Uncertainty about an extended lockout may fuel a frenzied free-agent period before the owners enact it. From Andy McCullough’s column for The Athletic on the topic:
Five days after the World Series ends, free agency begins. Noting the problems a lockout presents for players, signings may be fast and furious:
The reliever market is more robust than other positions. However, two bona fide closers lead the first tier, along with two relievers who could become reliable ninth-inning options. As a refresher, the reliever market was set by Devin Williams:
This post covers four tiers of relievers, though there are no guarantees. Destination and roles in a team’s bullpen remain factors when searching for saves.
Tier One
David Bednar – It’s anticipated that the Yankees will extend him a qualifying offer, which makes a reunion probable according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
New York have six players on the current 40-man roster that will be free agents. He’s converted 45 of 52 save chances since his trade in 2025 for the team with a 1.011 WHIP and 111 strikeouts against 29 walks across 94 innings. His market may be robust, though the attached draft pick to sign him could narrow it.
Raisel Iglesias – Since 2023, he has recorded 130 saves for Atlanta and 131 in his career with the team while posting a combined 0.972 WHIP through 278.2 innings. In this post by Mark Bowman for MLB.com, he listed Iglesias as one of the team’s key decisions this winter:
Another factor in this equation will be what role Didier Fuentes fills next season. If he’s stretched out as a starter, bringing back Iglesias becomes more likely.
Adrian Morejon – One of this year’s most coveted relievers will be Morejon. Since the start of the second half last year through this season, only Aaron Ashby (17) has recorded more wins by a reliever than his 15, and he’s one of ten to appear in at least 100 games. In this timeframe, he owns a 21.2 K-BB percentage, a 15.3 percent swinging strike rate, and a 1.06 WHIP. For comparison, Aroldis Chapman has a 23.5 K-BB percentage, a 14.4 swinging strike rate, and a 0.96 WHIP in 79 games.
Bryan Abreu – Is he a high-leverage setup man or a closer in waiting? Many teams will ask this question, since he struggled as Josh Hader’s replacement earlier this year when Hader was sidelined. Abreu bounced back in the second half:
Walks remain an issue, with a career walk rate of 11.5 percent. However, he increased his velocity in the second half while adding a cutter to his arsenal. He threw it to left-handed hitters over 70 percent of the time he used the new pitch. If he can improve his strike percentage, his strikeout upside may be enough for a team seeking a closer to take a chance on him.
Tier Two
Pete Fairbanks – The good news is that he’s converted 69 saves since 2024 despite his Raynaud’s syndrome. But three stints on the injured list this season may force him into a shared role or a veteran presence in a young bullpen (Washington?).
Gregory Soto – Another reliever best suited to a timeshare for saves, Soto notched 16 last season for the Pirates and brings the heat, though he remains a ratio risk as he racks up saves or holds.
Evan Phillips – Teams looking for a bridge to a future closer, or a veteran with ninth-inning experience on a short-term deal, could take a chance on Phillips. He recorded 42 saves between 2023 and 2024 before undergoing surgery in 2025. A year further from his recovery, his velocity rebound is worth speculating on:
Tier Three
These are the middle-tiered relievers that the market may move swiftly on, as referenced above.
- *Brock Burke
- Jason Adam
- *JoJo Romero
- Jonathan Loáisiga
- *A.J. Minter
- Andrew Kittredge
- *Alex Vesia
- *José Alvarado
*= left-handed relievers
Hybrids
Relievers who can work in high-leverage or log multiple-inning outings when needed.
- Paul Blackburn
- *Sean Newcomb
- *Kris Bubic
- Aaron Civale
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