The start of the 2025 MLB season has seen notable struggles from several elite closers, with Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians and Devin Williams of the New York Yankees among those facing significant challenges. Clase, who had a record-breaking 2024, began the year poorly with a 6.75 ERA, allowing 10 runs over 13.1 innings. His recent performances show signs of improvement, including four saves in his last five games.

Williams, after being traded to the Yankees, has struggled with a 9.24 ERA and command issues that cost him the closer role. Ryan Pressly, now with the Chicago Cubs, faced a historic meltdown, allowing nine runs in a single inning. Meanwhile, Raisel Iglesias from the Atlanta Braves is also under scrutiny after surrendering more home runs this season than last. As the Guardians prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies, analysis on these pitchers highlights their current state and recovery pathways.

Despite the Chicago Cubs' strong offensive performance early in the season, the struggles of their bullpen, particularly closer Ryan Pressly, have raised concerns. Pressly, brought in to be a key addition, currently holds a 7.62 ERA, with one disastrous outing inflating his numbers. He acknowledges needing to stay sharper, as he has faced challenges due to limited pitching appearances since early May. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed confidence in Pressly's ability to rebound, emphasizing that the veteran's experience should eventually lead to better results.

In the latest Closer Report, the situation around Ryan Pressly as the Cubs' closer appears precarious following a disastrous outing where he allowed nine runs without recording an out. Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins is experiencing a career resurgence with a total of five saves this week, highlighting his potential reliability in fantasy rotations. Emilio Pagán is making strides, gaining trust within the Cincinnati Reds' bullpen, marking him as a rising star to watch.

Andrés Muñoz remains a top-tier closer for the Seattle Mariners, showcasing remarkable stats including a 0.00 ERA. His recent performances have solidified his status. Mason Miller's performance has been erratic, while Josh Hader and Edwin Díaz continue to hold their ground despite fewer save opportunities. The report rounds up promising relievers and potential stash candidates, emphasizing their importance in fantasy leagues as the season progresses.

The Chicago Cubs faced a challenging defeat against the San Francisco Giants, losing 3-1, while questions loom over the future of rising pitching prospect Cade Horton. Cubs President Jed Hoyer must decide whether to promote Horton from Triple-A Iowa, where he has excelled after recovering from a shoulder injury. Although fans are eager to see Horton make his debut, Hoyer's inclination for immediate impacts could complicate his long-term development.

Meanwhile, Cubs closer Ryan Pressly's recent knee issues have raised eyebrows after a poor performance. Pressly's struggles may prompt a reconsideration of his role, especially with a season that could define Hoyer's tenure. The Cubs' batting has shown inconsistency, particularly in scoring opportunities, a trend that must improve heading into a critical matchup against the New York Mets.

Ryan Pressly's debut as the Chicago Cubs' closer turned into a nightmare, surrendering nine runs without recording an out during a 14-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants. This performance placed him among the eight MLB relievers to face at least eight batters without an out. Pressly, who entered the game with a 2.05 ERA and a streak of ten scoreless appearances, saw his ERA skyrocket to 7.62 after Tuesday's debacle.

Despite the rough outing, Pressly stated that his knee, which had been drained of fluid prior to the game, wasn't an issue. The Cubs allowed a courtesy runner to start the inning on second, followed by Pressly's disastrous sequence of allowing five hits, a walk, and a hit batter. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker, also recently traded to the Cubs, continued to impress, hitting .290 with nine home runs this season.