The High Cost of Closers in 2025 Drafts
The cost of closers in this year’s fantasy baseball drafts has risen to unprecedented levels, reflecting a growing emphasis on high-leverage relievers. According to the most recent ADP data from the NFBC, five closers are being taken in the top-60, 10 in the top-100, and 20 in the top-200. This trend stands in stark contrast to last year, when only 11 closers were taken in the top-100 and 21 in the top-200, with the majority of them proving to be poor investments. Of the 11 taken in the top-100 last season, only four returned top-20 value among relievers according to FanGraphs’ player rater. Furthermore, only eight relievers in the entire league saved at least 30 games, and many of them had ugly ERAs, WHIPs, and strikeout totals that could have hurt you in other categories.
Evaluating the Closer Landscape
The rollercoaster nature of the closer role is evident from last year’s performances. Players like Kirby Yates, Ryan Walker, and Robert Suarez emerged as some of the most valuable closers, while others like Camilo Doval, David Bednar, and Paul Sewald faded. This volatility makes it crucial for fantasy managers to identify potential breakout relievers early in the season. In this article, I’ll highlight 15 relievers currently being taken outside the top-300 who could become this year’s Yates or Walker, allowing you to make safer picks in the early rounds of your drafts.
Top Early-Season Closers
Chris Martin, Texas Rangers
Chris Martin, signed by the Rangers late in the offseason, is a strong candidate to step into the closer role. Despite having only 14 saves in his career, Martin boasts a 2.81 ERA and a 24.2 K-BB% over the past six seasons, making him one of the game’s most consistent relievers. At 39, his fastball remains steady around 95 MPH, and all four of his pitches are graded at or above average by Stuff+. The Rangers are expected to win many games, which should provide ample save opportunities. With Robert García dealing with forearm irritation and Josh Sborz out until mid-summer, Martin’s position as closer is relatively secure, making him a bargain around pick 320.
Calvin Faucher, Miami Marlins
Calvin Faucher, despite the Marlins’ expected poor performance, has a compelling case as a legitimate ninth-inning option. The Marlins were middle of the pack with 21 save opportunities between August and September last season, suggesting that the market may be overreacting to the team’s context. Faucher’s unconventional arsenal, including a primary cutter, fastball, curveball, and an emerging sweeper, forms a potent four-pitch mix. He has full runway to the closer role and should not be available after pick 300. However, some regression to his 3.19 ERA is likely, as he allowed zero home runs last season—a feat unlikely to repeat.
Hidden Gems and Dark Horses
Edwin Uceta, Hunter Bigge, and Joe Boyle, Tampa Bay Rays
Pete Fairbanks’ stuff declined last season, and his time on the IL opened the door for Edwin Uceta to get save opportunities. Uceta’s 94 MPH fastball, with more run than ride, and his reliance on a cutter and changeup make him a unique but effective closer. The Rays’ unpredictable bullpen management could see Bigge or Boyle, with their elite fastballs and plus sliders, challenging for the role. Both have the potential to shine if given the chance, and their diverse arsenals make them intriguing dark horses.
Seth Halvorsen, Colorado Rockies
Seth Halvorsen is a name to watch in Colorado, even though rostering Rockies’ pitchers can be challenging. While Tyler Kinley, the presumed closer, had a 6.19 ERA last season and is projected to struggle again, Halvorsen showed promise with a 1.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 23.9 K-BB% over 12 1/3 innings at the end of last season. His six pitches, including a fastball, slider, and splitter, give him multiple weapons against hitters from both sides of the plate. Despite the unfriendly environment of Coors Field, Halvorsen’s stuff is among the nastiest in the league, and he could secure the closer role sooner rather than later.
Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants
Camilo Doval’s dramatic fall from grace is a cautionary tale. Last March, he was a top-60 pick and one of the first closers off the board. His control issues and minor-league demotion last year have taken a toll, but his electric 100 MPH fastball and late-game experience make him a dark horse. Ryan Walker, with his sinker-heavy approach, is currently the top closer, but Doval’s potential shouldn’t be overlooked. A changing of the guard is not as unlikely as his current ADP of 478 suggests.
José Alvarado, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies brought in Jordan Romano to assume the closer role, but his injury history could open the door for José Alvarado. Alvarado led the Phillies in saves last season with 13, though none came in the second half. With Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez now elsewhere, and the same coaching staff in place, Alvarado’s late-game experience and 100 MPH fastball make him a viable option. Matt Strahm, the best reliever in the bullpen, is more likely to be used as a fireman, leaving Alvarado in a strong position should anything happen to Romano.
Mid-Season Contenders
Yimi García, Toronto Blue Jays
Yimi García, acquired by the Blue Jays, has a strong case for the closer role if Jeff Hoffman’s health concerns materialize. García’s elite repertoire, featuring a 96 MPH fastball, a unique hard sweeper, a plus sinker, a good curveball, and a fine changeup, makes him a lights-out option. If Hoffman falters, García has the potential to shine in the ninth inning, making him a valuable mid-season pickup.
Garrett Whitlock, Boston Red Sox
Liam Hendriks’ return is a heartwarming story, but his form after missing most of the last two seasons is uncertain. Garrett Whitlock, returning from the rotation to the bullpen, is a strong candidate for save opportunities. Alex Cora’s commitment to using Whitlock in the same role as 2021, when he was a multi-inning, late-game weapon, positions him well for early save chances. Aroldis Chapman, with his 100 MPH heat and experience, is another reliever to monitor, but Whitlock is projected to be the most effective reliever in this bullpen.
Long-Term Prospects
Colin Holderman, Pittsburgh Pirates
David Bednar, the Pirates’ closer, is a bounceback candidate after a rough season marred by injury and issues with tipping pitches. However, if Bednar doesn’t regain his form, Colin Holderman is a legitimate option. His 97 MPH sinker, supported by a solid cutter and a nasty sweeper, gives him a strong arsenal. While walks have been a concern, his strikeout rate has improved over the past three seasons, and the Pirates trusted him with 21 holds last season, making him a valuable prospect.
Michael Otañez and José Leclerc, Oakland Athletics
Mason Miller, the Athletics’ top closer, has a history of arm injuries, and it wouldn’t be surprising for him to land on the IL again. Michael Otañez, with his 98 MPH fastball and nasty slider, is the likely next in line for saves. His command can be inconsistent, but he has the makings of a dominant closer. José Leclerc, with his great stuff and more late-game experience, is another option if something happens to Miller, making both players worth watching.
Dark Horses and Sleepers
Jose Ferrer, Lucas Sims, and Evan Reifert, Washington Nationals
The Nationals’ closer situation is murky. While Kyle Finnegan is expected to start the season as the closer, his non-tender and re-signing suggest a lack of confidence. Jose Ferrer, a lefty with a 98 MPH sinker, plus fastball, and wicked slider, was reportedly leading the race before Finnegan’s return. Ferrer is more of a ground ball artist than a strikeout machine, but he has the potential to emerge. Lucas Sims and Evan Reifert, both signed late in the offseason, have elite stuff but struggle with command. Their breakthroughs could make them valuable mid-season acquisitions.
In a draft landscape where the cost of closers has reached new heights, identifying these undervalued relievers could give you a significant edge. By targeting players like Chris Martin, Calvin Faucher, and the Rays trio, you can secure mid-to-late-round picks that could pay dividends throughout the season. Stay tuned to in-season developments and be ready to pivot if the closer carousel starts to spin early in the year.
