As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 5, several closers are standing out as solid fantasy options, especially those who have recently become reliable in their roles. Luke Jackson of the Texas Rangers continues to dominate the closer's position, successfully converting seven of eight save opportunities, although his strikeout rate has dipped this season. Meanwhile, Detroit's Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest are both proving valuable, with Kahnle earning four saves and holding an impressive ERA under 1.00.

Emilio Pagan of the Cincinnati Reds has also emerged, boasting a remarkable 0.44 WHIP and a 9:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, marking him as a must-add in save-only leagues. Camilo Doval has overtaken Ryan Walker for the closer role with the San Francisco Giants, highlighted by his five saves and a solid 2.25 ERA. For deeper leagues, Porter Hodge of the Cubs could be a potential upside play, especially with Ryan Pressly's health issues. The landscape of MLB bullpens is shifting constantly; keeping an eye on these emerging closers can lead to significant fantasy advantages.

The cost of drafting closers this spring has surged, with significant positioning in the early rounds. Five closers are currently going in the top 60, while 10 are in the top 100, and 20 in the top 200. Last season saw a similar trend, but only 4 of the 11 closers in the top 100 returned value, leading to concerns about this year's investments. Despite the high demand, the actual number of closers achieving 30 saves was just eight, with several underperforming in other categories such as ERA and WHIP.

Some lesser-known relievers may provide value later in drafts, and the article highlights 15 such pitchers outside the top 300 who could prove valuable, including Chris Martin and Calvin Faucher. Martin, for instance, possesses a solid track record but faces competition from newcomers. Meanwhile, other options like Edwin Uceta and Seth Halvorsen offer potential upside despite their teams’ challenges. It's crucial for fantasy players to consider both current performance and potential for saves when drafting closers this year.

The San Francisco Giants are looking to rebound this season, especially with their former All-Star closer Camilo Doval aiming to reclaim his spot. After a stellar 2023 where he recorded 69 saves with a 2.77 ERA, Doval faltered in 2024, posting a 4.88 ERA and facing issues with walks and hard-hit balls. His struggles led to a minor league stint, with Ryan Walker stepping in as the closer. However, Doval has returned to Spring Training showing signs of improvement, mentally and physically, as he starts to mentor younger players.

With the Giants' recent performance in one-run games being mediocre, the revival of Doval could be pivotal. His partnership with Walker could enhance the team's late-game strategy if he regains his All-Star form. The team's success in close games is crucial as they contend in the competitive NL West.

San Francisco Giants fans hoping for a Corbin Burnes jersey this holiday may be disappointed. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Burnes, alongside Alex Bregman, is likely to sign after Christmas. The Giants are among several teams interested in Burnes, who boasts an impressive career including four All-Star nods and a Cy Young Award.

Giants president Buster Posey recently met with Burnes' agent, Scott Boras, amidst speculation of a deal. However, Boras is known for prolonging negotiations, which could delay any signing. Meanwhile, the Giants have made significant moves this offseason, including signing shortstop Willy Adames to a franchise-record deal and reaching out to Burnes to encourage him to join the team.

The San Francisco Giants are facing a challenging 2024 season, with discussions about potentially trading pitcher Camilo Doval, who was once seen as a future star closer. At just 27, Doval has shown elite capabilities, but the Giants may be considering a rebuild, which complicates their decision-making.

Despite their struggles, the team recently signed Matt Chapman, raising questions about their competitive intentions. As they explore options for a closer, Tampa Bay's Pete Fairbanks has emerged as a potential target, given his impressive past performance.