Relief pitching in fantasy baseball is like predicting the stock market based on vibes. Sure, stats matter, but so do things like managerial tendencies, trade rumors, and whether or not a guy has the ninth-inning role locked down. This year, though, I believe elite relievers are more valuable than ever. Additionally, saves are as fickle as ever, and reliever statistics besides saves are more valuable than ever.
Also, I love taking multiple elite closers because starters pitch less than ever. That means having great ERAs and WHIPs from your relievers is more valuable than before. Plus, these top relievers can push toward 100 strikeouts, significantly boosting your totals there too.
That being said, let’s acknowledge something: relief pitchers exist in a world of small sample sizes, managerial whims, and bad luck. One brutal outing can wreck an ERA. A manager can decide to give the ninth to a guy who "looks the part." Some of the best bullpen arms don't even get saves! So, while underlying metrics are important, there’s a ton of nuances to how we evaluate these guys.
The Nuance of Relief Pitching in Fantasy Baseball
Trade Candidates: If a guy is on a bad team and dealing, there’s a good chance he gets shipped to a contender—possibly into a setup role. On the flip side, a traded reliever could inherit a closing gig out of nowhere.
Managerial Tendencies: Some managers have a “guy.” Others play matchups like they’re setting a daily Wordle. If you draft a closer from a team with a revolving-door bullpen, prepare for headaches.
Best Reliever ≠ Closer: Some teams give their best bullpen arm the high-leverage spots, not necessarily the ninth. Meanwhile, some mediocre guys rack up saves just because there’s nobody else.
This article will break down the closer situations in the National League. If you're interested in the AL Relief guide, that can be found here: 2025 AL Fantasy Relief Pitcher Guide
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Diamondbacks: AJ Puk, Justin Martinez
The Diamondbacks' bullpen battle looks like a two-horse race between AJ Puk and Justin Martinez. This is a situation I’m wary of because there’s a real chance these two trade-save opportunities all year. Both have tremendous upside and have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue.
Martinez boasts an elite fastball with an impressive whiff rate and consistently misses bats. However, his control is a concern, with a 12.9% walk rate over 82.2 career innings. He’s likely the closer of the future, but Puk was lights-out after his midseason trade to Arizona, posting a 1.32 ERA over 27.1 innings.
Manager Torey Lovullo hasn’t committed to a single closer, saying, “Somebody will emerge. I feel really good about the arms, and I’ll match it up the best way I can.” Given that Puk is a lefty and Martinez is a righty, they could split opportunities or rotate based on matchups. If you can afford to roster both, go for it, but expect the situation to remain fluid all year.
Braves: Raisel Iglesias
The Braves' closer situation is as straightforward as it gets—Raisel Iglesias owns the job. I see him as a top-tier option in 2025 thanks to his consistent dominance, a clear role, and plenty of save opportunities on a winning team.
Since being traded to Atlanta two and a half seasons ago, Iglesias has logged 151.2 innings with a stellar 1.96 ERA, a 0.919 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts. He’s been the team’s closer for the past two years and enters 2025 with the role locked down once again.
The only possible concern? His age, as he is 35. But I’m not worried as Iglesias had arguably his best season last year. He still throws 95 MPH, but his success isn’t built on pure velocity. His elite 37.1% chase rate (99th percentile) is driven by a devastating changeup and slider—changeups for lefties, sliders for righties—that keep hitters off balance.
I don’t see Father Time catching up to him just yet, and he’s locked in as one of the premier closers.
Cubs: Ryan Pressly
The Cubs’ closer situation is somewhat intriguing. Ryan Pressly holds the job for now having specifically waived his “no-trade clause” to join a team where he could rack up saves before hitting free agency. That said, Pressly is 36 and is no longer the elite closer he once was.
In 2024, his fastball dipped below 94 MPH, and his swing-and-miss rates aren’t what they used to be. However, while he’s taken a step back, he still posted respectable numbers. Plus, the Cubs have shown patience with their closers (Héctor Neris handled most of the saves last year despite being up and down like a yo-yo).
I’d draft Pressly as a low-tier reliever since he’ll get saves but don’t expect elite production. There’s also a real possibility he loses the role at some point.
If that happens, Porter Hodge is a name to watch. He showed flashes of dominance as a rookie, finishing last season with 18 scoreless outings in 19 games while converting 8 of 9 save chances. Hodge's devastating sweeper held hitters to a .070 batting average, and if given the opportunity, could emerge as a strong closing option. Keep an eye on him.
Reds: Alexis Diaz
Alexis Díaz enters the season as the Reds' closer, but his grip on the job is anything but secure. Despite racking up 55 saves over the past two years, he’s been slowly in decline.
Díaz relies on just two pitches—a fastball and a slider—which makes him vulnerable against left-handed hitters. His K-BB% has plummeted from 19.6% in 2022 to just 9.9%, and while he escaped last year with a 3.99 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, his 5.06 xFIP suggests he may have been lucky. With Terry Francona taking over as manager, Díaz won’t get the benefit of the doubt if he struggles early. I see him as a late-round flyer but wouldn’t count on him as a reliable source of saves.
If Díaz loses the role, there’s no clear-cut replacement. Scott Barlow and Tony Santillan are likely in the mix, but neither would be considered "elite" options at this point.
Rockies: None who are reliable
I have a steadfast rule: avoid Rockies pitching at all costs. That’s unlikely to change heading into 2025.
Colorado’s bullpen was a revolving door last season, with Justin Lawrence, Tyler Kinley, and Victor Vodnik all taking turns in the closer role before rookie Seth Halvorsen got involved late in the year. As of now, it’s unclear who, if anyone, will be the designated closer.
Additionally, the Rockies project to be one of the worst teams in baseball, which means limited save opportunities. Add in the high elevation of Coors Field, and there’s little reason to take a chance on this bullpen. That said, if there’s any value to be found in a Rockies pitcher, it’s more likely to come from a reliever than a starter.
While none of these arms are draft-worthy at the moment, I’d keep an eye on Seth Halvorsen. A top Rockies prospect, he regularly hit 100+ MPH with his fastball in 2024. If he lands the closer gig, he’s the only name I’d consider.
Dodgers: Tanner Scott
For a pitcher coming off a sub-2.00 ERA season with elite peripherals (99th percentile HardHit% and 100th percentile average exit velocity while landing a four-year, $72 million contract with the best team in baseball)—and has already been named the closer—you’d think I’d be all-in on Tanner Scott. But surprisingly, I’m bearish.
Scott is being drafted as a top-10 reliever, and while I recognize the immense upside, I find myself fading him. To be clear, I believe in his skills. But as I’ve said, weird things happen with relievers in small samples. The Dodgers have a history of playing matchups in the ninth inning since Kenley Jansen left, and with their deep bullpen, I wouldn’t be shocked if they do so again.
They also brought in Kirby Yates, re-signed postseason hero Blake Treinen, and still have Michael Kopech—plenty of arms that could siphon save chances. As a result, I’d much rather invest in relievers with similar skills but more job security, like Jhoan Duran, Ryan Walker, Andrés Muñoz, or Robert Suarez.
Marlins: Calvin Faucher, Jesus Tinoco
As previously discussed, Tanner Scott began last season as the Marlins’ closer before being traded. Calvin Faucher then took over but was sidelined with an injury, paving the way for Jesús Tinoco to close out the year. Heading into 2025, the closer role is primarily a battle between those two.
Faucher is presumed to have the inside track, but it’s far from a lock. Tinoco was impressive down the stretch, finishing the season with a sub-1.00 WHIP and an even better second half, posting a 25% K-BB rate. While his stuff isn’t overpowering, he mixes a solid sinker-slider combination that makes him an intriguing option. I’d be more excited if he wins the job over Faucher.
Keep an eye on how this competition shakes out in spring training, but neither should currently be viewed as a reliable closer option heading into drafts.
Brewers: Trevor Megill
Trevor Megill enters the season as the Brewers’ locked-in closer after the team traded Devin Williams to the Yankees. With Williams injured for much of 2024, Megill stepped into the role and performed well, converting 21 saves with a 2.72 ERA over 46.1 innings.
Megill is a two-pitch pitcher, relying on an elite fastball that averages 98.8 MPH and a knuckle curve he uses effectively against both lefties and righties. His high-spin fastball generates significant induced vertical break, allowing his knuckle curve, boasting a remarkable 55% whiff rate last season, to play up even more. That said, his 50 strikeouts in 46.1 innings aren’t overwhelming.
If Megill can stay healthy and put together his first 50+ inning season, he has the potential to rack up plenty of saves with solid ratios. I’m optimistic about his job security on a good Brewers team, and there’s room for his strikeout numbers to tick up in his first full season as a closer.
That said, Megill isn’t a lock for the entire year, so keep an eye on Abner Uribe and Joel Payamps as potential replacements if Megill struggles or gets hurt.
Mets: Edwin Diaz
Even though I strongly dislike the Mets as a franchise, I have to admit, I love Edwin Díaz, especially heading into 2025. He’s exactly the type of closer I like targeting in drafts: elite strikeout numbers and rock-solid job security. With his massive contract and fan-favorite entrance, Díaz would have to truly implode to lose the role. That said, there’s some volatility in his profile, and his start to spring has been a bit concerning.
On the bright side, Díaz boasts a career 40.1% strikeout rate and has posted multiple seasons with well over 100 strikeouts. At his best, he’s untouchable, recording three seasons with an ERA under 2.00. However, Díaz has had his share of rough patches. In his first year with the Mets (2019), he imploded with a 5.59 ERA. Even last year, he briefly lost the closer’s job before quickly reclaiming it. Early in the year his fastball velocity dipped before returning to normal, but now, in spring training, his velocity is again lower than anticipated.
Mets management remains confident the issue will be corrected, and I’m not hitting the panic button yet. However, with Díaz turning 31 on March 22, a sustained velocity drop would be a legitimate concern. I’d still draft him as an elite closer, but won’t pretend there’s zero reason for caution.
Phillies: Jordan Romano
The Phillies started last year with a revolving door in the bullpen before trading for Carlos Estévez midseason. With both Estévez and Jeff Hoffman departing in free agency, the closer role was wide open (until the Phillies promptly signed former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano to a one-year deal). Romano appears to have the inside track on the job heading into spring training ahead of Orion Kerkering, but there are plenty of questions surrounding him.
Romano managed just 13.2 innings in 2024 before struggling mightily and ultimately being shut down for the season with an elbow injury that required surgery. Even before that, his performance had started to trend downward in 2023, though he still finished with a respectable 2.90 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 36 saves. Given his experience, he’ll likely get the first shot at closing, but if he falters, Kerkering is an intriguing alternative. The young righty boasts a 97+ MPH fastball and an elite sweeper, which he throws nearly 60% of the time.
Romano is worth taking a shot on, but I wouldn’t rely on him as my primary closer. That said, if he performs well he could be a strong saves option for a contending Phillies team that tends to stick with a guy once they lock down a role.
Pirates: David Bednar
David Bednar endured a nightmare season in 2024. He struggled out of the gate, and every time he seemed to be turning things around would follow it up with another rough outing. He finished with a brutal 5.77 ERA and 23 saves. However, heading into this season, I’m cautiously optimistic.
Bednar reported to spring training this year visibly lighter, and if he’s fully recovered from the multiple oblique injuries that plagued him last year, a bounce-back season is well within reach. His walk rate was uncharacteristically high, and he allowed a career-worst nine home runs (ironically two key areas where regression could work in his favor). Despite the struggles, he still maintained solid fastball velocity and a strong chase rate, suggesting his fastball/splitter combo remains effective.
Most importantly, Bednar is still firmly entrenched as the Pirates’ closer with no real competition behind him. Given the discount on his draft price, I’d be willing to bet on a rebound season.
Padres: Roberto Suarez
Robert Suarez is a rarity in today’s MLB as a one-pitch pitcher. Despite relying on his fastball nearly 87% of the time, Suarez put together a strong 2024, posting a 2.77 ERA over 65 innings while racking up 36 saves. He was steady for most of the year before hitting a rough patch late but bounced back with a solid postseason performance.
I do have concerns about his limited repertoire and would love to see him develop a cutter or slider, but it’s hard to argue his results. At 34, Suarez has a potential opt-out at the end of the season, and with rumors that the Padres may shed payroll, he’s among the closers with a higher chance of being traded in July. If he struggles or gets dealt, two intriguing names in the Padres bullpen (Jeremiah Estrada and Jason Adam), could emerge as viable replacements, though it’s unclear who would take over.
For now, Suarez has a clear path to saves on a good team, but with multiple potential pitfalls, I’m approaching him as a mid-tier closing option heading into 2025.
Giants: Jordan Walker
Jordan Walker was a revelation for the Giants last year, emerging as their most reliable reliever and converting all 10 of his save opportunities. Heading into 2024, the closer role appears to be his, though Camilo Doval remains in the mix. With general manager Buster Posey at the helm, it's unclear how the bullpen will be managed. The Giants have spoken highly of Doval, but that could be an effort to boost his value, as he is a major trade candidate.
Walker excelled at limiting hard contact, as evidenced by his impressive 30.2% hard-hit rate. While he doesn’t have elite velocity, his sinker-slider combination is devastating to hitters. His slider, in particular, was dominant last season, generating a 38% whiff rate and 18 inches of total break.
There’s no clear reason to believe he can’t continue his success, so draft Walker as an above-average closer heading into 2025.
Cardinals: Ryan Helsley
Ryan Helsley enters the season as the locked-in closer for St. Louis and an elite option at the position. However, there’s one major caveat, he is a prime trade candidate. Helsley led the league with 49 saves last year and has now put together three consecutive strong seasons in St. Louis.
A key change in 2024 was his pitch usage, as he shifted from throwing his fastball about 20% more often than his slider to now favoring the slider slightly. This was a smart adjustment, as the slider generated a dominant 51.1% whiff rate while the fastball still routinely hits 100+ MPH. The one area of concern is his low groundball rate (37.2%), which could leave him more susceptible to home runs after allowing just three all of last year.
Helsley is elite, but I believe he has the highest likelihood of being traded midseason. The Cardinals are in rebuild mode, and with Helsley set to hit free agency in 2026, a move makes sense. If that happens, JoJo Romero or Ryan Fernandez could step into the role.
Nationals: Kyle Finnegan
We wrap things up with Kyle Finnegan, a pitcher many expected to lose his job, and if he even kept it, would be pitching for a struggling Nationals team. Yet, he defied expectations, locking down 38 saves.
That said, I’m entering this season with the same skepticism—I don’t fully trust him. If I had written this just a week earlier, I would have said the job belonged to Jorge López, as the Nationals initially non-tendered Finnegan despite his success last year. However, they have since re-signed him to a one-year deal and announced he’ll open 2025 as the closer. Still, the fact that they let him go before bringing him back speaks volumes.
Another concern is Finnegan’s second-half struggles—he posted a 5.79 ERA after the All-Star break. While he’ll start the year as the closer, I wouldn’t be surprised if López or another option emerges at some point. I would treat Finnegan as a low-grade option at the position.
Relief pitching in fantasy baseball is an unpredictable but essential element of building a winning team. With the fluctuating nature of save opportunities, managerial decisions, and the unpredictability of injuries, it’s crucial to keep an eye on bullpen developments and the players vying for closing roles. Elite relievers have become increasingly valuable, and understanding the nuances of each team's bullpen situation will give you a distinct advantage come draft day. Stay proactive, monitor spring training performances, and be ready to make adjustments as the season unfolds, maximizing your chance for fantasy success.
