Closers in 2025 remained the most volatile fantasy category, with half of the top 20 ADP options failing to hit draft value. Emmanuel Clase led the way in durability but was limited by a late-season suspension. A mix of elite performers (Muñoz, Díaz, Duran) and value pickups (Chapman, Pagán) underscored the strategy: grab saves early or hunt for late-round opportunities in the right spots.

The 2026 landscape centers on big-name free agents and uncertain roles, headlined by Devin Williams and a group of veterans and under-the-radar relievers who already showed upside. Rising arms like Braydon Fisher and Ronny Henriquez offer path-to-closer potential, while teams with blank closers loom as clear targets for speculative adds in drafts and on waivers.

For fantasy managers, the piece maps stable closers (Muñoz, Díaz, Hader, Jansen), potential job switches (Bednar to Yankees), and the year-to-year volatility that can yield value in late rounds. The key is identifying the right situations early and monitoring winter moves that could shuffle saves into or out of DJ-friendly bullpens.

Texas plans a heavy rotation refresh around Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, with Jack Leiter ready to step forward and Kumar Rocker in the mix. The challenge is adding reliable depth behind the pair while rebuilding a bullpen and retooling the lineup to keep the rotation competitive into 2025.

Dylan Cease stands as the marquee target, but price and market dynamics could push the Rangers toward middle- and back-end options like Zack Littell, Michael Lorenzen, Adrian Houser or Dustin May, offering durability, innings, and upside without blowing budget—plus internal prospects ready to push for a larger role.

Sandy Alomar Sr. died at 81, leaving a mark as a speed-first, defense-minded infielder who played 1,481 games across six clubs from 1964-78. He stole 227 bases, belting a career-high 39 in 1971, and earned a 1970 All-Star nod. After playing, he coached in MLB and Puerto Rico, later guiding in San Diego and for the Cubs, Rockies and Mets. His son, Sandy Alomar Jr., is on the Cleveland Guardians staff, continuing a family baseball legacy that also includes brother Roberto, a Hall of Famer.

The Guardians publicly mourn the loss, underscoring Alomar’s impact as a player, mentor, and pillar of a baseball family whose influence spans decades and leagues.