The New York Yankees are facing a challenging summer as reliever Jake Cousins is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, a significant setback for their already fragile bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone's remarks underscore the urgency for the Yankees to bolster their relief corps, especially with Luke Weaver also sidelined. With the trade deadline approaching, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is exploring potential solutions in the market.

Several options are emerging for the Yankees. Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, boasting an impressive 1.88 ERA, is a candidate, though his health is a concern. Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, last year's MLB saves leader, could be a highly sought-after closer, assuming St. Louis is open to trade discussions. David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making a comeback after a rough start, while Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals leads the league in saves, making him an intriguing budget-friendly choice. Finally, Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies has shown promise this season, providing an affordable option with solid performance metrics.

Devin Williams, the New York Yankees' new closer, entered the 2025 season as a highly valued fantasy asset thanks to his 1.83 career ERA and elite strikeout rate. After a stellar performance late last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, expectations were high for his role in New York. However, just weeks into the season, Williams has found himself among the most dropped closers on ESPN leagues following a series of inconsistent outings. A particularly troubling game against the Tampa Bay Rays saw him blow a four-run lead, raising concerns despite an underlying .423 BABIP indicating he’s been unlucky. Fantasy managers are urged to stay the course, as his performance should normalize.

Meanwhile, other closers like Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals have seen their stock rise, with Hoffman perfect in save opportunities and Finnegan accumulating saves despite mediocre strikeout rates. Justin Martinez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is set to benefit from an increased role following the injury of A.J. Puk, while Jose Alvarado of the Phillies has stepped up as a reliable closer. Conversely, Baltimore's Felix Bautista is struggling and may need time to regain his pre-surgery form, prompting patience from fantasy owners.

As the 2025 baseball season gets underway, fantasy baseball enthusiasts will find the RotoBaller's Closers and Saves Report indispensable. This weekly publication offers insights into bullpen dynamics, top relief performances, and must-have waiver wire targets. This inaugural report dives into key questions surrounding each team's bullpen, paving the way for informed decisions this season.

For the Atlanta Braves, Raisel Iglesias is confirmed as the closer, but with the return of Craig Kimbrel, questions linger about his impact. Calvin Faucher’s role for the Miami Marlins could be pivotal; will he reach double-digit saves? Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets has made a notable shift in pitch selection, prompting queries about sustaining effectiveness. The Philadelphia Phillies are embracing a 'floating closer' strategy, and it remains to be seen if Jordan Romano or Jose Alvarado will emerge as the primary choice.

As the season unfolds, the report will serve as a vital resource, continually updating the Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts, essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of MLB bullpens.

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Díaz struggled last season with a 3.99 ERA and declining strikeout rate, earning 28 saves in 32 opportunities. Starting the season on the injured list due to hamstring issues raises concerns about his reliability in fantasy leagues, especially with a stronger bullpen featuring options like Taylor Rogers and Scott Barlow. New manager Terry Francona has more depth for closing opportunities, making it harder for Díaz to maintain his role if inaccuracies in pitching persist.

With the Reds missing proven closers from past seasons, fantasy managers should tread carefully. While there’s a chance Díaz returns to form, it seems a stretch given his current state. Meanwhile, Felix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles remains a top investment despite past injury concerns, while Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals is a reliable pick for saves. The ever-changing landscape of bullpens makes it essential for managers to monitor updates closely.

In the upcoming season, fantasy baseball managers should strategically target pitchers with Average Auction Values (AAV) under $5 to maximize their auction draft potential. This article highlights valuable players within this budget, emphasizing the necessity of budget-friendly options, particularly for saves and strikeouts.

The Washington Nationals' Kyle Finnegan emerges as a prime candidate, showing resilience as the closer despite some advanced metrics raising concerns. At $3, he offers potential savings, making him a reliable selection for teams in need of saves.

Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays is another standout, having transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation successfully with impressive late-season stats. His AAV of $3 reflects significant upside, making him a worthy gamble for fantasy managers seeking depth.

Walker Buehler, now with the Boston Red Sox, presents a high-risk, high-reward option given his recent struggles but showcased postseason brilliance. Priced at $2, he could yield a substantial return if he rebounds under a new regime.

DJ Herz from the Nationals is touted for his potential despite command issues, offering a tantalizing profile at $2. Lastly, these pitchers provide excellent opportunities for fantasy owners to enhance their roster without breaking the bank, underscoring the importance of strategic bidding in auction drafts.