Roles may be changed or redefined, and injuries will alter a team’s bullpen hierarchy. However, with Spring Training games in full swing, it’s time for our updated hierarchies. These are subject to change and will be updated on our team pages until Opening Day.
American League East
Baltimore Orioles – “The Mountain” will return as the closer this season. Félix Bautista recorded 33 saves with 110 strikeouts against 26 walks (35.4 K-BB%) in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’s been throwing live bullpen sessions and will anchor this bullpen in 2025. His stock will rise appreciably with a strong spring, but fantasy managers will focus on his command.
Updated Hierarchy: Félix Bautista | Andrew Kittredge | Seranthony Domínguez
Boston Red Sox – Forecasting the Red Sox closer comes with apprehension. Although the team signed Liam Hendriks for the role in 2025, he suffered a setback with “forearm soreness,” preventing his return this season. Can he remain healthy throughout 2025? Will he be effective? Those in keeper leagues should stash Justin Slaten. He flourished as a Rule 5 pick with a 1.01 WHIP and 22.3 K-BB percentage as a rookie. A wild card in this mix could be Garrett Whitlock. His splits by role:
- Whitlock as a SP: 109 IP, 102:23 K:BB (17.4 K-BB%), .328 weighted on-base average, 1.27 WHIP
- Whitlock as an RP: 132.2 IP, 150:29 K:BB (22.7 K-BB%), .273 weighted on-base average, 1.05 WHIP
As of today, pedigree propels Hendriks atop the hierarchy, but his hold will be tenuous unless he’s terrific at Spring Training. The team also added Aroldis Chapman. Boston needs a left-handed reliever with velocity, and he could also factor into save situations if the team takes a match-up-based approach.
Updated Hierarchy: *Liam Hendriks | *Aroldis Chapman | *Justin Slaten
*= closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Trading for Devin Williams clarifies the closer position, but he also helped change the team’s archaic facial hair policy. “The Airbender” was terrific after missing the first four months of the season but converted 14 of 15 save chances while being scoreless in 20 of his 22 regular season appearances, recording 38 strikeouts against 11 walks. Luke Weaver will be the stopper (HLR) with an adapted arsenal. He’s one of five relievers with at least 100 strikeouts this season. He’s also converted all four save chances with six wins and 22 holds through 61 appearances.
Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Ian Hamilton
Tampa Bay Rays – Despite losing Pete Fairbanks, the Rays bullpen flourished in the second half. When he’s healthy, he remains the closer. He’s recorded 48 saves over the last two seasons but produced a reduced K-BB percentage and swinging strike rate in 2024. Health remains his hurdle. He begins 2025 as the closer, but change may be afoot as the season ensues. Dynasty league players should monitor Edwin Uceta and Hunter Bigge closely.
Updated Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Garrett Cleavinger
Toronto Blue Jays – Signing Jeff Hoffman to a three-year contract puts him atop the revamped hierarchy. He’s been one of baseball’s best relievers over the previous two seasons. Toronto also re-signed Yimi García and has Chad Green through the end of 2025, rounding out the high-leverage triumvirate.
Updated Hierarchy: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green
American League Central
Chicago White Sox – After enduring the most losses in MLB history, prognosticating a closer for a team in this steep rebuilding process remains challenging. Justin Anderson ended the season as the highest-leveraged reliever. Since wins may be difficult again, getting a veteran reliever with “closer” experience would benefit the rebuilding. However, the team was not aggressive in the free-agent reliever market. Keeper league players hope Prelander Berroa (left his first spring outing with elbow soreness) or Jordan Leasure improve in 2025. Also keep tabs on non-roster invitees, James Karinchak and Mike Clevinger, who closed in college per Scott Merkin.
Updated Hierarchy: *Mike Clevinger | *Justin Anderson | *Fraser Ellard
*= closer-by-committee
Cleveland Guardians – Since the start of 2022, no reliever has recorded more saves than Emmanuel Clase. He’s secured 40-plus saves in the last three years with a 0.84 WHIP over 221.2 innings. Although he’s on a team-friendly deal, it escalates in 2025 and reaches ten million in 2027. For a franchise that prefers keeping payroll down, he could be moved when his stock’s at its peak. Stay tuned. Dynasty league players will track Cade Smith, Andrew Walters, and Franco Aleman.
Updated Hierarchy: Emmanuel Clase | Paul Sewald | Cade Smith
Detroit Tigers – A.J. Hinch mixed and matched with aplomb while getting his team into the playoffs. Jason Foley led the team with 28 saves. Tyler Holton recorded seven wins, eight saves, and 14 holds across 66 appearances. How far the team goes and how the bullpen performs may determine how it’s structured in 2025. Beau Brieske and Will Vest emerged as the preferred right-handed options in the playoffs. Detroit also signed Tommy Kahnle and John Brebbia in the off-season. Last, Alex Lange could regain the closer role if his rehab goes well and his command improves during his 60-day injured list stint.
Updated Hierarchy: *Beau Brieske | *Tommy Kahnle | *Jason Foley
*= closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – Although most believed Hunter Harvey would usurp James McArthur’s closer role, Lucas Erceg emerged after his acquisition. In his 23 games with the Royals, he converted 11 of his 13 save opportunities with 31 strikeouts against three walks across 25 innings. However, the team also signed Carlos Estévez to a two-year, $22.2 million contract and announced the team would share save situations in the upcoming season. We project Estévez as the preferred save share, with Erceg being the “stopper.”
Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | Hunter Harvey
Minnesota Twins – What felt like a slam dunk has become murky. Jhoan Durán took a step back, though it’s possible his oblique injury affected his performance throughout the season. He should get a mulligan for 2024, but his spring performance should be tracked closely. Griffin Jax emerged as a trusted high-leverage option, posting a robust 95 strikeouts against 15 walks (29 K-BB percentage) in 2024. Stay tuned.
Updated Hierarchy: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands
American League West
A’s – Many did not believe Mason Miller would be used as the closer this season. All he did was set the franchise record for saves by a rookie with 28, including throwing the last pitch at Oakland Coliseum. Reports indicate he will remain in this role moving forward, which makes him a terrific target for 2025. He recorded 104 strikeouts with a 0.88 WHIP through 65 innings across 55 appearances.
Updated Hierarchy: Mason Miller | José Leclerc | Tyler Ferguson
Houston Astros – With Josh Hader signed on a long-term deal, it’s no surprise he’s the projected closer for 2025. After trading Ryan Pressly, look for Bryan Abreu as the eighth-inning option, but the rest of the bullpen will be a work in progress.
Updated Hierarchy: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Forrest Whitley
Los Angeles Angels – Good news will come in two parts for 2025: an emerging Ben Joyce and the return of Robert Stephenson. Joyce introduced a “splinker” into his arsenal on June 16 and produced 25 scoreless appearances in his last 27 games with 33 strikeouts against 11 walks across 31 innings. The Angels signed Kenley Jansen to a one-year contract to provide Joyce with more runway for the future. He takes over as the closer and can tutor Joyce on the rigors of becoming one in the future.
Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Ben Joyce | Brock Burke
Seattle Mariners – Forced into the closer role because of injuries throughout the leverage ladder, Andrés Muñoz converted 22 of 27 save chances with a 0.96 WHIP through 57.1 innings. He pitched through lingering back tightness and elbow soreness at the end of the season. Returns by Matt Brash and Gregory Santos will be pivotal for the team’s progress, but Muñoz remains atop the hierarchy, barring injury, on Opening Day.
Updated Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Gregory Santos | Collin Snider
Texas Rangers – Forced into a complete rebuild in the bullpen, the team signed Chris Martin, traded for Robert Garcia, and hopes Marc Church can emerge as a leverage option in 2025. It feels like an offseason of half-measures for a team with playoff aspirations. Plan on Martin getting the first save chance, but another pitcher may emerge as the closer during the season. Jon Gray will be a wild card or flamethrower, and Emiliano Teodo may enter the picture later this year.
Updated Hierarchy: *Chris Martin | *Robert Garcia | Jacob Webb
*= closer-by-committee
National League East
Atlanta Braves – Since his debut with Atlanta on August 5, 2022, Raisel Iglesias has logged 150 appearances, posting a 1.86 ERA (second lowest in this timeframe) with 11 wins, 67 saves, and a 0.907 WHIP. He will be entering the final year of his contract in 2025, which means change may be coming at the closer position in 2026, but for next year, he remains a reliable target for saves. The bigger question is, who sets up for him with Joe Jiménez sidelined after undergoing knee surgery?
Updated Hierarchy: Raisel Iglesias | Pierce Johnson | Dylan Lee
Miami Marlins – After the team traded Tanner Scott, Calvin Faucher received the majority share of saves until he was sidelined with an injury. Jesús Tinoco took over as the most trusted high-leverage option over the last six weeks, and this may be a spring battle for roles. However, there’s no clear plan in place for the franchise, making the closer role speculative at best. Stay tuned.
Updated Hierarchy: *Calvin Faucher | Jesús Tinoco | Anthony Bender
*= closer-by-committee
New York Mets – Riding a second-half resurgence buoyed by throwing more four-seam fastballs and being less reliant on his slider, Edwin Díaz reestablished himself as a top-tier closer. Can he maintain this throughout the entirety of 2025? Here’s hoping so. He will be a top target in preseason drafts and rankings.
Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | A.J. Minter | Reed Garrett
Philadelphia Phillies – After using the “floating closer” concept most of the season, Rob Thomson used Carlos Estévez as his closer after the trade deadline. However, Estévez and Jeff Hoffman departed via free agency. Taking a shot on Jordan Romano as the replacement appears risky. His velocity this spring will determine his effectiveness during save situations. If he struggles, will the Phillies turn to Orion Kerkering as the closer?
Updated Hierarchy: Jordan Romano | Orion Kerkering | Matt Strahm
Washington Nationals – In a surprise off-season move, the team declined arbitration on Kyle Finnegan, letting their closer enter free agency. Washington signed Jorge López and Lucas Sims to one-year, three-million-dollar deals. It also hopes Jose A. Ferrer will be ready as its high-leverage left-handed option, capable of closing out games when needed. (UPDATED 2/25) Per Robert Murray, the Nationals agreed on a one-year, six million dollar deal with Finnegan, who will resume his closer role with the team.
Updated Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Jorge López | Jose A. Ferrer
National League Central
Chicago Cubs – Porter Hodge ended 2024 with 18 scoreless appearances over his last 19 games, converting eight of nine save chances with 26 strikeouts against nine walks. However, he projects as the HLR after the team traded for Ryan Pressly. He waived his no-trade clause for the chance at closing games on the precipice of free agency.
Updated Hierarchy: Ryan Pressly | Porter Hodge | Ryan Brasier
Cincinnati Reds – Streaky in his performances in high-leverage events and spotty at times with his command, Alexis Díaz remains a fantasy enigma. He’s recorded 55 saves in the last two years, but his declining K-BB percentage and rising WHIP do not foster trust from fantasy managers. He projects as the Opening Day closer, but his potential volatility makes him a risky investment for 2025. Keep tabs on Scott Barlow, Tony Santillan, and how the team uses Graham Ashcraft this season.
Updated Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Scott Barlow | Tony Santillan
Milwaukee Brewers – Trading Devin Williams paves the way for Trevor Megill as the closer entering 2025. He did struggle in the second-half but converted 20 of 22 save opportunities while his teammate was on the injured list last year. Abner Uribe remains on the periphery of the leverage ladder and if he improves his command, could be a factor for saves as the season progresses. Those in keeper leagues should track Craig Yoho and Jacob Miriorowski’s progress closely this spring.
Updated Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Abner Uribe
Pittsburgh Pirates – What seemed like an easy prognostication at the beginning of 2024 has become much more complex as it has concluded. David Bednar was removed from the closer role and was ineffective this season after undergoing two oblique injuries. He’s dealt with side or back injuries in three of the past four seasons. Can he rebound? We side with yes, but a strong spring would ease concerns about 2025 for the “Renegade.”
Updated Hierarchy: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Colin Holderman
St. Louis Cardinals – A revamped bullpen anchored by Ryan Helsley resulted in a franchise record 49 saves. Andrew Kittredge and JoJo Reyes performed well in set-up roles as well. Can Helsley repeat this production level in 2025, and will he be traded? More significant questions will be who sets up for him.
Updated Hierarchy: Ryan Helsley | Ryan Fernandez | Matthew Liberatore
National League West
Arizona Diamondbacks – Limping toward the finish line, there were more questions than answers about the bullpen at the end of 2024. A.J. Puk suffered an ugly loss in a “must-win” game, and Justin Martinez showed flashes of brilliance mixed with traffic-induced save situations. Based on in-season usage patterns, Martinez should open 2025 as the closer, but a match-up-based approach could also be deployed. Hopefully, clarity will emerge this spring.
Updated Hierarchy: *Justin Martinez | *A.J. Puk | Kevin Ginkel
*= closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – The Rockies had a revolving door at the closer position this season. At the beginning of the season, Justin Lawrence and Tyler Kinley were the top two relievers in the hierarchy. Victor Vodnik emerged as the closer in early July until he landed on the injured list in late August. Kinley reemerged, converting all six save chances until he was on the injured list in September. Rookie Seth Halvorsen took over the top of the hierarchy, and a spring battle will decide who gets the gig on Opening Day. Early reports speculate on a three-reliever camp competition between Halvorsen, Vodnik, and Kinley.
Updated Hierarchy: *Seth Halvorsen | *Victor Vodnik | *Tyler Kinley
*= closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers – Throwing caution into the wind, the team signed Tanner Scott to a four-year contract and announced he would receive the “brunt” of save opportunities. With injuries to Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips, Los Angeles also re-signed postseason hero Blake Treinen and free agent Kirby Yates. There is less fluidity in the leverage ladder, with only Alex Vesia possessing minor league options, but more depth at the onset of 2025.
Updated Hierarchy: *Tanner Scott | *Kirby Yates | Blake Treinen
*= closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – Robert Suarez was dominant in the first half, throwing his four-seam fastball and converting 22 of his first 24 save chances. Fatigue and predictability affected his results in the second half. One should not run from the Padres closer, but a more diverse use of his arsenal will prevent further migration toward the mean. He will be the closer on Opening Day, but his runway was reduced slightly by the second-half struggles ahead of the playoffs and his potential opt-out clause at the end of 2025. Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada remain sneaky options for saves later this season.
Updated Hierarchy: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada
San Francisco Giants – It’s too early to give up on Camilo Doval as a reliever, and it’s tough to trust him next season after struggling with a rising WHIP and declining K-BB percentage. Things become trickier with the emergence of Ryan Walker. He took over as the closer and converted all ten save chances from August 10-on with 28 strikeouts versus five walks during his last 17 appearances, spanning 19.2 innings. Doval may need a change of scenery, and Walker has been confirmed as the closer by manager, Bob Melvin.
Updated Hierarchy: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval
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Statistical Credits:
Fangraphs.com
Baseball-Reference.com
BaseballSavant.com
BrooksBaseball.net
