Catching up with the recent news cycles, there have been numerous alterations to bullpen hierarchies in the National League. As of this writing on February 28, roles can change, but here are our adjusted outlooks for the upcoming season.
Projected Hierarchy: *Kevin Ginkel | *Paul Sewald | *Ryan Thompson
*= closer-by-committee
The relievers listed above have been mentioned by Torey Lovullo as options for saves when the season begins. Drey Jameson has enticing velocity but limited experience as a reliever, much less leverage situations. Non-roster invitee Jonathan Loáisiga could work himself into the mix with a strong spring. However, these options are placeholders until A.J. Puk (June?) and Justin Martinez (August?) return this season. Enter with eyes wide open.
Projected Hierarchy: Raisel Iglesias | Robert Suarez | Dylan Lee
Alex Anthopoulos announced Iglesias would be the team’s closer when he agreed to a one-year deal. But Suarez was also signed as a free agent to a three-year contract. Iglesias may open the season as the closer with one of the shortest leashes in baseball. Monitor their results this spring, and if their roles change under the first-year manager, Walt Weiss.
Projected Hierarchy: Daniel Palencia | Hunter Harvey | Phil Maton
Endorsed by Craig Counsell, Palencia will be the closer on Opening Day. If his velocity holds after a shoulder issue sidelined him last August and the split-fingered fastball gets used more, he could be a sneaky target at his current price point. If anything happens, Harvey could be a sneaky stash option.
Projected Hierarchy: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft
After emerging as the closer in 2025, can Pagan repeat his success? The key may be his split-fingered fastball:
Projected Hierarchy: Victor Vodnik | Jimmy Herget | Zach Agnos
From a fantasy perspective, it may not matter who is the closer for the Rockies. However, Vodnik has had a rocky start to his spring and shaky underlying data despite notching 10 saves last year. If he struggles, this bullpen may become a committee or undergo changes in the ninth inning throughout the season.
Projected Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Tanner Scott | Alex Vesia
Anchoring the two-time defending champions’ bullpen, Díaz seeks his first 30-save season since 2022. Those in deeper formats may benefit from Scott getting more ancillary save chances; he will bounce back this season.
Projected Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Calvin Faucher | Anthony Bender
Even though Fairbanks signed a franchise record deal for a reliever, he will not be reserved solely for the ninth inning. There will be games he’s used against the toughest lineup pocket against an opponent. This caps his save upside, but fantasy players hope a fourth consecutive season of 20 or more saves ensues despite the team’s shared save beliefs.
Projected Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig
Pat Murphy was evasive when asked about roles for this year’s bullpen. Clouding this situation, Megill had a PRP injection during the offseason. If he misses time, Uribe and Koenig shared saves last September. For those taking the long view, focus on Uribe.
Projected Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Brooks Raley
Leaving the Yankees but remaining in New York, Williams must win over his new fans with a strong start. He has the trust of his general manager, but a slow start will test this fan base’s patience.
Projected Hierarchy: Jhoan Duran | Brad Keller | José Alvarado
Acquiring Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline has rendered the “floating closer” concept useless. He converted 15 of 17 save chances after joining the Phillies and stabilized the bullpen. He will be one of the first relievers taken in drafts this year.
Projected Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | Gregory Soto | Justin Lawrence
Santana remains the preferred save option. If the team struggles, Santana could be moved ahead of the trade deadline. He’s an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2026.
Updated Hierarchy: Mason Miller | Jeremiah Estrada | Adrian Morejon
Miller posted a 0.77 ERA in 22 games for San Diego with 45 strikeouts versus ten walks. He also led the team with the most 100 miles per hour or faster pitches (158) despite his 23.1 innings after his acquisition. Jason Adam may be ready for Opening Day and will enter the hierarchy upon activation this season.
Projected Hierarchy: Ryan Walker | José Buttó | Erik Miller
It’s tough endorsing Walker as the closer when seeing these splits:
- During save situations, he owned a 7.04 ERA but posted a 2.50 ERA across his 44 non-save appearances.
- He also had a 2.35 ERA at home versus a 5.87 ERA during road contests.
As the roster stands, he’s slotted in as the closer. However, Tony Vitello has indicated he may run a match-up-based approach this season. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy Remains: *Riley O’Brien | *JoJo Romero | *Matt Svanson
*= closer-by-committee
In 19 of his 20 appearances after the All-Star break, O’Brien entered during the eighth or ninth inning. He recorded 12 games finished, including six in his last seven outings in 2025. He finished with a 3-1 record while converting six of nine save opportunities.
However, repeating breakouts with a K-BB percentage below 12 (11.6 in 2025) and a swinging strike rate below 11 percent may be difficult. It can happen, but here are the relievers with a K-BB percentage below 12 and 20 or more saves since 2021:
Link: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/BJWyi
If the calf issue for O’Brien lingers, he may not be ready for Opening Day. Oli Marmol has stated four relievers are vying for save chances: O’Brien, Romero, Svanson, and Ryne Stanek. We prefer Svanson.
Updated Hierarchy: *Clayton Beeter | *Cole Henry | *PJ Poulin
*= closer-by-committeeTrading Jose A. Ferrer to Seattle sent this leverage ladder into a shared save situation. Clayton Beeter, PJ Poulin, and Cole Henry worked in high-leverage situations at the end of 2025. Mark Zuckerman believes a match-up-based approach will be used by first-time manager Blake Butera. If this happens, non-roster invitees Drew Smith and Cionel Pérez could earn time in the ninth inning as well with strong springs.
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