July 2025 – Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | July 30

On Trade Deadline eve, things will get crazy soon in the reliever market. One move was made yesterday, as Seranthony Domínguez switched locker rooms between games during a doubleheader.

Our updated hierarchies are shared in the game recaps. As a gentle reminder:

Trade Deadline Links

As for yesterday’s results, reslievers recorded seven wins and converted nine saves while suffering six losses. There was a one-out save, a three-plus inning save, and a save converted by a veteran closer working for a third consecutive contest:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for July 30

Bennett Sousa (HOU): Hader and Abreu have pitched in back-to-back games.
Taylor Rogers (CIN): Pagán and Santillan have appeared in three of the last four days.
John Schreiber (KC): Estévez and Erceg have been used in three of the previous four games.
Reid Detmers (LAA): Jansen has pitched in three consecutive contests.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

Leverage Ledger

Baltimore Orioles – (Game 1) – Facing Toronto’s 2-3-4 lineup pocket, Yennier Cano worked around Davis Schneider’s lead-off single with a flyout and an inning-ending double play groundout against Bo Bichette.

(Game 2) – Capping his team’s go-ahead rally at the bottom of the eighth, Corbin Martin recorded his first career save despite hitting Ernie Clement with a pitch and walking Tyler Heineman leading off the top of the ninth. Martin bore down, retiring Myles Straw on a sacrifice bunt, then striking out Nathan Lukes and Bo Bichette, preserving the one-run win. He threw 22 pitches (36.4% strike rate) and induced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%).

Andrew Kittredge allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one at the top of the eighth, collecting his second win.
Keegan Akin navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless seventh in his first appearance since June 30.

In the two save situations since Félix Bautista was placed on the injured list, interim manager Tony Mansolino has used a match-up-based approach. As for “The Mountain,” it may be some time before he returns:

Updated Hierarchy: *Andrew Kittredge | *Yennier Cano | *Keegan Akin

*= closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox – After warming up for the ninth, Aroldis Chapman was not initially used when the lead grew to five. Jorge Alcala entered instead, but allowed two hits, including Brooks Lee’s two-run home run, and left with a runner on and two outs. Chapman stranded the runner, retiring Mickey Gasper via strikeout for his 19th save, throwing three pitches, all strikes.

Garrett Whitlock notched his 14th hold, yielding a hit and striking out two during a scoreless bottom of the eighth, extending his scoreless streak to nine games.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Jordan Hicks

Cincinnati Reds – Entering with the score tied at the top of the ninth, Emilio Pagán issued Michael Conforto a lead-off walk, a leverage mortal sin. He almost worked around it by retiring the next two batters, but Will Smith made him pay, producing a go-ahead RBI double before Freddie Freeman’s inning-ending strikeout. Pagán suffered his third loss, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk with one strikeout on 25 pitches (64% strike rate). His illustrator:

And results:

Tony Santillan retired the side in the eighth.
Graham Ashcraft gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two, resulting in his fourth blown save.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Houston Astros – Nailing down his 28th save, Josh Hader fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out the side, preserving a three-run lead against the Naitonals. He threw 13 pitches (69.2% strike rate) and generated five whiffs (38.5 SwStr%).

This extended his modest scoreless streak to four games, and he has registered multiple strikeouts in seven of nine games in July, posting 16 strikeouts through 11 innings. Bryan Abreu gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the eighth.

Bryan King gave up three hits and an earned run while getting one strikeout.
Bennett Sousa collected his fifth win, tossing 1.1 clean frames and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bennett Sousa

Los Angeles Angels – For a 13th consecutive full season, Kenley Jansen has recorded at least 20 saves. Appearing in a third straight contest, he preserved a three-run lead, allowing Marcus Semien’s two-out single and striking out one during a scoreless top of the ninth versus Texas. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless through all 11 games in July, recording two wins and five saves while posting a 0.354 WHIP with 13 strikeouts and zero walks (35.1 K-BB%).

Connor Brogdon allowed Kyle Higashioka’s solo home run in the eighth, getting credit for his third hold.
Reid Detmers tossed a scoreless top of the seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two, to collect his fourth win.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Ryan Zeferjahn

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Alex Vesia slammed the door on his fourth save, retiring the side and recording two strikeouts against the Reds’ 8-9-1 hitters. He threw eight pitches (75% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since June 11 and extended his scoreless streak to four games.

Alexis Díaz stranded a runner at the bottom of the seventh while retiring all four batters, collecting his first win, and gaining a measure of revenge against his former team.

Also, an update for Tanner Scott:

Updated Hierarchy: *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia | *Jack Dreyer

*= closer-by-committee

New York Yankees – Hanging on for his 17th save, Devin Williams allowed Josh Lowe’s lead-off triple, followed by José Caballero’s walk, then retired the next two batters, scoring a run. With two outs, Yandy Díaz reached on a throwing error, but Williams produced a game-ending strikeout of Jonathan Aranda. He finished with a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one on 25 pitches (60% strike rate) with five whiffs (20 SwStr%). His illustrator:

And results:

The good news is that he has converted a save in his last four appearances. However, he has allowed at least a run in three of his last five games.

Jonathan Loáigisa notched his seventh hold, stranded a runner at the top of the seventh, and allowed two hits during 1.1 scoreless innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Tim Hill

Pittsburgh Pirates – Filling in capably, and possibly being showcased for scouts, Dennis Santana nailed down his sixth save, retiring the side and recording two strikeouts in San Francisco. He threw 12 pitches (75% strike rate) and generated four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

This marks his first save since May 21 and extends his scoreless streak to seven, during which he has a 1.00 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus three walks.

Braxton Ashcraft earned his third win, logging three clean frames and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

San Diego Padres – In order of appearance, Jeremiah Estrada fired a clean top of the fifth, recording one strikeout, extending his scoreless streak to 17 games, during which he has two wins, a save, and ten holds while posting a 0.539 WHIP with 22 strikeouts against three walks in 16.2 innings.

Wandy Peralta was awarded his fifth win, tossing a scoreless sixth despite allowing a hit.
Adrian Morejon notched his 16th hold, retiring the side in the seventh. He has given up one earned run during his last 30 appearances since May 23, recording seven wins, a save, and ten holds.
Ron Marinaccio worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Yuki Matsui finished the six-run win with a clean ninth, striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Toronto Blue Jays – Summoned at the bottom of the eighth during a tied contest against Baltimore’s 2-3-4 lineup pocket, Jeff Hoffman allowed consecutive one-out doubles by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, hit a batter, and recorded a strikeout, resulting in his fourth loss. His illustrator:

And his results:

He has suffered a loss while allowing a run in back-to-back appearances.

Seranthony Domínguez made his team debut, retiring the side and striking out two at the bottom of the seventh.
Yariel Rodríguez issued a walk during a scoreless sixth.

Updated Hierarchy: Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez | Yariel Rodríguez

Quick Hits

Detroit Tigers: Taking over at the top of the second, Brant Hurter stranded two runners and logged 3.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three. He collected his third win while throwing 37 pitches (70.3% strike rate) and produced five whiffs (13.5 SwStr%)
Miami Marlins: Completing a combined shutout, Valente Bellozo tossed two innings, walking one and striking out three. Ronny Henriquez fired a clean seventh, striking out one. Calvin Faucher allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Milwaukee Brewers: With two runners on and two outs at the top of the sixth, Aaron Ashby stranded them and logged 3.1 innings while recording his second save. He allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two on 42 pitches (61.9% strike rate) with three whiffs (7.1 SwStr%).
New York Mets: Called into a tied game at the bottom of the sixth, José Buttó suffered his second loss. He gave up five hits, five earned runs, and two walks while striking out one during his 1.2 innings.
San Francisco Giants: A rare meltdown for Tyler Rogers resulted in his third loss. He entered a tied contest at the top of the eighth, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out one, snapping his nine-game scoreless streak in July. It’s the first time he has allowed multiple runs since June 25.
Texas Rangers: A rough outing for Jon Gray at the bottom of the sixth. He gave up three hits, four earned runs, and three walks while striking out one, resulting in his first loss and a second blown save.
Washington Nationals: Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the fifth, Andrew Chafin gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk during two-thirds of the inning, resulting in his first loss.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Statistical Credits:

Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | July 29

Monday began with a bombshell when it was announced Emmanuel Clase will be suspended through August 31 pending an MLB investigation into gambling accusations. This removes him and his teammates in the bullpen from trade talks, but they struggled in their first game with him away from the team, resulting in a loss against the Rockies.

On Monday’s slate, relievers recorded eight wins, although Robert Suarez’s outing was accompanied by a blown save, and converted nine saves while being tagged with five losses. Two of last night’s saves were of the one-out variety; here they are in condensed form:

For the save streamers, these games have better options than the doubleheader between Toronto and Baltimore:

Vulture Save Options for July 29

Reid Detmers (LAA); Jansen has pitched in consecutive contests.
Garrett Whitlock (BOS): He was unavailable due to illness last night, but Hicks has worked in back-to-back games, and Aroldis Chapman is dealing with a back issue.
Griffin Jax (MIN): Durán has appeared in consecutive games.
Alex Vesia (LAD): Treinen threw 25 pitches last night.
Dennis Santana (PIT): Bednar threw a season-high 32 pitches last night.
Tyler Kinley (COL): Halvorsen threw 27 pitches and Vodnik 29 during last night’s win over Cleveland.

Doubleheader Options

Baltimore: Andrew Kittredge
Toronto: Yariel Rodríguez

Vulture Save Stah for July 30

Edwin Uceta (TB): If Fairbanks pitches today, it’s back-to-back appearances.

Three Takeaways

(1) Smith was not sharp: It was a rough debut as the potential fill-in for Emmanuel Clase. Cade Smith hung a slider against Warming Bernabel, resulting in a lead-off double, made a throwing error on a bunt, scoring an unearned run, and could not put away hitters in this outing. He finished with two hits and four runs (one earned) while recording one out en route to his fourth loss and a third blown save. First, his illustrator:

And the results:

Whether it was sequencing, trying too hard, or simply missing spots, better days lie ahead for Smith. Through 47 games, he has a 2.60 SIERA, a 2.73 xERA, a 15.3 swinging strike percentage, and a 24.6 K-BB percentage. He has a double-digit swinging strike percentage with all three of his pitches: four-seam fastball (14 percent), split-fingered fastball (19.1 percent), and his slider (18.4 percent).

Updated Hierarchy: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Tim Herrin

(2) Treinen was also not sharp: Minor league rehab outings never tell the full story, and Blake Treinen took over with a four-run lead at the bottom of the ninth in Cincinnati, making his first MLB outing since April 13. He threw 25 pitches (60% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (12 SwStr%) while giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks while striking out two. His illustrator:

And his results:

Treinen departed with the bases loaded and two outs. Jack Dreyer replaced him and induced a game-ending groundout against Matt McLain for his first career save. Once again, better days lie ahead for the veteran reliever; hopefully, this outing was the result of rust.

Updated Hierarchy: *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia | *Jack Dreyer

(3) Hicks suffers a walk-off loss: Warming up for a save chance before the rain delay, Jordan Hicks was not sharp when the contest resumed. Taking over with a one-run lead, he allowed DeShawn Keirsey Jr.’s lead-off single, hit consecutive batters to load the bases, recorded an out on a fielder’s choice force out at home, then gave up Brooks Lee’s walk-off two-RBI single. Hicks suffered his seventh loss and a first blown save during Boston’s MLB-leading tenth walk-off loss this season. He threw 23 pitches (65.2% strike rate) without a whiff. Although his strike percentage does not seem like his command was lacking, he hit two batters on three pitches:

The one out he recorded would have been ball four if Carlos Correa had not swung. As the last man standing, this should not be overanalyzed, but Hicks has not fared well in back-to-back outings since returning to the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman (back) and Garrett Whitlock (illness) were not available.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Jordan Hicks

Trade Deadline Links

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation with no outs in Kansas City, Raisel Iglesias let one runner score on a sacrifice fly while retiring all three batters, sealing the win for his 12th save. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%) while recording his first save in the second half.

Rafael Montero made the mess, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and two walks without retiring a batter.
Dylan Lee allowed Randal Grichuk’s solo home run at the bottom of the eighth and recorded a strikeout.
Daysbel Hernández gave up two hits and an earned run in the seventh, getting credited with his eighth hold.
Pierce Johnson retired the side and struck out one for his ninth hold in the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Dylan Lee | Pierce Johnson

Colorado Rockies – Capping his team’s four-run rally at the top of the ninth, Seth Halvorsen battled through spotty command and held on for his 11th save. However, he allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks before a game-ending strikeout. He threw 27 pitches (48.1% strike rate) and only induced two whiffs (7.4 SwStr%). His pitch descriptions:

Halvorsen has converted his last six save chances since June 22, but has a 1.935 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus six walks across 9.1 innings.

Tyler Kinley collected his first win, walking and striking out one in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Seth Halvorsen | Victor Vodnik | Jake Bird

Los Angeles Angels – Tasked with his first four-out save since May 17, Kenley Jansen answered the bell, retiring all four batters and striking out one while recording his 19th save, preserving a two-run margin against the Rangers’ 1-2-3-4 batters. He threw 12 pitches (75% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in all ten appearances in July, posting two wins while converting all four save opportunities with a minuscule 0.291 WHIP and 12 strikeouts versus zero walks (36.4 K-BB%).

Ryan Zeferjahn stranded two runners at the top of the seventh but gave up two hits and an earned run in the eighth. He finished with three strikeouts during 1.1 innings and notched his 16th hold.
José Quijada allowed a walk and a hit while recording one out in the seventh, getting credit for his first hold.
Connor Brogdon collected his second win, stranding two runners in the fifth, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one during his 1.1 inning outing.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Ryan Zeferjahn

Milwaukee Brewers – Pressed into duty with two runners on and two outs at the top of the ninth, Trevor Megill nailed down his 24th save by striking out his only batter (Seiya Suzuki) on three pitches, all strikes, with one whiff. Through eight scoreless outings in July, Megill has recorded a win (two) or a save (six) in all of them while posting a 0.411 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk (35 K-BB%) across 7.1 innings.

Craig Yoho issued two walks during two-thirds scoreless at the top of the ninth.
Abner Uribe worked a scoreless eighth, hitting a batter and striking out one.
Jared Koenig let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds scoreless in the seventh for his 20th hold.
Grant Anderson allowed a hit, an earned run, and a hit batter in one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his fight hold.
Nick Mears worked a clean sixth and recorded two strikeouts, resulting in his second win.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

Minnesota Twins – Entering a tied game at the top of the ninth, Jhoan Durán issued Abraham Toro a lead-off walk, a leverage no-no. Toro was replaced by pinch-runner David Hamilton, who stole second and third, then scored on Roman Anthony’s go-ahead RBI single. Durán bore down, retiring Alex Bregman on a flyout, Anthony was caught stealing, and after another walk (Jarren Duran), an inning-ending strikeout of Trevor Story. However, the Twins’ closer collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally after a prolonged rain delay. He has allowed multiple runs in two of his last four games.

Brock Stewart worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Griffin Jax fired a clean seventh, striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

Pittsburgh Pirates – It was a white-knuckle ride at the bottom of the ninth, but David Bednar held on for his 17th save and an eventual one-run win. His outing began with a Willy Adames lead-off double, and a one-out RBI single by Jung Hoo Lee, followed by Wilmer Flores’ single before a pop-out, and a game-ending groundout. Bednar threw 32 pitches (84.4% strike rate) without a whiff.

This marked his first earned run allowed since June 15, ending his 13-game scoreless streak.

Dennis Santana allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth, notching his 13th hold.
Isaac Mattson secured his third hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out two.
Yohan Ramírez let his only inherited runner score, handing him his first blown save. However, he collected his first win while logging 2.1 innings, giving up a hit, two hit batters, and two walks while striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

San Diego Padres – Handed a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Robert Suarez allowed Ronny Mauricio’s game-tying solo home run and recorded a strikeout, suffering his fourth blown save. His teammates picked him up, providing him with his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

This snapped two streaks: his seven-game scoreless stretch, and he had converted his last seven chances since July 2.

Jason Adam worked a clean eighth, striking out one for his 26th hold.
Jeremiah Estrada retired his only batter, securing his 22nd hold in the seventh.
Adrian Morejon logged 1.2 clean frames and recorded four strikeouts for his 15th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Seattle Mariners – Despite allowing Miguel Andujar’s lead-off single at the bottom of the ninth, Andrés Muñoz secured his 24th save, producing a double play groundout and a game-ending strikeout, preserving the two-run lead against the A’s. He threw 10 pitches (80% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last six appearances, converting all three save chances with a 0.833 WHIP and nine strikeouts against four walks.

Matt Brash gave up a hit and a walk while stranding a runner during his one-third of the eighth for his 14th hold.
Gabe Speier issued a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth and his 14th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays – Forced into action with a runner on second and two outs, Pete Fairbanks recorded an inning-ending strikeout against Giancarlo Stanton, then worked a scoreless ninth, working around Ryan McMahon’s two-out single for his 18th save. He threw 19 pitches (73.7% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).

He has converted his last three save chances and been scoreless in his last two.

Garrett Cleavinger allowed a hit during his two-thirds of the eighth, getting credit for his 15th hold.
Edwin Uceta fired two clean frames, striking out four while securing his 15th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Garrett Cleavinger

Washington Nationals – Locking down his 20th save, Kyle Finnegan retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run lead in Houston. He threw 10 pitches (80% strike rate) and produced two whiffs.

This marked his second save in the second half, and he has been scoreless in three of his last four appearances.

Jose A. Ferrer allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the eighth, notching his 19th hold.
Luis García navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh, securing his fifth hold.
Konnor Pilkington collected his second win, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds of the sixth.

Updated Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Jose A. Ferrer | Luis García

Quick Hits

Baltimore Orioles: Corbin Martin took over with two runners on and one out at the top of the fifth. He stranded both and recorded 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out four while collecting his first win.
Chicago White Sox: After working as the “opener” on Sunday, Grant Taylor closed out a four-run win over the Phillies with a clean top of the ninth while recording two strikeouts. He threw 15 pitches (60% strike rate) and induced one whiff.
Detroit Tigers: An adventurous ninth inning ended on a double play groundout, but Will Vest made things interesting. After recording an out with a four-run lead, he hit Eugenio Suárez on the hand with a sinker, followed by Adrian Del Castillo’s single, putting runners on the corners before inducing the game-ending play. He threw 14 pitches (64.3% strike rate) without a whiff.
Houston Astros: Taking over a tied game at the top of the seventh, Bryan King suffered his second loss, allowing Riley Adams’ go-ahead solo home run and issuing a walk while striking out two. Bryan Abreu worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out three. Josh Hader fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two. He has recorded multiple strikeouts in six of his eight outings in July.
New York Mets: After his teammates tied the game at the top of the ninth, Gregory Soto could not get the game into extra innings. His outing began with Xander Bogaerts’ lead-off single, followed by Jose Iglesias reaching on a fielder’s choice groundout on a throwing error by Soto. A sacrifice bunt put both runners into scoring position, but Soto recorded a strikeout before giving up Elias Díaz’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his third loss.
New York Yankees: Appearing in an eventual loss, Luke Weaver stranded two runners at the top of the seventh while recording two outs, one via strikeout. However, during his return in the eighth, he gave up a single and was removed. Tim Hill could not strand the runner, putting an earned run on Weaver’s ledger.
San Francisco Giants: In an eventual one-run loss, Camilo Doval fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts on 16 pitches (68.8% strike rate) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Carson Seymour was tagged with his first loss while tossing three innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out three.
The Athletics: During an eventual loss, Elvis Alvarado tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, yielding a hit and striking out three on 16 pitches (68.8 Strike%) with six whiffs (37.5 SwStr%). Sean Newcomb allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth.

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Trade Deadline Cheat Sheet and Flow Charts

Even though a reliever gets listed in our Cheat Sheet, it does not mean he will be traded, but he has been mentioned in an article or by a national writer. This post shares closers and setup relievers who may be moved before Thursday’s trade deadline at 6 P.M. ET.

Cheat Sheet

There are zero guarantees these relievers are traded. However, for our purposes, their controllable years or contract options are shared for posterity in the event they are moved. They are included because they have been mentioned in articles about the trade deadline.

~~Mason Miller~~ (ATH): Enters his arbitration window in 2026 and is under team control through 2029. (Miller traded to San Diego)
~~Jhoan Durán~~ and Griffin Jax (MIN): Both are under team control through 2027. (Durán traded to Philadelphia)
~~David Bednar~~ and Dennis Santana (PIT): Both are under team control through 2026. (Bednar traded to the Yankees)
Camilo Doval (SF): Under team control through 2027.
Pete Fairbanks (TB): Team option for 2026 for $7 million with clauses that can reach $11 million.
Jake Bird (COL): Under team control through 2028.
Victor Vodnik (COL): Under team control through 2029.
Seth Halvorsen (COL): Under team control through 2030.
Anthony Bender (MIA): Under team control through 2027.
Ronny Henriquez (MIA): Under team control through 2030.
Calvin Faucher (MIA); Under team control through 2029.

Now for the hired guns: relievers who will or can be free agents at the end of the season.

Right-Handed Relievers

Robert Suarez (SD) – has an opt-out clause
~~Ryan Helsley~~ (STL) – traded to the Mets
Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
Kenley Jansen (LAA)
Shelby Miller (ARI)
~~Kyle Finnegan~~ (WSH) – traded to Detroit
Phil Maton (STL)
~~Tyler Rogers~~ (SF) – traded to the Mets

Left-Handed Relievers

~~Danny Coulombe~~ (MIN) – traded to Texas
~~Steven Matz~~ (STL) – traded to Boston
Jalen Beeks (ARI)
~~Caleb Ferguson~~ (PIT) – traded to Seattle
Sean Newcomb (ATH)

Fantasy Flow Charts

Arizona Diamondbacks

If they trade Shelby Miller, Kevin Ginkel remains the preferred save share; however, the team should start mixing in the newly acquired relievers as potential candidates for next season.

Atlanta Braves

If they trade Raisel Iglesias but keep Pierce Johnson, he will split saves in a matchup-based approach with Dylan Lee.
If they trade Iglesias and Johnson, then it’s Lee and Daysbel Hernández sharing saves until Joe Jiménez can return.

Baltimore Orioles

They should be trading Seranthony Domínguez. This leaves Yennier Cano, Andrew Kittredge, and Keegan Akin atop the leverage ladder. Based on today’s usage pattern, it lines up for Kittredge and Akin to share saves, assuming a matchup-based approach with Cano as the primary setup reliever. This changes if they also deal Kittredge. Stay tuned.

Colorado Rockies

They should be fielding calls on any reliever a team’s interested in. I believe Jake Bird will be traded, but they will keep Seth Halvorsen and Victor Vodnik.

Los Angeles Angels

If they move Kenley Jansen, this will give Reid Detmers a chance to close, and getting José Quijada active makes this transition smoother for the team. Robert Stephenson has made little progress in his return-to-play protocols.

Miami Marlins

There have been rumors that the team would be willing to trade Anthony Bender, Ronny Henriquez, or Calvin Faucher. Fantasy managers would welcome a narrowed field for saves, but this may not be Clayton McCullough’s modus operandi.

Minnesota Twins

If they trade Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax becomes the preferred save option. If they trade Jax, Louis Varland gets a larger leverage role. Odds remain low that one or both get moved based on how the team’s front office operates, but there’s a chance.

Pittsburgh Pirates

If they trade David Bednar, it’s Dennis Santana. However, if they trade both, we prefer Isaac Mattson.

San Diego Padres

In a buy-and-sell model, the team could trade Robert Suarez (Cubs?) and add a less expensive reliever while restructuring its “four horsemen.” However, if this happened, I believe Jeremiah Estrada would become the preferred save option, not Jason Adam. This also brings Adrian Morejon into the hierarchy. He leads all relievers with eight wins this season and has recorded two saves. Suarez could get the left-fielder the team desires, perhaps a catcher as well. Preller may be forced to trade from a strength to address a weakness. There seems to be an undercurrent of conversations about Suarez.

San Francisco Giants

It’s a bit off the reservation, but two columns posted on Monday suggested the Giants should listen to offers for Camilo Doval. Though a long shot, if he’s traded, it would pave the way for Randy Rodríguez as the team’s closer.

St. Louis Cardinals (Updated on 7.29)

If they trade Ryan Helsley, then Phil Maton and Steven Matz should also be considered for a move, as they are all on expiring contracts. This would result in JoJo Romero and one of Kyle Leahy or Gordon Graceffo being the match-up-based options during save situations. Recent appearances favor Leahy. The wild card will be Riley O’Brien, who has the velocity, but is he in the “trust tree?”

Tampa Bay Rays

Recent reports suggest that the team prefers keeping Pete Fairbanks, but if things change, Bryan Baker is insurance for high-leverage events. However, he left his outing early on Saturday with a calf issue. If he misses time, then Edwin Uceta may be used for saves, and if Mason Montgomery can rebound after his demotion, he could work his way into a timeshare. As of July 30, it’s Uceta > Baker > Montgomery for saves if Fairbanks is moved.

The Athletics

If they trade Mason Miller, this leverage ladder becomes somewhat disarrayed. Justin Sterner could be called upon for saves. Elvis Alvarado has the velocity, but lacks command. Michael Kelly has been a reliable setup reliever since being activated, but I’m not sure he can handle the ninth inning.

Washington Nationals

If the team finds a buyer for Kyle Finnegan, Jose A. Ferrer will be in line for the majority of save chances with Cole Henry as his right-handed leverage complement.

Buyer Beware (Closer or Preferred Save Share at risk if team buys)

Do not panic, at least for now. There is a slight chance that these relievers could have their roles shifted if their team adds a veteran closer, such as Ryan Helsley, although he would likely displace all of them.

Daniel Palencia (CHC) – odds are 25 percent
Will Vest (DET) – odds are 50 percent
~~Matt Strahm~~ (PHI) – he’s no longer the closer
Robert Garcia (TEX) – odds are greater than 50 percent
Jeff Hoffman (TOR) – odds are 25 percent

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