Mike Clevinger was bad in a small sample in 2024, but he's been good as a starter in the past. Will he be any good as a closer, and will the White Sox have enough late leads for it to matter?

Cleveland Guardians

Closer: Emmanuel Clase (definitely)

Holds: Cade Smith, Paul Sewald

Question: Emmanuel Clase was video game levels of good last season, ending up with a 0.61 ERA, but can he keep up a seemingly unsustainable .195 BABIP, or is regression coming for the often first closer off the board?

Detroit Tigers

Closer: A Committee of Motor City Kitties

Holds/Saves: Beau Brieske, Will Vest, Tyler Holton, Brenan Hanifee

Question: Jason Foley led the Tigers in saves last season with 28 (20 more than anyone else). This season, he's starting the year in Triple-A. Will he be brought back up soon to regain his role, or will the Tigers stick with mixing and matching throughout the season?

Kansas City Royals

Closer: Carlos Estevez (definitely, but concerningly)

Holds: Lucas Erceg, Hunter Harvey

Question: Lucas Erceg is clearly the best reliever in the Royals' bullpen. Will the Royals maintain his more versatile fireman role, or will he have to take over the ninth inning based on Carlos Estevez's diminishing velocity?

Minnesota Twins

Closer: Jhoan Duran (definitely)

Holds: Griffin Jax, Cole Sands

Question: Griffin Jax is one of the best relievers in baseball right now. Can Jhoan Duran prove that he's regained the velocity he lost at the end of last season and in spring training this year, or will Jax end up as a ninth-inning option in 2025?

 

American League West - Closers and Saves Report

The Athletics

Closer: Mason Miller (definitely)

Holds: Jose Leclerc, Tyler Ferguson

Question: Mason Miller had one of the best rookie seasons for a closer in baseball history. It was also the most innings he's ever pitched as a professional. Can he repeat his amazing season as a major leaguer playing in a minor league stadium?

Houston Astros

Closer: Josh Hader (definitely)

Holds: Bryan Abreu, Tayler Scott

Question: Josh Hader had an awful spring, but he was reportedly working on his changeup and not fully trying to just get outs. After a somewhat iffy save on Opening Day, does he rebound to the Josh Hader we're used to?

Los Angeles Angels

Closer: Kenley Jansen (definitely)

Holds: Ben Joyce, Brock Burke

Question: Can Ben Joyce continue his rise into the ranks of the most exciting relief pitchers in baseball? Does Kenley Jansen catch Lee Smith for third all-time in saves?

Seattle Mariners

Closer: Andres Munoz (definitely)

Holds: Gregory Santos, Collin Snider

Question: Can Andres Munoz stay healthy and consistent for a full season and finally reach the upside he's teased so often? (And what does Matt Brash do when he comes back?)

Texas Rangers

Closer: Committee for now

Holds/Saves: Luke Jackson, Chris Martin, Robert Garcia

Question: Luke Jackson got the first "used as a closer" ninth inning tie game appearance. Was that just the first usage of a committee, or does he have/did he have the upper hand?



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!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP