March 24, 2022
Atlanta Braves – The Braves looked like they were ready to enter 2022 with largely the same bullpen that they won the 2021 World Series with – a solid group of relievers including Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, Luke Jackson, and AJ Minter. But then, just a few days ago, they added the best closer on the free agent market in Kenley Jansen and now they’re poised to start the season with one of the league’s best bullpens. Newcomer Collin McHugh will also likely contribute.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: Jansen | Smith | Matzek.
Holds candidates: Smith, McHugh, Matzek, Jackson, Minter.
Miami Marlins – Dylan Floro will start the season where he finished it last year, as Miami’s primary choice for 9th inning responsibilities. Anthony Bender and Anthony Bass will be the set-up men, with veteran Richard Bleier contributing occasional lefthanded holds. Unless you’re in a pretty deep league, Floro is the only reliever worth owning here. Bender is the likely handcuff if Floro struggles.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: Floro | Bender | Bass.
Holds candidates: Bender, Bass, Bleier.
New York Mets – The Mets bullpen will shake out similarly to a season ago, with Edwin Diaz handling the 9th while Seth Lugo and Trevor May share the set-up role. Adam Ottavino joins to provide some depth along with holdovers Miguel Castro.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: Diaz | Lugo | May.
Holds candidates: Lugo, May, Ottavino.
Philadelphia Phillies – It’s possible the Phillies go into the season with a closer by committee, but if they give someone the job out of the gate, it’s most likely to be new signing Corey Knebel, who has impressed his coaches and teammates so far this spring. Two other signings, Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand, figure to factor in to the late inning mix as well, though Jose Alvarado figures to be ahead of them both. Seranthony Dominguez, who struck out the side in his first spring appearance, could also play a role if he can recapture his pre-injury form.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: *Knebel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Alvarado | Dominguez | Familia | Hand.
Washington Nationals – It’s not certain that Kyle Finnegan starts out as the Washington closer, but he’s the best bet, having finished 2021 with the job. Veterans Will Harris and Sean Doolittle figure to help bridge the gap along with Tanner Rainey, who has flashed at times in his young career.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: Finnegan | Rainey | Harris.
Holds candidates: Rainey | Harris | Doolittle.
