2025 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings & Analysis
This Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.
Over the past few seasons, the top 12 closers have outperformed the second tier of 12 starting pitchers in fantasy rankings. A key factor is the decline in starters logging 200+ innings, along with fewer relievers reaching the 30-save threshold. As a result, the benchmark for a fantasy team to remain competitive in saves has dropped. Here’s a breakdown of the top late-inning arms for 2025:
Closer Performance in 2024
The top 12 relievers last season averaged:
- 65 appearances
- 6 wins
- 2.21 ERA
- 0.944 WHIP
- 32 saves
- 78 strikeouts
Emmanuel Clase led all closers in FPGscore (8.12), ranking fourth among pitchers and eighth overall across hitters and pitchers. His 47 saves provided 8.53 fantasy points, second only to Ryan Helsley (49 saves, 8.96 points). Despite posting only 66 strikeouts, Clase’s ERA (0.601) and WHIP (0.659) gave him a significant fantasy advantage of over five points.
Save Distribution Among Relievers
- 8 closers recorded 30+ saves
- 14 relievers finished with 20-29 saves
- 35 pitchers had at least 10 saves
Team Bullpen Breakdowns
Cleveland Guardians
1. Emmanuel Clase, CLE (ADP – 32.8)
Clase has led the AL in saves for three consecutive seasons (42, 44, and 47) while finishing the most games each year. His elite control (1.2 BB/9 in 2022 and 2024) has fueled a career WHIP of 0.892.
- Groundball rate: 57.4%
- First-pitch strike rate: 65.9%
- Strikeout rate dip: 8.0 K/9 in 2024 (down from 9.5 K/9 in 2021-2022)
- Opponent batting average: .154 (.115 vs. lefties)
The Guardians’ bullpen was dominant in 2024:
- 42-12 record
- 2.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP
- 53 saves, 658 strikeouts over 623 innings
Clase relies heavily on an electric 99.6 mph cutter (77.6% usage, .171 BAA) and a devastating slider (.155 BAA, 36.6% whiff rate).
Fantasy Outlook: At just 26 years old, Clase already has 158 career saves in 182 chances. His combination of elite command, dominant pitches, and high save potential makes him a coveted asset. While his strikeouts have declined, his dominance in ERA and WHIP is invaluable. If you miss out on top-tier aces, Clase can be an elite fantasy weapon.
Handcuff Option – Cade Smith, CLE (ADP – 370.0)
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Smith has improved significantly:
- Minor league stats: 3.61 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 262 Ks in 167 IP
- Closer role: 33 minor league saves
- 2024 MLB performance: 75.1 IP, 2.0 BB/9, .173 BAA
Smith is a hidden gem for fantasy managers looking to stabilize ERA and WHIP. If Clase were to miss time, Smith would be the next in line for saves.
Oakland Athletics
2. Mason Miller, OAK (ADP – 42.3)
Miller’s journey to the majors has been injury-riddled, but when healthy, his stuff is electric. After an early elbow injury in 2023, he transitioned to the bullpen in September and quickly became dominant.
- First 20.1 IP as a reliever: 2 ER, 13 baserunners, 41 Ks, 9 saves
- Final season line: 3.22 ERA, 0.985 WHIP, 19 saves, 63 Ks in 44.2 IP
- Struggled in six outings: 8.1 IP, 13 ER, 24 baserunners
Miller’s 101.1 mph fastball was one of the best in baseball, pairing it with a wipeout slider (.126 BAA, 47 Ks).
Fantasy Outlook: Among top-tier closers, Miller offers the highest strikeout upside but carries injury concerns and a small track record. If the A’s use him in 70+ games, he could lead all closers in strikeouts.
Handcuff Option – Jose Leclerc, OAK
Leclerc struggled early in 2024 but found his rhythm midseason. His career-high 4.3 BB/9 remains a concern, but he’s the next in line if Miller falters.
New York Mets
3. Edwin Diaz, NYM (ADP – 38.4)
After missing 2023 with a knee injury, Diaz had a rocky return last season. He started strong but hit a rough patch in May before rebounding down the stretch.
- Final 35 games: 15 saves, 2.41 ERA, 0.921 WHIP, 54 Ks in 33.2 IP
- Elite vs. righties: .158 BAA, 42 Ks in 101 ABs
- Fastball velocity: 97.6 mph (down from 99.1 in 2022)
Diaz remains a strikeout machine, but his save opportunities need to increase to justify his ADP.
Fantasy Outlook: Since his 57-save season in 2018, Diaz hasn’t topped 32 saves in any year. His strikeout edge over Clase is clear, but he must convert more saves to be worth a high draft pick.
Handcuff Option – A.J. Minter, NYM
Signed to a two-year deal, Minter has closer experience (36 career saves) but struggled with injuries last season. He’ll be the primary backup to Diaz.
New York Yankees
4. Devin Williams, NYY (ADP – 39.9)
Traded to the Yankees in December, Williams battled back issues in 2024 but still delivered elite numbers:
- 1.25 ERA, 0.969 WHIP, 38 Ks in 21.2 IP
- Converted 14 of 15 save chances
- Walk rate (4.6 BB/9) remains a concern
Williams’ changeup (45.3% usage, .200 BAA) and fastball (.122 BAA) remain elite, but his command must improve.
Fantasy Outlook: Williams is in a contract year, which adds motivation, but his health is a risk. Since taking over as a closer in 2022, he’s gone 15-7 with a 1.66 ERA, 65 saves, and 221 Ks in 141 IP. If he stays healthy, he’s a top-tier option.
Handcuff Option – Luke Weaver, NYY (ADP – 354.8)
Weaver reinvented himself in the Yankees’ bullpen, posting a 0.90 ERA, 0.721 WHIP, and 79 Ks over his final 59.2 IP. He’s a must-handcuff for Williams in our 2025 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings & Analysis.
Houston Astros
5. Josh Hader, HOU (ADP – 41.0)
Hader’s home run issues (1.5 HR/9) led to inconsistent results in 2024, but he remained dominant in strikeouts:
- Final line: 8-8 record, 3.79 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 35 saves, 89 Ks
- Struggled vs. righties: 12 HR allowed
- Fastball velocity: 96.3 mph
Fantasy Outlook: Hader’s reliance on a two-pitch mix (sinker, slider) makes him vulnerable in bad counts. While still an elite closer, he’s no longer the safest option.
Handcuff Option – Bryan Abreu, HOU (ADP – 478.5)
Abreu has elite strikeout stuff (36.5% K rate) and could see save chances if Hader struggles.
Thanks for reading 2025 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings & Analysis
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