Atlanta Braves have been playing their best baseball in years, yet postseason hopes look dim this season. Manager Brian Snitker, in the final year of his contract, faces questions about his future as the club contends with injuries and payroll moves that could reshape their roster.

Injuries loom large: Joe Jiménez is shelved with knee soreness and won’t return this year, while Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach are unlikely to pitch again in 2025. At the same time, Ozuna and Iglesias haven’t lived up to expectations, leaving open the possibility of a late-season payroll play as Atlanta sits below the luxury-tax threshold and could save roughly $5 million by moving them if claimed.

Yankees bullpen turmoil takes center stage as Devin Williams stumbles after a high-profile offseason haul, prompting a swift shift toward David Bednar as the closer-in-waiting. Williams' 5.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, plus two blown saves in the last two weeks, clash with Bednar's 1.84 ERA since returning and a 35% strikeout rate, fueling a rotation toward high-leverage moments."

Across MLB, closers are in flux. Kyle Finnegan has seized Detroit’s late-innings role, Phil Maton has emerged with the Rangers, and Raisel Iglesias has rebounded in Atlanta to top-10 fantasy productivity over the past 30 days. Josh Hader’s shoulder stiffness injects urgency, while Dodgers’ four-man save patrol (Casparius, Wrobleski, Vesia, Dreyer) showcases Roberts’ speculative bullpen approach. Padres’ Suarez holds steady while Mason Miller flirts with late-inning chances, underscoring how playoff paths hinge on bullpen clarity.

For fantasy managers, the current moment is about reading the room: Bednar is the safer single-save option in NYY’s pen, while Williams remains a potential vying piece in tight spots. The broader market rewards closers on contention teams, but the real edge comes from identifying the next-deck options with demonstrable shutdown upside in the next 14 days.

The Chicago Cubs bullpen has been performing admirably, with six of their nine primary relievers boasting an ERA of 3.00 or lower, showcasing strong performances from revitalized veterans. Daniel Palencia, the standout closer, has a remarkable 1.43 ERA and 14 saves this season, proving crucial in tight games. However, the Cubs are eyeing potential upgrades before the trade deadline, seeking to bolster their bullpen.

Among the targets, Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves stands out despite an underwhelming season, as he has a track record of clutch performances. Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays, with a solid 2.84 ERA, could also be a strategic fit due to his groundball-inducing capabilities. The Cubs may also pursue Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, who combines a fastball reaching triple digits with effective secondary pitches, though his price may be steep due to team control through 2027.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the reliever market is heating up, with potential shifts in closing roles across several teams. The Colorado Rockies maintain a stable situation with rookie Seth Halvorsen, while the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates could see significant changes. David Bednar's name is prominent in trade talks, and if he and Dennis Santana are moved, options for saves could open up with Mattson and Nicolas in line for opportunities. In Washington, Kyle Finnegan might be relocated, presenting a chance for Henry, a top-10 prospect, to take over. The Athletics' Mason Miller is also intriguing but may remain put. Other notable names include Raisel Iglesias of the Braves and Felix Bautista of the Orioles, both of whom could change teams as the deadline looms.