Catching up with the recent news cycles, there have been numerous free agent signings and alterations to bullpen hierarchies in the National League. As of December 17, roles may change, but here are our updated outlooks for the upcoming season.
- Additions: Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge
- Projected 2026 Closer: Ryan Helsley
Baltimore believes it can help Helsley overcome the pitch tipping issue he struggled with in New York. He has converted 70 saves over the last two seasons, but must improve his results with his four-seam fastball for a bounce back in 2026:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tDXBT/1/
- Projected 2026 Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Chapman was one of the best bargains in fantasy last season, based on return on investment versus his draft capital. However, can he repeat last year’s results in his Age-38 season?
- Projected 2026 Closer: Match-up-based approach
Jordan Leasure could emerge as a viable fantasy option, but fantasy players should take a wait-and-see approach based on last season’s usage patterns:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oxMSS/1/
- Additions: Connor Brogdon, Colin Holderman, Payton Pallette
- Projected 2026 Closer: Cade Smith
With Emmanuel Clase’s situation unresolved and understanding he may not pitch in an MLB game again, the team has removed his poster outside the stadium and replaced it with Smith’s. Fantasy managers should be doing the same for Cleveland saves in 2026. He filled in capably down the stretch, going 4-1 while converting 13 of 16 save chances following his teammates’ placement on administrative leave.
- Additions: Kyle Finnegan, Kenley Jansen
- Projected 2026 Closer: Kenley Jansen
When forecasting roles, follow the money. Finnegan signed a two-year contract first, but Jansen’s one-year deal with a team option has the higher AAV, putting him at the top of our projected hierarchy. If he struggles with left-handed hitters again this season, Finnegan may carve out some save opportunities against an opponent’s best left-handed hitter in the ninth. Still, Jansen should be the primary save share, even if A.J. Hinch does not name him his closer for the upcoming season.
Update (12.18)
- Projected 2026 Closer: Josh Hader
Targeting Hader at a reduced price point depends on one’s aversion to risk. He finished 2025 on the injured list with a shoulder capsule strain. Because of this, he will work one-inning outings almost exclusively this season. His health this spring will determine if his average draft position rises or falls. Anyone taking him should be targeting Bryan Abreu on their roster, just in case.
- Projected 2026 Closer: Carlos Estevez
Not only did Estévez lead the majors in saves last season, but he suppressed his batting average on balls in play for a second consecutive year. Can this continue with a declining whiff rate and a K-BB percentage below 12 percent? It’s tough trusting a reliever with a 2.45 ERA, a 3.69 xERA, and a 4.43 SIERA, but he has proven critics wrong in the past. Are you feeling lucky?
- Additions: Drew Pomeranz, Jordan Romano
- Projected 2026 Closer: Robert Stephenson
- Wild Card: Ben Joyce
After allowing Jansen to leave via free agency, the Angels hope Stephenson and, eventually, Joyce will be healthy enough to pitch in high-leverage innings. If they are not, they hope Romano can find his past form. If all of this goes awry, a reliever like Ryan Zeferjahn may be needed for saves. This situation feels like a trap based on hope.
Update (12.18)
After this posted, this tweet was shared regarding roles in the Angels bullpen:
- Projected 2026 Closer: Committee
Ahead of the trade deadline, the team gutted its leverage ladder, trading Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Louis Varland. From August on, Minnesota only converted eight saves by five different relievers, with only Justin Topa (four) recording more than one. Remember, this covered a two-month span, so four saves occurring sporadically does not scream roster me. Names of interest for 2026 include Pierson Ohl, Connor Prielipp, and anyone else they may sign for, save situations.
- Projected 2026 Closer: David Bednar
Following a tough debut in the Bronx, Bednar finished strong, including time in Pittsburgh. Over his final 61 appearances, he went 6-3 with 23 saves, a 1.90 ERA, and 85 strikeouts across 61.2 innings. But, if he struggles, can Camilo Doval or Fernando Cruz display enough command to replace him?
- Addition: Jose A. Ferrer
- Projected 2026 Closer: Andrés Muñoz
Muñoz went 3-3 with a career-high 38 saves, a 1.73 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts versus 28 walks across 62.1 innings. Can he produce a near repeat? Should fantasy players be nervous about his velocity?
- Projected 2026 Closer: Committee
When the team declined an option for Pete Fairbanks, it signalled a return to past practice during high-leverage innings. Per reports by multiple beat writers, the Rays are comfortable sharing saves between Griffin Jax, Garrett Cleavinger, and Edwin Uceta this season. One could emerge as the preferred save share, and if that happens, we hedge toward Jax.
- Additions: Tyler Alexander, Alexis Diaz, Chris Martin
- Projected 2026 Closer: Alexis Diaz (?)
- Wild Card: Emiliano Teodo
More relievers may be added before spring training; however, for now, reports indicate the team could open the year with Díaz as its closer, given the 65 he recorded between 2023 and 2024. Does this ensure future success? It does not. Monitor his usage patterns, the news cycle, and his velocity reports this spring closely before dipping one’s toes in the water.
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KhD79/2/
- Additions: Mark Leiter Jr.
- Projected 2026 Closer: Committee
The team went 28 – 23 (.549) from August 1 until the end of 2025 after trading Mason Miller. In one-run games, they were 7 – 6 (.538), but in games decided by two runs or fewer, they were 8 – 9 (.471). In this timeframe, the team recorded 10 saves, dispersed as follows:
- Hogan Harris (4)
- Michael Kelly and Sean Newcomb (2 each)
- Osvaldo Bido and Tyler Ferguson (1 each)
Of the ten saves, four required four or more outs, including two by Harris. Even though Justin Sterner did not record a save over the last two months in 2025, he led the team in K-BB percentage (29.9) while posting a 16.3 percent swinging strike rate. He, Harris, and Leiter Jr. project as the high-leverage triumvirate, but the team can still add relievers.
- Additions: Tyler Rogers
- Projected 2026 Closer: Jeff Hoffman
Within two outs from its first World Championship since 1993, Hoffman allowed a game-tying solo home run by Miguel Rojas. Hoffman had not allowed a home run during the entire postseason despite giving up 15 during the regular season. He had peaks and valleys during the season, illustrated by his splits:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6Tzfs/5/
Still, among American League relievers, ranked third in saves and ninth in strikeouts (84). He also ranked third in the AL in chase rate (34.7 percent), trailing only Griffin Jax (37.8 percent) and Garrett Whitlock (35 percent).
Closer Monkey’s Emails
Going forward, the daily emails have changed. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our Substack page.
Those interested in our premium option, please use this LINK, it is $30 and covers the season. This will also be run via Substack for 2026. Please include your preferred email address, and we will manually add you to our ad-free list.
Thanks for being part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
Statistical Credits:
