Fantasy Baseball Season Kicks Off: A Comprehensive Look at Bullpen Situations
Fantasy baseball season is in full swing, and one of the most critical areas to monitor for any fantasy manager is the bullpen. Each team’s late-inning performance can significantly impact your standings, and knowing who the projected closers and potential sleepers are can give you a significant edge. Here’s a detailed look at each team’s bullpen situation heading into spring training, updated as the season approaches.
American League Bullpen Analysis
Atlanta Athletics:
The Athletics bullpen is centered around Mason Miller, who transitioned from a starting prospect to become one of the most dominant relievers in the game. Miller’s 2.49 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts in 65 innings last season solidify his position as the team’s closer. José Leclerc, signed to a one-year, $10 million contract, brings closing experience and will back up Miller. Setup duties will likely be handled by Michel Otañez, who had a standout 2024, and the name to watch is Tyler Ferguson, who could emerge as a waiver wire gem with his impressive skills and strikeout rate.
Baltimore Orioles:
The Orioles are banking on the return of Félix Bautista, who missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Bautista’s earlier performance, including a 1.48 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 110 strikeouts over 61 innings in 2023, positions him as the primary closer. Behind him, Andrew Kittredge, acquired from the Cardinals, and Seranthony Domínguez, who saved 10 games last season, will handle setup duties. Yennier Cano, a former starter, is also a name to watch as he transitions to relief roles.
Boston Red Sox:
The Red Sox witnessed Kenley Jansen’s departure and are now relying on Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman for high-leverage innings. Hendriks, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, is expected to return this spring, but his effectiveness remains a question. Chapman, signed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal, brings a wealth of experience and 335 career saves. Justin Slaten, with his 2.93 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings, and Garrett Whitlock, who could surprise with his performance, are key players to monitor this spring.
Chicago White Sox:
The White Sox bullpen has seen better days, contributing to the team’s 121-loss season in 2024. Justin Anderson, with a 4.39 ERA and five blown saves, is the most experienced reliever. Prelander Berroa, known for his 97.7 mph fastball, could compete for the closer role, but his high walk rate is a concern. Gus Varland, who pitched well late in the season, is another player to keep an eye on, offering potential for saves and strikeouts.
Cleveland Guardians:
The Guardians boast one of the most reliable bullpens in baseball, led by Emmanuel Clase, who achieved his third consecutive 40-save season with a remarkable 0.61 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings. Paul Sewald, a veteran with closing experience, and Cade Smith, who emerged as a top reliever with a 1.91 ERA, will serve as setup men. Hunter Gaddis, with his potent fastball, could also factor into the late-inning mix, making this bullpen a fantasy goldmine.
Detroit Tigers:
Jason Foley, despite his low strikeout rate, remains the favored closer for the Tigers. Foley’s 3.15 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 60 innings last season make him a viable option, but Tyler Holton and Beau Brieske could challenge for the role. Holton, with his 2.11 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings, and Brieske, a versatile reliever, will play crucial roles. Veteran Tommy Kahnle, signed to a one-year, $7.75 million deal, will provide depth and experience.
National League Bullpen Analysis
Arizona Diamondbacks:
The Diamondbacks’ closer situation is a bit of a committee, with Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk sharing the ninth-inning duties. Martinez emerged with eight saves in the second half, while Puk, acquired at the trade deadline, was lights out with a 1.32 ERA and 43/5 K/BB ratio. Kevin Ginkel and Drey Jameson, both former starters, will add depth and potential for late-inning action.
Atlanta Braves:
Raisel Iglesias, one of the most consistent closers in baseball, is set to lead the Braves’ bullpen with a 1.95 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings. Behind him, Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, and Dylan Lee will handle setup duties. Johnson, with his 27 holds, and Bummer, a steady reliever, provide solid options, while Lee could surprise with his skills.
Chicago Cubs:
The Cubs acquired Ryan Pressly from the Astros to stabilize their ninth-inning woes. Pressly, a seasoned closer with a 1.75 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 72 innings, will start as the primary closer. Porter Hodge, a rookie who posted a 1.88 ERA, and Tyson Miller will serve as setup men. Nate Pearson, a former starter, and Ben Brown, who could transition to relief, are names to watch for fantasy value.
Cincinnati Reds:
Alexis Díaz, the Reds’ closer, faces a challenging season with a declining strikeout rate and a 3.99 ERA. Díaz’s 28 saves last season still make him a valuable option, but Taylor Rogers, signed from the Giants, could provide competition. Tony Santillan, with his increased velocity and low walk rate, is a reliever to watch for late-inning work. Emilio Pagán adds depth and strikeout potential.
Colorado Rockies:
Tyler Kinley, with a 6.19 ERA, is the presumptive closer for the Rockies, but his poor stats and injury risk make his role uncertain. Seth Halvorsen, who emerged with a 100 mph fastball and 1.46 ERA, and Luis Peralta, a promising left-hander, are names to watch. The Rockies’ bullpen is volatile, and fantasy managers might be better off chasing skills rather than roles.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Dodgers signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract, making him the team’s primary closer. Scott’s 1.75 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 72 innings last season justify his status. Kirby Yates, who had a 1.17 ERA and 33 saves with the Rangers, and Blake Treinen will provide depth. Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips, known for their high strikeout rates, are valuable middle relievers.
Additional National League Bullpen Insights
Miami Marlins:
Calvin Faucher and Jesus Tinoco are expected to compete for the closer role this spring. Faucher, with his 3.19 ERA and 63 strikeouts, and Tinoco, with a 3.32 ERA and 42 strikeouts, have similar profiles. Anthony Bender, a rising reliever, and Andrew Nardi, who showed promise in his debut, will also be in the mix. The Marlins’ closer situation is fluid, and fantasy managers should watch closely for any developments.
Milwaukee Brewers:
Trevor Megill, who filled in admirably with 21 saves last season, is the frontrunner for the closer role. Joel Payamps, a consistent reliever, and Jared Koenig will handle setup duties. DL Hall and Aaron Ashby, both former starters, could also factor in if they transition to relief roles. Ashby, with his excellent 1.37 ERA in relief, shows significant promise.
New York Mets:
Edwin Díaz, a perennial top closer, is back to form after a knee injury in 2023. Díaz’s 2.41 ERA and 54 strikeouts in the second half last season reestablish him as an elite closer. A.J. Minter, a long-time setup man, and José Buttó, who transitioned effectively to relief, will support Díaz. Dedniel Nuñez, with his 2.31 ERA and 48 strikeouts, is a rising middle reliever to consider.
Philadelphia Phillies:
Jordan Romano, signed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract, steps into the closer role for the Phillies. Romano, a former top closer with the Blue Jays, has a solid track record, including 95 saves and a 2.37 ERA from 2021-2023. Orion Kerkering, with a 2.29 ERA and 74 strikeouts, will operate as the primary setup man. Matt Strahm and Dennis Santana add depth and strikeout potential.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
David Bednar, despite a tumultuous 2024, is expected to regain the closer role. Bednar converted 23 saves but struggled with a 5.77 ERA. Dennis Santana and Colin Holderman will serve as setup men, with Santana showing better skills and a higher strikeout rate. Kyle Nicolas, a former starter, is a name to watch as he transitions to relief.
San Diego Padres:
Robert Suarez, who recorded 36 saves last season, remains the primary closer for the Padres. Jason Adam, with his 1.95 ERA and 81 strikeouts, and Jeremiah Estrada, known for his high velocity and 94 strikeouts, will handle setup duties. Adrian Morejon, a former starting prospect, showed promise in relief and could factor in with additional depth.
National League Bullpen Depth
San Francisco Giants:
Ryan Walker, who emerged with a 1.91 ERA and 99 strikeouts last season, is the new closer for the Giants. Camilo Doval, despite his inflated walk rate, will operate as a setup man and could step in for saves. Tyler Rogers and Erik Miller round out the late-inning mix. The Giants’ bullpen depth provides stability, even if changes occur during the season.
St. Louis Cardinals:
Ryan Helsley, who led the league with 49 saves in 2024, is the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ bullpen. Helsley’s 2.04 ERA and 79 strikeouts last season make him a top-5 closer. Ryan Fernandez and JoJo Romero will handle setup duties, with Romero posting 30 holds. Matthew Liberatore, effective as a reliever, could also play a role if needed.
Washington Nationals:
Kyle Finnegan, despite his volatility in the second half, returns as the Nationals’ closer. Finnegan’s 3.68 ERA and 60 strikeouts last season indicate his value, but his performance could vary. Jorge López, with a 2.89 ERA, and Lucas Sims, a former closer with strikeout upside, will support Finnegan. Derek Law and Jose Ferrer add depth and reliability.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB season is set to be an exciting one, especially for those managing their fantasy baseball teams. Monitoring the bullpens closely is crucial, as the closer and setup roles can significantly impact your standings. From the reliable Emmanuel Clase and Trevor Megill to the potential sleepers like Tyler Ferguson and Adrian Morejon, there’s plenty of talent and uncertainty to keep an eye on. As spring training progresses, be sure to check back for updates and any unexpected changes. Good luck with your drafts and in the upcoming season!
