The New York Mets showcased their offensive prowess in the Grapefruit League, overpowering the Washington Nationals with a strong 7-6 victory. A six-run first inning set the tone, highlighted by Mark Vientos’ two-run home run and Jakson Reetz’s grand slam, a crucial performance as he eyes a backup catcher position. Clay Holmes, in his third spring start, dazzled with eight strikeouts over 3.2 innings, showcasing potential as he transitions into a more prominent role.

Edwin Díaz entered to a raucous fan reception, striking out three batters despite a shaky start. However, the Nationals clawed back, tying the game at 6-6 before Travis Swaggerty’s sacrifice fly in the eighth sealed the Mets' victory. This performance raises excitement for the upcoming season, particularly for the offense's early rhythm and pitching depth.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one for relief pitchers, particularly for those in Saves+Holds leagues. This format elevates the importance of not just closers but also talented setup men, rewarding strategic drafting across bullpens. A spotlight on the top relief pitchers showcases Emmanuel Clase and Edwin Diaz as elite options, while Josh Hader's move to Houston raises the bar for the Astros' bullpen. Injuries and performance trends will be pivotal, with players like Felix Bautista and A.J. Puk transitioning back to impactful bullpen roles after injury setbacks. Furthermore, teams like the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins present challenges due to their murky relief situations, suggesting a cautious approach when filling those roster spots.

In the realm of fantasy baseball, understanding the intricacies of reliever rankings is essential for building a competitive team. This season, Saves+Holds leagues are gaining traction, shifting focus from traditional save-centric strategies. Top relievers like Emmanuel Clase and Josh Hader are expected to perform at elite levels, as their strikeout rates and ratios indicate potential for high fantasy returns. Injuries and role changes can impact overall performance, making it crucial for players to monitor bullpen dynamics closely.

Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians leads the 2025 Saves+Holds rankings, followed closely by Josh Hader of the Houston Astros and Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets. Notably, the rankings also consider pitchers like Devin Williams and Mason Miller, who are expected to excel in these roles. As teams adjust their bullpens, keeping an eye on pitchers who hold significant potential for holds alongside saves can create a strategic advantage in fantasy leagues.

As fantasy baseball drafts approach, the conversation around closer selections remains contentious. While saves can be a puntable category, they are also readily available on waivers throughout the season. This analysis categorizes potential opening-day closers by average draft position, providing insight into when and how to draft these relievers.

The top tier of closers includes elite talents like Emmanuel Clase and Josh Hader, who possess not only job security but also the skill set to thrive. However, their draft positions might deter some from taking a closer over impactful hitters in earlier rounds. In contrast, the second tier features solid options like Edwin Díaz but still poses the dilemma of sacrificing potential star hitters.

As we move further down the draft board, potential closers can be found in the third tier, where pitchers like Félix Bautista and Jhoan Durán could emerge as valuable assets. The final tiers present various options, but they come with significant risk, often leaving drafters with a choice between safety and the thrill of finding a diamond in the rough. This year, the discussion on how to approach drafting closers remains as vital as ever.

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz is eager to represent Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) after an injury sidelined him during the 2023 tournament. Despite facing a season-ending knee injury, Díaz remains hopeful, stating, "If I have the chance to represent Puerto Rico, 100%, yeah, because it's my country." He emphasizes the importance of aligning with the Mets before making any commitments, aware of the restrictions surrounding player participation due to injury history.

His performance in the previous season was solid, as he converted 20 of 27 save opportunities with a 3.52 ERA. However, his career trajectory could shift significantly if he opts out of his contract after the 2025 season, potentially allowing him to leverage his performance for a lucrative extension or a fresh start with another team. Díaz's aspirations for the WBC will hinge on his health in 2025 and the Mets' approval.