Fantasy baseball analyst Dalton Del Don scans the league for saves sources and provides updates to unsettled or intriguing bullpens. Go here for his National League Bullpen Brief.
Boston Red Sox
Aroldis Chapman could still be used in high-leverage situations at times, but he’s emerged as the clear favorite to close in Boston. Liam Hendriks struggled to get his velocity back during the spring and is on the IL, whereas Chapman continues to look good after being one of baseball’s best relievers after the All-Star break last year. Chapman has top-10 fantasy closer upside.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have yet to record a save this season, and opportunities will likely remain limited. Mike Clevinger looks like the favorite to close for Chicago, but he’s been used in the eighth inning and hasn’t been overly effective early on.
Detroit Tigers
Detroit’s closing situation remains undecided, but Tommy Kahnle has emerged as the favorite for saves. Beau Brieske pitched in the sixth inning during his last appearance, while Kahnle closed out the Tigers’ win. Kahnle has injury risk, but he’s an effective pitcher who should take over Detroit’s ninth-inning role. Kahnle should be added almost universally in fantasy, yet he’s still available in more than 90% of Yahoo leagues.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels surprisingly lead the league in save opportunities despite having played fewer games than most teams. Given his modest ADP and locked-in role as closer (compared to the chaos throughout the league), Kenley Jansen looks like one of the very best RP fantasy picks this year.
Tampa Bay Rays
Pete Fairbanks’ velocity remains a bit down (97.3 mph) compared to 2022-23 (99.1), but he recorded Tampa Bay’s lone save opportunity this season. He remains a strong candidate to spend some time on the IL — Fairbanks’ career-high in innings is 45.1 — as well as be traded at the deadline. But he should rack up saves as the Rays’ closer in the meantime.
Edwin Uceta would be in the mix, but if Fairbanks gets injured or traded, Mason Montgomery is Tampa Bay’s future closer.
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