Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.25.2025

This season’s last Wednesday slate featured seven reliever wins, though one was accompanied by a blown save (José Buttó), and seven saves, while relief pitchers were tagged with six losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 24

  • Michael Kelly (ATH): Hogan Harris logged 1.2 innings yesterday. 
  • Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT): Dennis Santana, Isaac Mattson, and Justin Lawrence have all worked in back-to-back games. Santana could do a third in a row, but Mlodzinski could also log a multiple inning save. 

Here are the leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Leverage Ledger

Chicago Cubs – An old-school save for Aaron Civale. He logged three innings, allowing two hits, including a solo home run by Juan Soto, and recorded two strikeouts for his first career save. He threw 40 pitches (70% strike rate) and produced five whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

  • Daniel Palencia was activated before the game, and retired both batters faced, one via strikeout on 10 pitches (70% strike rate) with two whiffs. This marked his first appearance since September 7.

Updated Hierarchy: *Brad Keller | *Daniel Palencia | *Andrew Kittredge

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – Locking down his 28th save, the 475th of his career, Kenley Jansen retired the side and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a one-run lead against the Royals. He threw eight pitches, all strikes, generating four whiffs during a dominant outing.

This save moves him within three of tying Lee Smith for third all-time.

  • Luis García worked around a walk for a scoreless eighth, securing his 12th hold.
  • Chase Silseth gave up a hit and an earned run while striking out one in the seventh for his first hold.
  • José Fermin tossed a clean sixth, notching his sixth hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Luis García | Brock Burke

Los Angeles Dodgers – It’s all hands on deck for this team’s bullpen, and Justin Wrobleski answered the call at the bottom of the 11th, preserving a one-run lead with a clean appearance while striking out two for his second save. He threw eight pitches (87.5% strike rate) and induced one whiff versus the bottom third of Arizona’s lineup.

  • Blake Treinen stranded two runners at the bottom of the tenth, retiring James McCann on an inning-ending flyout, then collected his second win.
  • Jack Dreyer recorded two outs but also issued two walks during his two-thirds of the tenth.
  • Clayton Kershaw retired the side at the bottom of the ninth, throwing 15 pitches (53.3% strike rate) with one whiff in his first relief appearance this season, fourth of his career.
  • Edgardo Henriquez suffered his second blown save, letting both inherited runners score, allowing two hits during two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Alex Vesia gave up two hits and a walk, resulting in three earned runs, but was credited with his 26th hold.
  • Rosi Sasaki made his debut in relief, firing a clean seventh, striking out two on 13 pitches (61.5% strike rate) with two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

This bullpen will remain fluid throughout the end of the season. It’s not known if Sasaki or Kershaw can handle appearing in back-to-back games, but more options during high-leverage events will place competition for playoff roster spots. Sasaki’s velocity spike as a reliever cannot be overlooked, and he could be a sneaky play for those in any postseason contests.

Updated Hierarchy: *Tanner Scott | *Blake Treinen | *Rosi Sasaki

*= closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – Shutting the door on his sixth save, Abner Uribe fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two while preserving a two-run lead in San Diego. He threw 17 pitches (76.5% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since September 5, and his fifth consecutive scoreless appearance.

  • Jared Koenig allowed a hit and struck out one during a scoreless eighth, securing his 26th hold.
  • Nick Mears navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh for his 17th hold.
  • Aaron Ashby was awarded his fifth win, retiring his only batter via strikeout at the bottom of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: *Abner Uribe | *Jared Koenig | Aaron Ashby

*= match-up-based bullpen

Pittsburgh Pirates – After stranding two runners at the bottom of the tenth, Yohan Ramírez returned for the 11th, protecting a one-run lead, and collected his second win. He logged 1.1 scoreless innings, issuing two walks and striking out two against the Reds.

  • Dauri Moreta allowed two hits and an unearned run during two-thirds of the tenth, suffering his first blown save.
  • Dennis Santana was tagged with his third blown save, giving up a game-tying solo home run by Tyler Stephenson at the bottom of the ninth. Santana finished with two hits and an earned run while striking out two during his 1.1 innings.
  • Isaac Mattson gets credit for his tenth hold, yielding an inside-the-park home run (Noelvi Marte) and walking one during two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Justin Lawrence worked a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Dennis Santana | Isaac Mattson | Justin Lawrence

San Francisco Giants – Capping his team’s rally at the bottom of the eighth, Tristan Beck worked around a lead-off single by Pedro Pagés with a double play groundout and a game-ending out on a bunt attempt, preserving a one-run lead for his second save. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) without a whiff.

  • José Buttó let one of two inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly and issued a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth. He was tagged with his fourth blown save but collected his fifth win when his teammates retook the lead at the bottom of the inning.
  • Matt Gage gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out one during one-third of the eighth.
  • Carson Seymour logged three scoreless frames, issuing a walk and striking out four.

Updated Hierarchy: Ryan Walker | José Buttó | Tristan Beck

Texas Rangers – Sealing a two-run lead against the Twins, Phil Maton fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout for his fifth save. He threw 14 pitches (64.3% strike rate) and induced one whiff. This marks his first save since September 10 and extends his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he has posted a 0.429 WHIP with nine strikeouts and no walks (39.1 K-BB%) across seven innings.

  • Shawn Armstrong allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one during the eighth, recording his 12th hold.
  • Robert Garcia collected his fourth win, tossing two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: *Phil Maton | *Shawn Armstrong | Robert Garcia

*= closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals – Presented with a two-run lead, Jose A. Ferrer allowed a solo home run by Eli White, recorded consecutive strikeouts of Jurickson Profar and Matt Olson, followed by an infield single by Ronald Acuña Jr. before inducing a game-ending groundout for his tenth save. He finished with two hits and an earned run, throwing 22 pitches (68.2% strike rate) with three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%).

The good news is that he posted his first save since September 12. However, he has allowed at least a run and multiple hits in three of his last four appearances.

  • Jackson Rutledge gave up Marcell Ozuna’s solo home run and struck out one in the eighth, getting credit for his third hold.
  • Clayton Beeter worked a scoreless seventh, walking two and striking out three, securing his eighth hold.
  • Julian Fernández allowed Drake Baldwin’s solo home run and a walk while notching his first hold in the sixth.
  • Mitchell Parker stranded two runners and issued a walk while retiring two batters in the fifth, collecting his ninth win. 

Hierarchy Remains: *Jose A. Ferrer | *Clayton Beeter | *PJ Poulin

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: With the leverage ladder stretched thin, Brandyn Garcia worked a scoreless top of the tenth, but suffered his second loss, letting the “place” runner score in the 11th on Tommy Edman’s go-ahead RBI single. Garcia finished with two hits, an unearned run, and three strikeouts across two innings, throwing 29 pitches. Ryan Thompson worked a clean ninth, keeping the game tied.
  • Atlanta Braves: Allowing a solo home run by James Wood snapped an 18-game scoreless streak for Tyler Kinley. He did record two strikeouts, throwing 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) with four whiffs (25 SwStr%) during his outing at the top of the eighth of an eventual loss.
  • Chicago White Sox: As the “bulk follower,” Jonathan Cannon suffered his tenth loss, giving up six hits, five earned runs, and a walk while striking out six across 4.1 innings. 
  • Cincinnati Reds: Tasked with the top of the 11th, Nick Martinez let the “place” runner score on Spencer Horvitz’s RBI double and issued a walk en route to his 14th loss.
  • Cleveland Guardians: Summoned with two outs and a runner on, Cade Smith induced a game-ending groundout against Dillon Dingler, preserving a four-run lead. He has been scoreless in 11 of his last 12 appearances, recording a win and converting seven of eight save chances with 21 strikeouts versus zero walks (53.8 K-BB%) across 11.1 innings.
  • San Diego Padres: A rare misstep for Adrian Morejon resulted in his sixth loss. He took over at the top of the seventh, giving up three hits and an earned run against the Brewers.
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, Riley O’Brien allowed a lead-off single and an RBI triple by Andrew Knizner, resulting in his first loss. He finished with two hits, an earned run, and a walk while working in back-to-back games, and the third time in four days.
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Taking over at the bottom of the fifth, Edwin Uceta collected his tenth win, retiring the side and striking out two against the Orioles. He threw 18 pitches (61.1% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). He’s one of four relievers with at least 100 strikeouts this season (102).

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, 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.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to @gjewett9

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’s Leverage Ledger | 9.24.2025

Tuesday’s full slate yielded eight wins by relievers, though a blown save accompanied one (Josh Simpson) and eight saves while suffering six losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 24

  • Ryan Helsley (NYM): Edwin Díaz worked two innings, throwing 27 pitches, and has appeared in three of the last four days. 
  • Ryan Fernandez (STL): Riley O’Brien has pitched in three of the last four, and JoJo Romero has worked in back-to-back games, three of the previous four. 

Here are the leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Securing his 28th save, Raisel Iglesias worked around Josh Bell’s one-out walk with a flyout and a game-ending strikeout, preserving a one-run lead. He threw 10 pitches (60% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last 11 appearances, recording a 0.654 WHIP with 12 strikeouts against five walks across 10.2 innings.

  • Dylan Lee allowed a solo home run (James Wood) and recorded two strikeouts for his 19th hold at the top of the eighth.
  • Joel Payamps made his team debut, firing a clean seventh, striking out two, and notching his fourth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee

Boston Red Sox – Closing out his 32nd save, Arolidis Chapman retired the side and preserved a three-run lead against Toronto, throwing 15 pitches (66.7% strike rate) with two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in his last four outings, recording three saves, but he produces fewer strikeouts while working with reduced velocity.

  • Justin Slaten worked a clean eighth, securing his seventh hold.
  • Garrett Whitlock fired a clean seventh, striking out two while notching his 24th hold.
  • Justin Wilson collected his fourth win, stranding a runner at the bottom of the fifth and logging 1.1 scoreless innings, walking and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Justin Slaten

Chicago White Sox – Summoned with two runners on and two outs, Steven Wilson allowed an RBI single by José Caballero. Brandon Eisert gave up Anthony Volpe’s lead-off single, followed by an Austin Wells single, induced a double play groundout, intentionally walked Aaron Judge, and walked Cody Bellinger, throwing a wild pitch to score a runner. He finished with two hits, two earned runs, and two walks across two-thirds of the ninth, resulting in his seventh loss and third blown save.

  • Grant Taylor worked around two hits for a scoreless eighth, striking out one for his ninth hold.
  • Jordan Leasure worked a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one for his 14th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Jordan Leasure | *Grant Taylor | *Mike Vasil

*= closer-by-committee

Cleveland Guardians – Shutting the door on his 16th save and securing his team’s move into a tie for first place in the American League Central, Cade Smith fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two. He threw nine pitches, all strikes, and generated six whiffs (66.7 SwStr%).

He has converted seven of eight save opportunities in September and has been scoreless in nine of his 11 appearances, recording 21 strikeouts versus zero walks (50 K-BB%) through 11 innings.

  • Hunter Gaddis allowed Kerry Carpenter’s two-out single and recorded three strikeouts in the eighth, notching his 34th hold.
  • Erik Sabrowski retired the side, striking out two for his 12th hold in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski

Los Angeles Dodgers – Presented a one-run lead, Tanner Scott suffered his fourth loss and MLB-leading tenth blown save. His outing began by hitting Ildemaro Vargas with a pitch, followed by a walk and a sacrifice bunt. Arizona tied the game on a sacrifice fly, and with two outs, Geraldo Perdomo produced a walk-off, RBI single. Scott finished with a hit, two earned runs, a hit batter, and a walk while recording two outs on 21 pitches (52.4% strike rate) with two whiffs, snapping his four-game scoreless streak.

  • Alex Vesia navigated around two walks and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless eighth, securing his 25th hold.
  • Edgardo Hernriquez let his only inherited runner score, allowing a two-run home run by Adrian Del Castillo during his one-third of the seventh.
  • Jack Dreyer gave up two hits and two earned runs while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: *Tanner Scott | *Alex Vesia | *Jack Dreyer

*= closer-by-committee

Minnesota Twins – Handed a three-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Cole Sands retired the side and recorded his third save against Texas. He threw nine pitches (66.7% strike rate) without a whiff. It’s his first save since May 16, and his second consecutive scoreless appearance.

  • Kody Funderburk fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his sixth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Cole Sands | *Kody Funderburk | Pierson Ohl

*= closer-by-committee

New York Mets – While recording a career-high tenth multiple-inning outing in a season, Edwin Díaz fired two clean frames while striking out five, preserving a two-run lead for his 27th save. He threw 27 pitches (66.7% strike rate) and generated six whiffs (22.2 SwStr%).

This represents his first save since September 5, and extended his scoreless streak to five games.

  • Brooks Raley stranded two runners, retiring his only batter via strikeout at the bottom of the seventh, collecting his third win.
  • Tyler Rogers gave up two hits and two walks during a scoreless combined inning, getting tagged with his second blown save, letting his only inherited runner score.
  • Gregory Soto allowed a hit and an earned run while striking out one during two-thirds of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Tyler Rogers | Brooks Raley

Philadelphia Phillies – Tasked with the top of the 11th, Lou Trivino let the “place” runner score on a sacrifice fly and recorded two strikeouts en route to his second loss.

  • Orion Kerkering gave up a hit, two runs (one earned), and a walk during the tenth.
  • Jhoan Duran suffered his fifth blown save, allowing Heriberto Hernández’s game-tying solo home run among his two hits, and recorded a strikeout in the ninth.
  • Tanner Banks notched his tenth hold, stranding a runner, striking out his only batter in the eighth.
  • David Robertson was awarded his tenth hold, yielding three hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Duran | Matt Strahm | David Robertson

Pittsburgh Pirates – Locking down his 15th save, Dennis Santana navigated around a one-out walk with a game-ending double play groundout against Matt McLain, sealing a two-run lead. He threw 12 pitches (58.3% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) while recording one strikeout.

This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he has posted a 0.375 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus two walks.

  • Isaac Mattson allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth, securing his tenth hold.
  • Justin Lawrence notched his fourth hold, striking out two in a clean seventh. Making his MLB debut,
  • Hunter Barco collected his first win, working around two hits for a scoreless sixth. 

Updated Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | Isaac Mattson | Justin Lawrence

Seattle Mariners – Capping his team’s come-from-behind rally, Andrés Muñoz nailed down his 38th save, firing a clean top of the ninth and recording two strikeouts against Colorado. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he has converted all seven save chances with a 0.556 WHIP while recording 17 strikeouts versus two walks (45.4 K-BB%) over nine innings.

  • Gabe Speier allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless eighth, collecting his fourth win. 

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

St. Louis Cardinals – Preserving a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Riley O’Brien secured his sixth save, stranding a runner and recording a game-ending strikeout of Wilmer Flores, throwing five pitches (60% strike rate) with one whiff. He has a five-game scoreless streak during which he has converted all three save chances.

  • JoJo Romero allowed a double by Willy Adames and retired two batters, one via strikeout, at the bottom of the ninth before being removed, getting credit for his 24th hold.
  • Matt Svanson collected his fourth win, tossing a clean bottom of the eighth and striking out one ahead of his team’s rally at the top of the ninth.

Hierarchy Remains: *Riley O’Brien | *JoJo Romero | Matt Svanson

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Ryan Thompson earned his third win after tossing a clean top of the ninth against the Dodgers’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket on five pitches (80% strike rate) without a whiff. Brandyn Garcia tossed a clean eighth, facing the 2-3-4 hitters, throwing 10 pitches (70% strike rate) with one whiff.
  • Chicago Cubs: Taking over at the top of the fifth, Taylor Rogers allowed both inherited runners to score on Brandon Nimmo’s three-run home run, resulting in his second blown save. Drew Pomeranz gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one during one-third of the sixth. Andrew Kittredge retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the seventh. Caleb Thielbar suffered his fourth loss, giving up two hits, including Francisco Alvarez’s go-ahead two-run home run during the eighth.
  • Colorado Rockies: Summoned with the bases loaded and two outs at the bottom of the eighth, Victor Vodnik gave up Josh Naylor’s go-ahead bases-clearing double, issued a walk, and recorded a strikeout, resulting in his fifth blown save. Juan Mejia was tagged with his second loss, while getting credited with his 12th hold, giving up a walk, two hit batters, and three earned runs during his two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Detroit Tigers: During the bottom of the seventh, Tommy Kahnle issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts before being removed. Kyle Finnegan replaced him, allowing Steven Kwan’s RBI double, scoring the inherited runner on Kahnle’s ledger, followed by Daniel Schneeman’s RBI single, before inducing an inning-ending lineout by José Ramírez. Finnegan has given up an earned run in both outings since returning from the injured list.
  • Miami Marlins: Despite letting an inherited runner score on Nick Castellanos’ RBI single at the bottom of the tenth, resulting in his second blown save, Josh Simpson collected his fourth win, preserving a one-run margin at the bottom of the 11th. He logged 1.1 innings, yielding a hit and striking out one.
  • New York Yankees: Not only did Luke Weaver strand a runner at the top of the eighth, he logged 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one. He collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the ninth. He threw 24 pitches (79.2% strike rate) and produced five whiffs (20.8 SwStr%).
  • San Francisco Giants: Called upon with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Ryan Walker allowed four hits and two earned runs, while striking out one, resulting in his seventh loss and seventh blown save. The lead only lasted two batters, with Brendan Donovan producing a game-tying RBI double, then his pinch runner scored the go-ahead run on Alec Burleson’s one-out RBI single. Walker has allowed at least a run in three of his last seven appearances. Joel Peguero retired the side and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth, securing his second hold.
  • The Athletics: Closing out a four-run lead, Michael Kelly retired the side and recorded a strikeout against Houston. Justin Sterner notched his 16th hold, walking one during a scoreless eighth. Tyler Ferguson logged two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts for his 12th hold.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, 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.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to @gjewett9

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

National League Closer Preview | 2026

Understanding this process does not guarantee a pitcher being his team’s closer next year. This post will assess the potential candidates after players can enter free agency, which helps set the stage for which relievers may be at the top of their hierarchy on Opening Day. It will include pending free agents and relievers with options once the World Series transpires.

As the season winds down, tips help offset costs. If we have helped out, please return the favor. If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to @gjewett9.

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Pending Free Agent: Jalen Beeks
  • Projected 2026 Closer: TBD
  • Watch List: Brandyn Garcia

In the preseason, fantasy managers wrestled between Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk as the closer, then both landed on the injured list, cutting their seasons short. Shelby Miller emerged as the preferred option in the ninth, until he suffered an injury and was traded to Milwaukee.

Following this, chaos ensued, and Arizona has set an MLB record with 17 different pitchers recording a save this season. Next year’s saves leader is not on the current roster.

Atlanta Braves

  • Pending Free Agent: Raisel Iglesias
  • Reliever with an option: Pierce Johnson (Club for $7 million), Tyler Kinley (Club for $5 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Joe Jiménez

As currently constructed, it’s easy to forget Jiménez went 1-5 with three saves, 82 strikeouts, a 2.62 ERA, and a 0.99 WHIP through 69 games, spanning 68.2 innings in 2024. His 27 holds were tied for fourth in the National League. 

Chicago Cubs

  • Pending Free Agents: Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, Drew Pomeranz
  • Reliever with an option: Andrew Kittredge (Club for $9 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Daniel Palencia
  • Watch List: Matthew Peters

Once again, shoulder issues can be problematic, and repeating his breakout season in 2026 may be difficult for Palencia. At this time last year, fantasy players were coronating Porter Hodge as the closer of the future. If things go awry for Palencia, it will be contact issues:

If Palencia struggles early on or is sidelined with recurring shoulder issues, Ben Brown could emerge as a force during high-leverage events. Stay tuned.

Cincinnati Reds

  • Pending Free Agent: Emilio Pagán
  • Relievers with options: Brent Suter (Club for $3 million), Scott Barlow (Club for $5 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Tony Santillan
  • Watch List: Zach Maxwell

The team and Terry Francona may be loyal and bring back Pagán. Still, if he signs elsewhere, Santillan has proven he’s capable in the ninth inning, converting seven saves through September 22 while posting a 1.118 WHIP with 72 strikeouts versus 28 walks across 70.2 innings. Those in keeper leagues will track how Maxwell gets used early in the season, but his command must improve if he’s going to emerge as a trusted high-leverage option.

Colorado Rockies

  • No pending free agents or relievers with options on the 2025 roster
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Victor Vodnik
  • Watch List: Welinton Herrera (AFL)

Spring battles for the closer role featured Seth Halvorsen, Victor Vodnik, and Tyler Kinley. It changed hands throughout the season, with Vodnik finishing the season as the closer, setting him up for a return to the role in 2026. This bullpen has some velocity and potential upside, but command and ratios remain hurdles, particularly given the ballpark.

Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Pending Free Agent: Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech
  • Reliever with an option: Alex Vesia (Club for $3.6 million)
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Tanner Scott

A leverage ladder in flux, plan on a rebound in 2026 for Tanner Scott. Rosi Sasaki may be used as a reliever in the playoffs, but should return to the rotation next season. Bobby Miller could be a full-time reliever next year, and may emerge as the right-handed complement to Scott, though Edgardo Henriquez has been sneakily effective in the second half.

Miami Marlins

  • No pending free agents or relievers with options on the 2025 roster
  • Projected Closer for 2026: TBD

During his first year as manager, Clayton McCullough focuses more on match-ups leading to the ninth inning, rather than reserving a closer for the ninth. It was frustrating from both a writer’s and a fantasy player’s perspective. Ronny Henriquez could get more save opportunities in 2026, but he was deployed against an opponent’s toughest lineup pockets this past year.

Milwaukee Brewers

  • Pending Free Agent: Shelby Miller
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Trevor Megill
  • Watch List: Craig Yoho

Even if Megill does not make another appearance in the regular season, he has already set career highs in saves (30), but will miss in innings by one-third (46). He has proven capable of being a closer, but can he remain healthy for a full season? If not, Abner Uribe will be a popular skills-over-role target for many in next year’s drafts.

New York Mets

  • Pending Free Agents: Ryan Helsley, Gregory Soto, Tyler Rogers, Ryne Stanek
  • Opt-out: Edwin Díaz ($15.5 million offer)
  • Relievers with options: Brooks Raley (Club for $4.8 million), Drew Smith (Club for $2 million)
  • Projected Closer for 2026: TBD
  • Watch List: Ryan Lambert

Cue the Jeopardy music for Edwin Díaz because the trumpets do not need to return. He can opt out of his current contract and enter free agency for one more big payday, which increases in probability if the team misses the playoffs. If he leaves, an overhaul of the bullpen will be required, placing pressure squarely on the front office.

Philadelphia Phillies

  • Pending Free Agents: David Robertson; Jordan Romano, Tim Mayza, Walker Buehler
  • Reliever with an option: José Alvarado (Club for $9 million)
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Jhoan Duran

Acquiring Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline has rendered the “floating closer” concept useless. He has converted 15 of 17 save chances since joining the Phillies and stabilized the bullpen. He will be one of, if not the, first reliever taken in drafts next year.

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • No pending free agents or relievers with options on the 2025 roster
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Dennis Santana
  • Watch List: Brandon Bidois

How this franchise handles the off-season may be telling, and affect how Paul Skenes views his future with it. Teams do not like hearing about windows of opportunity, but with the cache of starting pitchers arriving, the Pirates must bolster their bullpen to maximize its strength. Santana may open the year as the closer, but signing someone like Devin Williams to a show-me deal like Aroldis Chapman signed in 2024 could be beneficial.

San Diego Padres

  • Opt-outs: Robert Suarez ($8 million offer), Wandy Peralta ($4.8 million offer)
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Mason Miller

Another team with more ifs than answers. Robert Suarez should turn down his standing offer of $8 million and enter free agency. He may return, but if he leaves, Mason Miller would be the closer in waiting. However, he could also follow the paths blazed by Seth Lugo and Michael King and be stretched out as a starter. If this happens, Jeremiah Estrada would likely assume a more significant leverage role.

San Francisco Giants

  • Pending Free Agent: Joey Lucchesi
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Ryan Walker

After opening the season as the closer, Walker ceded the role to Camilo Doval, then resurfaced after the trade deadline, securing six saves in seven chances through September 22. Could the team sign a free agent at closer and put Walker back into a setup capacity? Absolutely. This makes San Francisco an interesting bullpen to monitor this winter.

St. Louis Cardinals

  • No pending free agents or relievers with options on the 2025 roster
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Riley O’Brien
  • Watch List: Chen-Wei Lin

It is worth noting that Ryan Helsley preferred not to be traded and could return to the team on a free-agent deal, which would shift O’Brien into a setup role alongside JoJo Romero. But if the team prefers spending money elsewhere, O’Brien gets a boost from a fantasy standpoint.

Washington Nationals

  • Pending Free Agent: Derek Law
  • Projected Closer for 2026: Jose A. Ferrer

Who manages the Nationals and the team’s approach to free agency this winter will determine who leads the team in saves next year. If Miguel Cairo sheds the interim label and is named manager, Ferrer’s stock takes a slight hit:

Monitor who gets hired and what relievers Washington signs this off-season; it will impact how saves get distributed in 2026.

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

American League Closer Preview | 2026

Understanding this process does not guarantee that a pitcher will be his team’s closer next year. This post will assess the potential candidates after players can enter free agency, which helps set the stage for which relievers may be at the top of their hierarchy on Opening Day. It will include pending free agents and relievers with options once the World Series transpires.

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Baltimore Orioles

  • No pending free agents or relievers with options on the 2025 roster
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Not on the current roster

This season has been disappointing for the Orioles, and if the team plans to contend, it will need to restock its bullpen. Félix Bautista suffered a significant shoulder injury and will miss a large portion of the upcoming season. The team could opt for a veteran with closer experience on a one-year deal as a bridge to Bautista’s eventual return, which makes sense. Adding a reliable right-handed set-up reliever should also be a priority for 2026.

Boston Red Sox

  • Pending free agent: Justin Wilson
  • Reliever with an option: Liam Hendriks (Mutual for $12 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Aroldis Chapman

Removing speculation about next year, the team extended Aroldis Chapman. There will be games he’s deployed against an opponent’s best hitting pocket if it contains a left-handed hitter, but through games played on September 21, he has recorded 31 of his team’s 43 saves.

Chicago White Sox

  • Pending free agent: Tyler Alexander
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Jordan Leasure
  • Watch List: Peyton Pallette

In the team’s first 156 games, eight different relievers have recorded 24 saves under first-year manager Will Venable. Only two (Jordan Leasure and Grant Taylor) have posted at least five. Usage patterns have remained unpredictable throughout the season, making it challenging to designate anyone a closer under his guidance. There is also a chance Taylor could be stretched out for a spot in the rotation next year, similar to how the franchise has developed Chris Sale and Garrett Crochet in the past. Amid a rebuild, paying top dollar for a closer does not fit the team’s modus operandi.

As for Leasure, he has recorded a win, three saves, and two holds while posting a 0.364 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against two walks across 11 scoreless frames. Can he build on this momentum next year?

Cleveland Guardians

  • Pending free agent: Jakob Junis
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Cade Smith

It has not all been smooth sailing for Cade Smith since taking over as the closer. However, he has recorded triple-digit strikeouts in each of the last two seasons and converted 12 of 15 saves since August 4. Entering the off-season, planning on Emmanuel Clase not pitching again in the majors remains a possibility. If he does get cleared for a return, it is likely to be with a different franchise.

Detroit Tigers

  • Pending free agents: Kyle Finnegan, Tommy Kahnle, Rafael Montero
  • Reliever with an option: Paul Sewald (Mutual for $10 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: TBD

Prefacing this with A.J. Hinch’s preference for not labeling his relievers as closers, the Tigers would be better off pushing all their chips in this winter and reinforcing the bullpen. Continued half-measures in free agency and churning through veterans in hopes of rebounds have not worked. Could Finnegan return on a team-friendly deal below market value at closer? Absolutely. But more must be done in the team’s evaporating “Skubal window.”

Houston Astros

  • No pending free agents or relievers with options on the 2025 roster
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Josh Hader
  • Watch List: Brett Gillis

Not only did Josh Hader rebound in 2025, but he was also elite until a shoulder issue sidelined him on August 15. Shoulder injuries can be scary, which makes him a reliever fantasy managers will monitor closely this winter. If you are risk-averse, he may not be on your radar for 2026. It also may make Bryan Abreu a must-handcuff or sneaky late-round target.

Kansas City Royals

  • Pending Free Agent: Hunter Harvey
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Carlos Estévez
  • Watch List: Dennis Colleran

Exceeding anyone’s expectations with his first 40-save campaign, Carlos Estévez will return as the closer in 2026. This year, he was a value in the preseason; next year, fantasy players will pay full price for his save total, making him riskier from a price point perspective.

Los Angeles Angels

  • Pending Free Agents: Kenley Jansen, Andrew Chafin, Luis García
  • Projected 2026 Closer: TBD
  • Watch List: Najer Victor

A reunion of Kenley Jansen and the Angels feels inevitable as he pursues 500 career saves. This lets Ben Joyce and Robert Stephenson return to full health without the pressure of being the closer.

Minnesota Twins

  • No pending free agents
  • Reliever with an option: Justin Topa (Club for $2 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: David Festa

Remember when Jhoan Duran was an oft-injured starting pitcher prospect who remained healthy and thrived as a reliever? In 25 career major league appearances, David Festa‘s splits by these two pitches:

  • Change-up: 28 K-BB%, .268 weighted on-base average (wOBA), 20.4 SwStr%
  • Slider: 22.3 K-BB%, .266 weighted on-base average (wOBA), 14.4 SwStr%

Health and his eventual role will determine how prescient this will be, but crazier things have happened.

New York Yankees

  • Pending Free Agents: Devin Williams, Luke Weaver
  • Relievers with options: Jonathan Loáisiga (Club for $5 million), Tim Hill (Club for $3 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: David Bednar

Since his acquisition, David Bednar has converted eight of 11 save opportunities with 14 games finished of 19 appearances, spanning 21.2 innings. He has posted a 0.923 WHIP with 30 strikeouts against seven walks (27.1 K-BB%) and a 15.5 swinging strike percentage.

Seattle Mariners

  • Pending Free Agent: Caleb Ferguson
  • Reliever with an option: Andrés Muñoz (Club for $6 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Andrés Muñoz

Faced with a decision even a caveman can handle, the Mariners will trigger their option to retain Muñoz. Once again, the team should target veterans capable of setting up for him, but they do well making the most of their bullpen options.

Tampa Bay Rays

  • No pending free agents
  • Reliever with an option: Pete Fairbanks (Club for $11 million)
  • Projected 2026 Closer: TBD

Hitting his contract bonuses this season, Fairbanks has raised his potential salary from $7 million to over $11 million by virtue of his career highs in innings (58.1) and saves (27). But if the team picks up his option, which goes against how the Rays construct a bullpen, Fairbanks will be a free agent at the end of 2026. He’s a likely candidate for a trade before the season begins.

If this happens, and Griffin Jax does not enter the rotation, he’s my pick for closer next year. However, if Jax is stretched out as a starter, our preference shifts to Edwin Uceta, although it could revert to a matchup-based bullpen.

Texas Rangers

  • Pending Free Agents: Shawn Armstrong, Phil Maton, Chris Martin, Hoby Milner, Danny Coulombe
  • Projected 2026 Closer: TBD
  • Watch List: Eric Loomis

A massive roster overhaul looms for this franchise. Can Emiliano Teodo and Marc Church step up while remaining healthy next year? Will Josh Sborz return? Will they bring in a veteran on an incentive-based deal? From a fantasy perspective, does it matter?

The Athletics

  • Pending Free Agent: Sean Newcomb, José Leclerc
  • Projected 2026 Closer: TBD

Since trading Mason Miller, five different relievers have combined for ten saves in a match-up-based approach by Mark Kotsay. Next year’s preferred save share is not on the roster.

Toronto Blue Jays

  • Pending Free Agent: Seranthony Domínguez
  • Projected 2026 Closer: Jeff Hoffman

To say the least, it’s been a tumultuous first season as a closer for Jeff Hoffman. Through his team’s first 156 games, he has suffered seven blown saves and allowed 15 home runs while converting 32 saves. His results have varied by month, and he’s entering the postseason with diminished velocity:

He will be an intriguing reliever for debate this winter regarding his fantasy value.

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’s Leverage Ledger | 9.23.2025

Monday’s three-game slate yielded one reliever win, two saves, and one loss. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for September 23

  • Mason Miller (SD): If he’s available in your league, Robert Suarez has pitched in three consecutive contests. 

Here are the leverage events of interest from Monday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Finishing an eventual six-run margin, José Suarez notched his first save, logging three scoreless frames while scattering five hits and striking out two. He threw 43 pitches (67.4% strike rate) and induced four whiffs (9.3 SwStr%). This marks his second career save; he also recorded one last year as a member of the Angels.

  • Hunter Stratton notched his third hold, walking and striking out one during a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee

Milwaukee Brewers – With the score tied at the bottom of the 11th, Grant Anderson suffered his sixth loss, recording an out on a sacrifice bunt, followed by Freddy Fermin’s walk-off single, scoring the “place” runner.

  • Rob Zastryzny was tagged with his first blown save, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks during the bottom of the tenth.
  • Abner Uribe tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit.
  • Jared Koenig gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
  • Nick Mears allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one, resulting in his sixth browns save during the bottom of the seventh.
  • Aaron Ashby secured his fifth hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the sixth.

As for the latest update regarding Trevor Megill:

Until things are in ink:

Hierarchy Remains: *Abner Uribe | *Jared Koenig | Aaron Ashby

*= match-up-based bullpen

San Diego Padres – Tasked with the top of the 11th, Bradgely Rodríguez navigated around a one-out single by Joey Ortiz and an intentional walk (Christian Yelich) with an inning-ending double play against Jackson Chourio. He collected his first win courtesy of his team’s walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning.

  • Adrian Morejon let the “place” runner score at the top of the tenth, on a fielder’s choice groundball, and recorded a strikeout.
  • Robert Suarez tossed a clean ninth, striking out two, appearing in a third consecutive contest. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).
  • Jeremiah Estrada worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon

St. Louis Cardinals – Sealing a one-run lead, JoJo Romero retired the side and recorded a strikeout against the Giants’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket for his eighth save, first since September 3. He threw 19 pitches (68.4% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).

Through nine appearances this month, he has a 0-1 record with three saves and three holds while being scoreless in seven.

  • Kyle Leahy worked a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one for his 18th hold.
  • John King notched his third hold, retiring both batters in the seventh.
  • Ryan Fernandez logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one, securing his fourth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Riley O’Brien | *JoJo Romero | Matt Svanson

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hit

  • San Francisco Giants: Appearing in an eventual loss, Joel Peguero fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two on 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, 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.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to @gjewett9

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