Although the top free agents have signed, there will be more roster changes across the league. Fantasy managers prefer clarity, but committees or match-up-based bullpens make ranking some relievers challenging. In the first run of the top 40 relievers for saves-only leagues, there will be multiple relievers from some teams, while others may not be represented. Rankings remain an imperfect process, but here goes.
Tier One
- Mason Miller (SD)
- Edwin Diaz (LAD)
- Jhoan Duran (PHI)
- Cade Smith (CLE)
- Devin Williams (NYM)
- David Bednar (NYY)
- Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
There are no surprises here, other than the order. In this tier, you can target a preference or take the never-pay-for-saves approach, waiting for closers in lower tiers. Strikeouts are the differentiator that puts Miller in the top spot of our rankings.
Tier Two
- Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
- Josh Hader (HOU)
- Ryan Helsley (BAL)
- Jeff Hoffman (TOR)
- Pete Fairbanks (MIA)
- Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
- Daniel Palencia (CHC)
- Emilio Pagán (CIN)
- Carlos Estévez (KC)
This tier features closers with higher risk profiles. Muñoz worked with reduced velocity in the second half, causing his WHIP to rise over 1.20 after the All-Star break. Hader finished the season on the injured list with a left shoulder capsule strain. If he’s healthy this spring, he will obviously rise in the rankings. Hoffman was tremendous down the stretch and in the playoffs, but home runs remain an issue. Fairbanks signed with one of the most frustrating teams from a fantasy perspective for saves last year, and can he repeat a career-best 60.1 innings? Iglesias struggled during his first 21 appearances last year, allowing seven home runs before regaining the closer role and finishing strong. With Robert Suarez setting him up, he will not be afforded the same leash in 2026. Palencia recorded the third most saves (22) in the National League from May 21 through the end of the season, but also spent time on the injured list and worked multiple innings in the postseason, not the ninth inning. Pagán set career highs in saves (32) and appearances (70). Can we trust a repeat? As for Estévez, his contact trends versus his swinging strike percentage, combined with a SIERA north of four, make anyone nervous about a repeat. However, the Royals will give him save chances until he implodes.
Tier Three
- Trevor Megill (MIL)
- Abner Uribe (MIL)
- Griffin Jax (TB)
- Kenley Jansen (DET)
- Dennis Santana (PIT)
- Ryan Walker (SF)
Will Milwaukee trade Megill? If they do, Uribe catapults into the top 12 closers. Tampa Bay’s on record that the team will deploy a match-up-based bullpen, but Jax has the best stuff and should emerge as the primary save share. Jansen will pitch in whatever inning Hinch assigns him, per interviews, but the veteran closer needs 24 saves to reach 500 in his career. He projects as the saves leader in a bullpen that features three relievers who posted at least 20 saves in 2025. Santana is steady, not sexy. Walker’s finish and struggles last year provide plenty of caution, but his leverage ladder lacks many challengers for save chances.
Tier Four
- Bryan Abreu (HOU)
- Robert Stephenson (LAA)
- Grant Taylor (CHW)
- Jordan Leasure (CHW)
- Robert Garcia (TEX)
- Jeremiah Estrada (SD)
- Garrett Cleavinger (TB)
- Edwin Uceta (TB)
- Robert Suarez (ATL)
Welcome to the speculative arena of the rankings. Abreu and Estrada offer strikeout upside and ancillary save opportunities, providing value for fantasy purposes. Stephenson, if healthy, should lead the Angels in saves. As for White Sox relievers, if you’re looking for strikeouts and innings, it’s Taylor; for total saves, lean toward Leasure. Cleavinger, Uceta, and Suarez project for more positive fantasy value than the saves leaders on teams below.
Tier Five
- Clayton Beeter (WSH)
- Mark Leiter Jr. (ATH)
- Matt Svanson (STL)
- Riley O’Brien (STL)
- Garrett Whitlock (BOS)
- Tanner Scott (LAD)
- Kyle Finnegan (DET)
- Will Vest (DET)
- Matt Brash (SEA)
This assumes the Cardinals are trading JoJo Romero per multiple reports, leaving a spring battle between O’Brien and Svanson. Teams not represented in the first top-40: Arizona, Colorado, and Minnesota.
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