Fantasy Baseball Season Kicks Off: A Look at Bullpens for 2025
Fantasy baseball season is officially here, and one of the most critical aspects of a successful draft is understanding the bullpen situations for each team. Projected closers, late-inning pitchers, and potential sleepers are all key to navigating the waiver wire and securing those crucial saves. We’ll be updating this page throughout spring training as transactions and injuries continue to shape the landscape, so be sure to check back often as you prepare for your drafts.
Top Projected Saves Leaders for 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, several pitchers stand out as the frontrunners for save opportunities. Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians leads the pack with a projected 41 saves, followed by Josh Hader of the Houston Astros and Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves, both with 36 saves. Devin Williams of the New York Yankees and Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals are projected to convert 34 saves each, while Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets and Robert Suarez of the San Diego Padres are expected to add 34 and 33 saves, respectively. Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Félix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles are projected for 32 saves, and Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins rounds out the top ten with 31 saves.
American League Bullpen Breakdown
The American League features a mix of veteran closers and rising stars, each with their own set of strengths and question marks. The Oakland Athletics’ Mason Miller, transformed from an injury-prone starter to a dominant closer, is the favorite to lead the bullpen with José Leclerc and Tyler Ferguson providing depth. In Baltimore, Félix Bautista returns from Tommy John surgery, backed by Andrew Kittredge and Seranthony Domínguez. The Boston Red Sox will see a battle between Liam Hendriks, Aroldis Chapman, and Justin Slaten for the closer role, while the Chicago White Sox’s Justin Anderson is the projected closer with limited high-leverage experience.
The Cleveland Guardians, led by Emmanuel Clase, boast one of the best bullpens in the league, with Paul Sewald and Hunter Gaddis providing solid support. Detroit’s Jason Foley, despite a low strikeout rate, is the incumbent closer, with Beau Brieske and Tommy Kahnle in the mix. Houston’s Josh Hader remains a top closer, with Bryan Abreu and Bryan King ready to back him up. The Los Angeles Angels’ Kenley Jansen joins the team as a veteran closer, with Ben Joyce and Robert Stephenson adding depth.
National League Bullpen Breakdown
The National League also presents a competitive landscape for saves. In the Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen, Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk could operate in a committee, given their complementary skill sets. Atlanta’s Raisel Iglesias continues as one of the most reliable closers, with Pierce Johnson and Aaron Bummer providing setup options. The Chicago Cubs’ Ryan Pressly is the frontrunner for closing duties, with Porter Hodge as a potential successor. In Cincinnati, Alexis Díaz is the set closer, but Taylor Rogers and Tony Santillan could challenge for the role.
The Colorado Rockies’ closer situation remains fluid, with Tyler Kinley as the favorite but facing competition from Seth Halvorsen and Luis Peralta. The Dodgers’ bullpen is strengthened by the additions of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, with Scott expected to handle the bulk of save chances. Miami’s Calvin Faucher and Jesus Tinoco will compete for the closer role, while the Milwaukee Brewers’ Trevor Megill takes over from Devin Williams, with Joel Payamps and Aaron Ashby in the mix.
Eastern Division Bullpen Highlights
In the NL East, the New York Mets’ Edwin Díaz is back to elite closer status after a strong finish to the 2024 season, with A.J. Minter and José Buttó providing depth. The Philadelphia Phillies signed Jordan Romano to take over the closer role, with Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm as setup men. Pittsburgh’s David Bednar is expected to return to the ninth inning, with Dennis Santana and Colin Holderman as solid setup options. The Washington Nationals will rely on Jorge López as the new closer, with Derek Law and Jose Ferrer also in the mix.
Conclusion: Key Players and Sleepers to Watch
As the season approaches, keep an eye on not only the established closers but also the potential sleepers who could emerge as fantasy gold. Oakland’s Tyler Ferguson, Baltimore’s Yennier Cano, and Boston’s Garrett Whitlock are among the names to watch in the American League. In the National League, look out for Arizona’s Drey Jameson, Atlanta’s Dylan Lee, and Chicago’s Nate Pearson. These players could provide significant value if they step into high-leverage roles or take over as closers.Stay tuned for updates and make sure to adjust your draft strategies accordingly to maximize your success in the 2025 fantasy baseball season.
