Here are the latest fantasy baseball closer updates from the past week of action — and trades!
After the wild 2021 MLB trade deadline, Kev Mahserejian looks at the fantasy baseball fallout for the bullpen deals, including two NL pictures that were blown up by swaps.
Which reliever should get your confidence for saves in the closing months of the fantasy baseball season?
at Monkey Knife Fight to claim this offer and play user-friendly daily fantasy sports.
Week 19 Fantasy Baseball Closers: Depth Chart News, Saves Tips & Bullpen Report
Philadelphia Phillies
- Closer: Ian Kennedy
- Backups: Hector Neris, Jose Alvarado, Archie Bradley
The Phillies made quite the splash this past deadline by acquiring Ian Kennedy and Kyle Gibson from the Rangers for top pitching prospect Spencer Howard. Howard was a disappointment in his limited innings this year but looked promising at times, however, that was not enough for Dave Dombrowski and his vision to compete in a vulnerable NL East.
Kennedy will slide into the 9th inning role vacated by Ranger Suarez, who returns to a starting role. Kennedy’s been successful as a closer since 2019 but struggled in his first appearance as a Phillie by allowing 2 runs. Brighter days are ahead for Kennedy since he is not threatened by the myriad of mediocrity behind him that forced a fortifying trade.
- Check out our full Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings and Depth Charts.
Chicago Cubs
- Closer: N/A
- Backups: Cody Heuer, Rex Brothers, Kyle Ryan, Rowan Wick
The Cubs cleaned house and now their bullpen is in limbo. Kyle Ryan notched the first post-Craig Kimbrel save, but proceeded to come in the 7th inning the following day and give up a run. Ryan is bad and will not be taking on full-time closing duties anytime soon.
Rex Brothers has incredible peripherals relative to his ERA but is probably the best kept in middle relief as the team’s “fireman." Rowan Wick was just activated off the IL and has not pitched in the MLB this year but has closed six games in the past. With two months left, it is unlikely that he is acclimated enough for high leverage.
Cody Heuer was just traded over from the south side of Chicago and should be capable of holding down the 9th inning. Heuer may be the Cubs’ closer next season, and with several saves throughout his MiLB career, a solid K-BB%, and high heat on his FB, it’s pointing his way.
Milwaukee Brewers
- Closer: Devin Williams
- Backups: Josh Hader (COVID IL), Brad Boxberger
With Josh Hader hitting the COVID IL due to a positive test, Devin Williams will look to take over the 9th inning role. Hader will be out *at least* 10 days, leaving plenty of time to reap saves from his backup.
Williams could very well be used outside of save situations with Brad Boxberger having a history as closer, but it’s likely that Milwaukee will want their best reliever in to close sans Hader.
Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings, Depth Charts, Bullpen Report, & Sleepers For Saves
NEW CLOSER IN ALL CAPS.
| Rk | Team | Closer | Next In Line/Committee Members | Job Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago White Sox | Liam Hendriks | Craig Kimbrel (HOW??) | GREAT |
| 2 | Los Angeles Angels | Raisel Iglesias | Mike Mayers | GREAT |
| 3 | New York Mets | Edwin Diaz | Trevor May, Joakim Soria | GREAT |
| 4 | San Diego Padres | Mark Melancon | Emilio Pagan, Austin Adams | GREAT |
| 5 | Boston Red Sox | Matt Barnes | Adam Ottavino, Darwinzon Hernandez | GREAT |
| 6 | New York Yankees | Aroldis Chapman | Chad Green, Jonathan Loasiga, Zack Britton | GREAT |
| 7 | Houston Astros | Ryan Pressly | Kendall Graveman, Yimi Garcia | GREAT |
| 8 | St. Louis Cardinals | Alex Reyes | Giovanny Gallegos | GREAT |
| 9 | Toronto Blue Jays | Jordan Romano | Brad Hand | SOLID |
| 10 | Atlanta Braves | Will Smith | Richard Rodriguez | SOLID |
| 11 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Kenley Jansen | Blake Treinen, Victor Gonzalez, Joe Kelly | SOLID |
| 12 | San Francisco Giants | Jake McGee | Tyler Rogers | SOLID |
| 13 | Milwaukee Brewers | Devin Williams | Josh Hader (COVID IL), Brad Boxberger | SOLID |
| 14 | Philadelphia Phillies | IAN KENNEDY | Jose Alvarado, Archie Bradley, Hector Neris | SOLID |
| 15 | Seattle Mariners | DIEGO CASTILLO | Paul Sewald, Kenyan Middleton, Drew Steckenrider | LOW |
| 16 | Washington Nationals | KYLE FINNEGAN | Tanner Rainey | LOW |
| 17 | Miami Marlins | N/A | Anthony Bender, Dylan Floro | SOLID |
| 18 | Cleveland Indians | N/A | Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak | COMMITTEE |
| 19 | Cincinnati Reds | Heath Hembree | Miychal Givens, Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims (IL), Tejay Antone (IL) | LOW |
| 20 | Texas Rangers | SPENCER PATTON | Josh Sborz, DeMarcus Evans | SOLID |
| 21 | Oakland Athletics | N/A | Lou Trivino, Jake Diekman, Andrew Chafin | COMMITTEE |
| 22 | Detroit Tigers | GREGORY SOTO | Jose Cisnero, Michael Fulmer | SOLID |
| 23 | Colorado Rockies | Daniel Bard | Carlos Estevez | SOLID |
| 24 | Arizona Diamondbacks | TYLER CLIPPARD | JB Bukauskas | SOLID |
| 25 | Baltimore Orioles | Cole Sulser | Paul Fry, Tanner Scott | LOW |
| 26 | Pittsburgh Pirates | N/A | Chris Stratton, David Bednar | COMMITTEE |
| 27 | Kansas City Royals | Greg Holland | Kyle Zimmer, Josh Staumont, Scott Barlow | LOW |
| 28 | Tampa Bay Rays | MATT WISLER | Jeffrey Springs, J.P. Feyereisen, Andrew Kittredge, Paul Fairbanks (IL) | LOW |
| 29 | Minnesota Twins | N/A | Tyler Duffey, Taylor Rogers (IL) | COMMITTEE |
| 30 | Chicago Cubs | N/A | Rex Brothers, Cody Heuer Rowan Wick | GREAT |
