Week 21 closes the door to steady saves but opens multiple holds and bullpen plays. Dennis Santana remains the Pirates closer, with a chance at multiple save chances in a week. Jose A. Ferrer grabbed his first Nationals save and looks locked into late-inning work, even if not a high-volume shooter. Houston’s Bryan Abreu steps into the closer role while Josh Hader recovers, creating immediate fantasy value for saves. Randy Rodríguez lands in a true closer role with the Giants, and Phil Maton is the Rangers’ late-inning option, both solid adds in holds leagues and possible saves. Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano inherit ninth-inning chances in Baltimore, while Justin Topa and Cole Sands offer speculative saves in Minnesota. Michael Kelly and Sean Newcomb give Athletics and Boston some late-game leverage, and JoJo Romero and Riley O’Brien share ninth-inning duties for St. Louis. Kenley Jansen tops the saves leaders this week, with Matt Strahm handling holds for Philadelphia, and Detroit’s closer scene showing a committee with Kyle Finnegan and Will Vest. The Rockies’ bullpen era sees Seth Halvorsen in late-inning scenarios with potential saves, while Victor Vodnik lurks in the back of the bullpen. In short, plan for more one-off saves and a handful of holds as teams navigate post-deadline roles and injuries.

This week's waiver wire is particularly intriguing as MLB teams maneuver through post-trade deadline adjustments. New closers are stepping into the spotlight while others falter in their new roles. Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite a rough start, remains the primary option for saves following David Bednar's trade. Jose A. Ferrer is poised to be the Nationals' go-to closer after Kyle Finnegan's departure, while the San Francisco Giants’ Randy Rodriguez could also become an elite closer given his strikeout potential. Phil Maton of the Texas Rangers is stepping into a lead role as the team’s bullpen undergoes changes. In deeper leagues, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia of the Dodgers are sharing save opportunities, while the Orioles' Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano are both vying for ninth-inning duties. With various committees forming, fantasy managers should stay alert.

The 2025 trade deadline saw the Pittsburgh Pirates at the center of controversy, not for their notable transaction of All-Star closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees, but for their inaction regarding other players. Despite Bednar's successful move promising a solid return of three prospects, the Pirates opted not to trade rental players, including pitchers Andrew Heaney and Dennis Santana. Heaney, previously with the Yankees, has struggled this season, while Santana is enjoying a breakout year. His impressive 1.39 ERA and 36 strikeouts further enhanced his trade value, yet the Pirates held onto him, a decision that puzzled many fans. The Pirates' failure to capitalize on Santana's value may leave them empty-handed this winter, ultimately frustrating their fanbase.

The recent MLB trade deadline has significantly altered the landscape for fantasy baseball, creating new opportunities for saves from a variety of relief pitchers. With many teams reshuffling their bullpens, several closers have emerged as valuable pickups for fantasy managers looking to enhance their rosters.

Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates has stepped into the closer role after the departure of David Bednar to the Yankees, despite a rocky start in his new position. In Cleveland, Cade Smith is now filling in for Emmanuel Clase, who is on paid leave due to a betting investigation, while Kevin Ginkel has taken over closing duties for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Other notable mentions include Jose A. Ferrer for the Washington Nationals and Randy Rodriguez for the San Francisco Giants, both of whom have shown promise in their new responsibilities.

As we head into Week 19 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, there are several promising waiver wire additions poised to elevate your roster. The post-trade deadline landscape has reshaped opportunities, particularly for hitters and relievers available in over 40% of Yahoo! leagues. Key players include Andrew Vaughn, who has been tearing it up with the Milwaukee Brewers, boasting a .386 batting average, six homers, and 24 RBIs in just 17 games. His barrel rate and hard-hit metrics suggest he can maintain this momentum.

Warming Bernabel has made a sensational start at the major league level with the Rockies, hitting .458 with three home runs in 25 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Colson Montgomery is finally finding his stride with the White Sox, homering in six of his last nine games. Kyle Manzardo and Lenyn Sosa are also making waves, demonstrating solid power metrics. In the bullpen, new closer roles have opened up, with Randy Rodriguez and Dennis Santana leading the pack as reliable options for saves.