Closer Monkey Update | Edwin Díaz

Although the closer did not get a five-year deal, Edwin Díaz set the new average value for a reliever in MLB history: 

This is not rocket science; one of baseball’s best relievers has signed with one of the best teams, meaning he’s in line for plenty of save opportunities in the upcoming season. This deal has more fantasy implications for Tanner Scott, Devin Williams, and Robert Suarez than Díaz.

First, from Jon Morosi:

This signing sets the market and may expedite negotiations with Suarez, Pete Fairbanks, and Kyle Finnegan.

As for Díaz, his splits from last season:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LaamD/2/

Now, fantasy managers await the remaining dominoes to fall.

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Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

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BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Closer Monkey Update | Emilio Pagán

In a reunion that was anticipated, Emilio Pagan has agreed to a two-year deal with Cincinnati that includes an opt-out and will return as the closer for 2026:

He took over as the closer on March 29, 2025, and never looked back, converting a career-best 32 saves in 38 chances with a 2.98 ERA and 0.92 across 68.2 innings. His 81 strikeouts were tied as the fifth-most among National League relievers, and his 23 multi-strikeout outings were tied for sixth.

Here are his splits from last year: 

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/g6p25/1/

Speaking of splits, he threw his split-fingered fastball more in 2025 while throwing fewer cutters: 

Fantasy managers will take solace in Pagan reprising his role as the closer for the Reds. However, mitigating regression to the mean will determine his relevance for 2026. As the closer, he’s halfway there. Maintaining a 22.8 percent swinging strike rate will prove beneficial. 

Closer Monkey’s Emails

Going forward, the daily emails have changed. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

Thanks for being part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Closer Monkey Update | Devin Williams

With the closer market heating, the Mets have agreed to a three-year contract with one of the best high-leverage relievers in baseball, Devin Williams: 

However, New York is still engaged in talks with Edwin Díaz. This means the market for closers continues narrowing, and the two may end up as leverage teammates. 

Beginning with his leverage trends, he will be successful in the eighth or the ninth inning: 

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mLQGE/1/

After losing the closer role, he rebounded and finished the season with 13 scoreless innings, including four in the playoffs. His splits by half illustrate his improved results after the All-Star break:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cyjIx/1/

Despite missing the first half in 2024, he has accrued just over 143 innings over the last three years. Compared with all relievers with at least 140 innings in this timeframe, his ranks in the following categories:

  • Strikeout Percentage: 37.2 percent (third), behind only Aroldis Chapman and Josh Hader
  • K-BB Percentage: 25.7 percent (fourth)
  • WHIP: 1.05 (17th)
  • SIERA: 2.77 (eighth)
  • Swinging Strike Percentage: 17.3 percent (tied for third)
  • Contact Rate Allowed: 63.7 percent (tied for third)
  • Strikeouts: 218 (18th), but he’s the only reliever in the top 20 with less than 160 innings.

His results speak for themselves. Now, the fantasy community awaits where Díaz signs, as this will set the market for Williams in upcoming drafts.

Closer Monkey’s Emails

Going forward, the daily emails have changed. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

Thanks for being part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net