It’s an intriguing exercise, and though rankings can change instantly, many still find meaning in them. With this in mind, these tiers will fuse this season’s performance entering gameplay on May 20 with rest-of-season potential.
Tier One
- Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
- Ryan Helsley (STL)
- Robert Suarez (SDP)
- Clay Holmes (NYY)
It’s still early, but for the never-pay-for-saves crowd, this top tier, with the exception of Clase, features closers who were not targeted as early as their peers.
Tier Two
- Mason Miller (OAK)
- Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
- Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
- Josh Hader (HOU)
- Kirby Yates (TEX)
- Camilo Doval (SFG)
- Paul Sewald (ARI)
- David Bednar (PIT)
One of the reasons why Félix Bautista separated himself in SGPs (standings gain points) was his overwhelming advantage in strikeouts. This year, it’s Miller, the only closer with at least eight saves and more than 30 strikeouts (he’s racked up 38, second among all qualified relievers).
Tier Three
- Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
- Jordan Romano (TOR)
- José Alvarado (PHI)
- Trevor Megill (MIL)
- Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
- James McArthur (KCR)
- Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
Based on their May finish, relievers in this tier can move up or, of course, slide down.
Tier Four
- Jason Foley (DET)
- Kenley Jansen (BOS)
- Jhoan Durán (MIN)
- Tanner Scott (MIA)
- Héctor Neris (CHC)
- Carlos Estévez (LAA)
- Alexis Díaz (CIN)
- Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
This tier features closers, two HLRs, and a couple of relievers teetering on the edge of the hot seat. Welcome into the combustive closer range where about anything can, and will happen.
Tier Five
- Daniel Hudson (LAD)
- Michael Kopech (CWS)
- Jalen Beeks (COL)
- Griffin Jax (MIN)
- Adam Ottavino (NYM)
- Reed Garrett (NYM)
- Jason Adam (TBR)
This tier features a grab bag of relievers with varying roles. Ancillary saves may be recorded by Jax, Ottavino, Garrett, and Adam, keeping them on the periphery of mixed-league relevance.
Tier Six
- Luke Weaver (NYY)
- Yimi García (TOR)
- Matt Strahm (PHI)
- A.J. Minter (ATL)
- David Robertson (TEX)
- Bryan Hudson (MIL)
This group helps protect ratios, garners vulture wins, and some ancillary saves when called upon. More valuable as streamers, they still retain value from a fantasy perspective.
Just Missed
- Edwin Díaz (NYM): He will return in the rankings once he regains the ninth inning. It could be a week or longer, but he’s too talented for a reduced-leverage role
- Evan Phillips (LAD): Sidelined by a hamstring issue, he’s been throwing but remains about a week away from activation.
Stash List (Future saves)
- A.J. Puk (MIA): Can you say fire sale? Scott’s an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
- Ben Brown (CHC): His arsenal aligns with Mt. Megill’s in Milwaukee. Banking on a larger leverage share by June.
- Hunter Harvey (WSH): I still believe.
Relievers on the Rise
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP)
- Ben Brown (CHC)
- Michael Grove (LAD)
- Tyler Kinley (COL)
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.