Although the top free agents have signed, there will be more roster changes across the league. Fantasy managers prefer clarity, but committees or match-up-based bullpens make ranking some relievers challenging. In the second run of the top 40 relievers for saves-only leagues, there will be multiple relievers from some teams, while others may not be represented. Rankings remain imperfect, but here goes.
(Updated on January 23, 2026)
Tier One
- Mason Miller (SD)
- Edwin Diaz (LAD)
- Jhoan Duran (PHI)
- Cade Smith (CLE)
- Devin Williams (NYM)
- David Bednar (NYY)
- Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
No changes yet for The Seven Samurai.
Tier Two
- Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
- Ryan Helsley (BAL)
- Josh Hader (HOU)
- Jeff Hoffman (TOR)
- Pete Fairbanks (MIA)
- Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
- Daniel Palencia (CHC)
- Emilio Pagán (CIN)
- Carlos Estévez (KC)
This tier remained mostly stable, with Helsley moving up a spot while the fantasy community awaits health updates regarding Hader. He will be one of the most polarizing players this season. Either he’s a tremendous bargain with a reduced price point, or he will be a bust if his shoulder issues require surgery.
Tier Three
- Abner Uribe (MIL)
- Trevor Megill (MIL)
- Griffin Jax (TB)
- Dennis Santana (PIT)
- Kenley Jansen (DET)
- Seranthony Domínguez (CHW)
- Ryan Walker (SF)
Another slight tweak with Uribe moving ahead of Megill. Their roles changed after Megill’s late-season injury. Is this a trend? Will the Brewers move him? Stay tuned; it will create ripples in the closer pool. Jax may be a solid floor option with upside despite the team maintaining a closer-by-committee approach for the upcoming season. He’s one of four relievers who finished 2025 with an ERA over four but a SIERA below three.
Tier Four
- Bryan Abreu (HOU)
- Robert Suarez (ATL)
- Jeremiah Estrada (SD)
- Robert Stephenson (LAA)
- Garrett Cleavinger (TB)
- Edwin Uceta (TB)
If Hader does miss time with an injury, pending free agent Abreu will be securing a potential payday in free agency at the end of the year. Suarez could usurp Iglesias for saves in Atlanta if the proclaimed closer undergoes a rough patch like last season. Estrada is one trade from fantasy relevance. He’s not a sleeper, just waiting for a chance as a closer.
Tier Five
- Alexis Díaz (TEX)
- Robert Garcia (TEX)
- Riley O’Brien (STL)
- Clayton Beeter (WSH)
- Mark Leiter Jr. (ATH)
- Kevin Ginkel (ARI)
- Kyle Finnegan (DET)
- Will Vest (DET)
- Tanner Scott (LAD)
- Kirby Yates (LAA)
- Garrett Whitlock (BOS)
This tier will shift continually as the news cycle progresses and spring reports on roles and health emerge.
Unranked free agents who could close depending on where they sign:
- Michael Kopech
- Scott Barlow
Just missed the Top-40 but are intriguing:
- Hunter Harvey (CHC)
- Matt Brash (SEA)
- Matt Svanson (STL)
- Jonathan Loáisiga (ARI)
- Gregory Soto (PIT)
Teams without a reliever ranked:
- Colorado
- Minnesota
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