As fantasy baseball drafts approach, the conversation around closer selections remains contentious. While saves can be a puntable category, they are also readily available on waivers throughout the season. This analysis categorizes potential opening-day closers by average draft position, providing insight into when and how to draft these relievers.

The top tier of closers includes elite talents like Emmanuel Clase and Josh Hader, who possess not only job security but also the skill set to thrive. However, their draft positions might deter some from taking a closer over impactful hitters in earlier rounds. In contrast, the second tier features solid options like Edwin Díaz but still poses the dilemma of sacrificing potential star hitters.

As we move further down the draft board, potential closers can be found in the third tier, where pitchers like Félix Bautista and Jhoan Durán could emerge as valuable assets. The final tiers present various options, but they come with significant risk, often leaving drafters with a choice between safety and the thrill of finding a diamond in the rough. This year, the discussion on how to approach drafting closers remains as vital as ever.

In the realm of relief pitching for fantasy baseball, the volatility of players often leads managers to tread carefully, especially in dynasty leagues. Mason Miller of the Athletics remains a standout, ranked 159th overall, and is projected as a top closer for the upcoming seasons due to his impressive metrics from the previous year, boasting a 2.49 ERA and a high strikeout rate. Meanwhile, the Yankees' Devin Williams, recently acquired from the Brewers, is expected to flourish in New York after overcoming injuries, capable of achieving 30+ saves with a solid strikeout ratio.

Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians enters the 2025 season coming off a stellar campaign with 47 saves and a remarkable 0.61 ERA. His ability to maintain elite ratios, combined with high workload consistency, solidifies his position as a top-drafted reliever. RotoBaller's rankings emphasize not just immediate impact but also long-term value, where these pitchers' skill sets can be pivotal for both current and future fantasy success.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, closers emerge as pivotal assets for fantasy leagues. Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians takes the top spot in Jeff Erickson's rankings, elevating expectations for his performance. The analysis includes essential strategies for drafting closers, underscoring their impact on a team's success.

Each closer's pros and cons are meticulously evaluated, reflecting their 2024 seasons and potential for the upcoming year. Factors like strikeout rates, save opportunities, and injury history are discussed, providing a comprehensive overview for fantasy players looking to optimize their rosters. Identifying the right closers can lead to significant advantages in head-to-head matchups, making this analysis indispensable for serious fantasy managers.

The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for the 2025 season, aiming to overcome pitching struggles that plagued them in 2024, where they finished with the fourth-worst starter ERA in the American League. General Manager Mike Chernoff acknowledged the importance of improving their pitching depth, citing the strength of last year's bullpen led by standout performers like Emmanuel Clase and Hunter Gaddis. While the team is optimistic about the return of Shane Bieber post-surgery, concerns remain about the rotation, especially following the loss of key pitchers like Cobb and Boyd. The Guardians are looking to integrate promising young arms such as Luis Ortiz and Slade Cecconi to bolster their options on the mound.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is primed for action, with teams shaking up their bullpens ahead of spring training. Notably, Emmanuel Clase is projected to lead the saves chart with 41, flanked by elite arms like Josh Hader and Raisel Iglesias, both with 36. The American League features exciting closer situations, particularly in Oakland with Mason Miller, who showcases an impressive 101 mph fastball and a staggering strikeout rate that could redefine the closer role. In Baltimore, Félix Bautista returns from injury, hoping to reclaim the top closer spot after a stellar 2023, while the Red Sox juggle a mix of veterans and upstarts vying for save opportunities.

As teams finalize their rosters, keep an eye on potential waiver wire gems. For instance, the Royals’ Carlos Estévez might reclaim closing duties, while in Detroit, Jason Foley's lower strikeout rate raises concerns about his job security. The fantasy landscape is shifting rapidly, and savvy managers will track these developments closely to optimize their rosters ahead of the draft.