With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, savvy fantasy baseball managers need to focus on closers and potential saves. As last year's trades showed, players like Carlos Estevez and Gregory Soto were on the move, making it crucial to stash relievers who could step into closing roles. Names like Jason Adam and Randy Rodriguez stand out as backup options in their bullpens, while players like Griffin Jax and Bryan Abreu showcase impressive strikeout rates, presenting potential for saves if their respective team's primary closers are traded. Stashing these players could be the key to securing saves in the crucial weeks leading to the playoffs.

The Milwaukee Brewers made history on July 8 by achieving an unprecedented average fastball velocity of 99.32 mph in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This remarkable feat, led by pitchers Jacob Misiorowski, Jared Koenig, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill, marks the highest single-game average for a team in the pitch tracking era since 2008. Misiorowski set the tone with a striking performance, averaging 99.7 mph and recording 12 strikeouts over six innings.

Trevor Megill capped the game with a perfect ninth inning, averaging an impressive 99.9 mph. The Brewers' pitching staff not only toppled the previous record set by the New York Mets but also showcased the evolution of pitching velocity in baseball. Misiorowski's talent shines as he consistently reaches triple digits, exciting fans and setting a new standard for future performances.

The New York Yankees are set to acquire closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in a significant trade, sending Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee.

Williams, a standout reliever with a career 1.83 ERA and 68 saves, is known for his exceptional change-up and impressive strikeout rates. Despite a back injury in 2024, he remains a top fantasy option.

Cortes will bolster the Brewers' rotation, while Durbin shows promise as a speedy infielder.