The 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one for relief pitchers, particularly for those in Saves+Holds leagues. This format elevates the importance of not just closers but also talented setup men, rewarding strategic drafting across bullpens. A spotlight on the top relief pitchers showcases Emmanuel Clase and Edwin Diaz as elite options, while Josh Hader's move to Houston raises the bar for the Astros' bullpen. Injuries and performance trends will be pivotal, with players like Felix Bautista and A.J. Puk transitioning back to impactful bullpen roles after injury setbacks. Furthermore, teams like the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins present challenges due to their murky relief situations, suggesting a cautious approach when filling those roster spots.

New York Yankees reliever Scott Effross is facing a Grade-2 hamstring strain that will sideline him for an extended period, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone. This injury continues a frustrating trend for Effross, who has struggled with availability since joining the Yankees in 2022. After making only 13 appearances that year, he missed all of 2023 and managed just three outings in 2024. With a career 2.89 ERA across his time with the Yankees and the Chicago Cubs, he remains a tantalizing option for New York's bullpen.

The Yankees have been proactive in reconstructing their bullpen, notably losing former closer Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle to free agency. However, they secured All-Star Devin Williams in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, aiming to strengthen their roster after a disappointing World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. The team is also bringing in notable talents like Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger as they prepare for the upcoming Grapefruit League. Despite Effross's potential, it appears unlikely that he will start the season in the Yankees' bullpen, leaving fans and fantasy players speculating about his future contributions.