X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Florio's MLB Bullpen Report: Making Sense of Reliever Trades for Fantasy Baseball

Josh Hader - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Michael Florio reviews bullpens that have changed before the MLB trade deadline, closers to add off the waiver wire and relief pitchers who are useful for fantasy baseball heading into Week 17.

For weeks, I spoke about the MLB trade deadline and how the bullpen position was greatly going to be impacted. And for weeks all that there was… were crickets. But, in classic trade deadline fashion, it did not disappoint, at least not when it came to a reliever shake up. 

We saw a number of current closers dealt, some that will be taking over the closer spot in their new clubs and some that won’t be. Then there are the teams that will need to replace the closer that they dealt. The reliever shakeup that was promised took to the last minute, but it came as always. 

This is the best time of year for teams in need of saves. Hopefully you tucked away some FAAB to spend now, or are ready to use your top waiver spot to grab a reliever or two. For you save-needy teams - this is it. After this week, the only chance you will have to find saves on the waiver wire will be from a poor performance change or injury. Be aggressive now. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Fantasy Baseball Closers Changing Places

The biggest move of the deadline, reliever-wise at least, was Josh Hader being shipped from Milwaukee to the Padres. Hader has struggled as of late, but he will clearly man the ninth inning for the Padres. He remains a must-start option closing games on a team that will win a bunch of games. 

As for the Brewers, they acquired former Padres closer Taylor Rogers in the Hader trade, as well as swinging a deal for Matt Bush. Those two will join the dominant Devin Williams in the back end of the Brewers bullpen. The talk out of Milwaukee has been that they will be fluid in the late innings. That means we could continue to see Williams used in a high leverage role. Still, he has been the best of the bunch and should be valued the most for fantasy purposes. Williams is one of the relievers worth being aggressive trying to land off the waiver wire, if he is available.

Rogers, who has a lot of experience closing, figures to get the opportunities behind Williams. He is worthy of a flier. Bush is a deeper league option, until we see otherwise. They also traded for former closer Trevor Rosenthal, who we have not seen pitch since 2020 but was dominant then, who if healthy, will work his way into the late inning picture. Still, we need to see him return healthy first. 

The Angels traded closer Raisel Iglesias to the Braves. Earlier in the day the Braves had traded setup man Will Smith for Jake Odorizzi. Smith should now set up for the Astros, while Iglesias projects to transition into a setup role for Kenley Jansen. Iglesias has pitched to 4.04 ERA, 3.44 xERA with a 1.07 WHIP and 33 percent strikeout rate. Jansen has been very effective and should continue to see all save chances, but he has also missed some time. Iglesias joins A.J. Minter as not only a strong setup man, but insurance if Jansen misses more time. 

The Angels will now need to find a new closer. Ryan Tepera should be viewed as the favorite to see save chances moving forward. He has pitched to a 4.26 ERA, 3.62 xERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 21 percent strikeout rate. Jose Quijada is a very interesting option as well, as he has been the Angels most effective reliever of those still on the roster. He is worthy of a flier. Aaron Loup is another name to monitor here. 

David Robertson, who has been a strong closer all year for the Cubs, will now be calling Philly home. Robertson will now join a bullpen that has been in search of closing options for much of the year. Corey Knebel remains an option, but we have seen Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand pitch in save situations more recently. Often, Dominguez is used in high leverage situations which would sometimes leave save chances for Hand. Now, they can utilize Dominguez full time in that role and save Robertson for the ninth. He should be viewed as the closer moving forward, but it would be wise to hang onto Dominguez and Hand, if you are in need of saves, until we get clarity from this pen. 

As for the Cubs, they did not stop at Robertson, also trading Mychal Given to the Mets. That means that Rowan Wick is now the closer by default. Earlier this season when Robertson missed time, Wick was the primary option used, but Givens was in the mix. Wick picked up four saves this season and has pitched to a 4.36 ERA, 4.97 xERA, with a 1.73 WHIP and 22 percent strikeout rate. Wick is behind Bautista and Williams but he is still worth spending for if you are in need of saves. 

Jorge Lopez has been a reliable closer this year for the Orioles and now he will be closing games for the Minnesota Twins. The Twins had been using a platoon of Jhoan Duran and Emilio Pagan for much of the year, with Tyler Duffey getting in the mix at times. These arms will continue to see late inning usage, but they should form more of a bridge to Lopez. Those who have Lopez on their team should just continue to ride out with him. Duran and Pagan are much more droppable now - but Duran is a elite ratio and strikeout arm. They will also now be joined by Michael Fulmer, who the Twins acquired to help solidify that bridge and give them another late inning option. 

As for the Orioles, Felix Bautista will take over the closer role. Bautista has picked up three saves this year while pitching to a 1.66 ERA, 2.81 xERA, 2.77 xFIP, with a 34 percent strikeout rate and 0.88 WHIP. He has been filthy and should now see the save chances. He would be the top pickup of the new closers. Dillon Tate also is a name worth monitoring here and is worthy of a flier for save-needy teams. He has pitched to a 2.22 ERA, 3.36 xERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 22 percent strikeout rate. 

 

Fantasy Baseball Setup Men to Watch

Lou Trivino has been dealt from the A’s to the Yankees, where he will help setup for Clay Holmes. As for the A’s, they will continue to turn to A.J. Puk and Zach Jackson who each has two saves this season. Puk is the preferred option, but both are worthy of taking a flier on. Do not bid too aggressive on either though, instead throw that FAAB or waiver priority on Dany Jimenez. He still leads the A’s with 11 saves and is nearing a return, throwing a rehab outing over the weekend. Jimenez is the top add here, as he should once again return to the closer role once healthy. 

The Blue Jays traded for Anthony Bass from the Marlins. He will now pitch in a setup role for Toronto, who were interested in adding bigger names to their bullpen. The Marlins held onto Tanner Scott, who should continue to serve as the closer. They also activated Anthony Bender, who closed games early on. He and Dylan Floro will serve as setup men and insurance options should Scott falter. 

Daniel Bard signed a contract extension with the Rockies. He will remain the closer there for this season and possibly for years to come. 

The Nationals did not trade any of their relievers, meaning that Kyle Finnegan should remain as their closer moving forward. 

Hunter Strickland was also not traded, so he will remain in the closer picture for the Reds. That throws a lot of cold water on the hype of Alexis Diaz

Ranking the New Closers: Felix Bautista, Devin Williams, Dany Jimenez, Ryan Tepera, Rowan Wick, Taylor Rogers, A.J. Puk/Zach Jackson (this leaves out closers who were traded - as they were already rostered)

Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Anthony Santander

Removed From ALCS Roster With Back Injury
Jackson Chourio

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early in Game 3 of NLCS
Joe Burrow

on Track to Return in Mid-December
Lamar Jackson

Expected to Return in Week 8
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals' Trey Hendrickson Ruled Out for Thursday Night vs. Steelers
George Kittle

Plans to Play in Week 7
Brady Tkachuk

to Miss 6-8 Weeks After Having Thumb Surgery
Noah Hanifin

Remains Sidelined Thursday
Akira Schmid

Faces Bruins Thursday
Jake Allen

Starts Against Panthers
Troy Terry

Expected to Play Thursday
Matt Duchene

Unavailable Against Canucks
Anze Kopitar

a Game-Time Call Thursday
VEG

Carter Hart Joins Golden Knights on Tryout Contract
CeeDee Lamb

Says He Will Return Without Limitations in Week 7
Aaron Judge

Will Not Need Elbow Surgery
Anthony Volpe

Won't be Ready for Start of Next Season
Gerrit Cole

Won't be Ready for Opening Day Next Year
Milwaukee Bucks

Chris Livingston Waived by the Bucks
Keegan Murray

Nique Clifford Shines in Keegan Murray's Absence
Cooper Flagg

Continues to Start at Point Guard
Chuba Hubbard

Expects to Play in Week 7
Ron Harper Jr.

Earns a Two-Way Deal with the Celtics
Spencer Dinwiddie

Waived by the Hornets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sterling Shepard's Stock Rising for Buccaneers
Cam Talbot

Collects Third Straight Win
Connor Bedard

Shines With Three Assists
CFB

Jermod McCoy Officially Out for Alabama Matchup
Zach Benson

Records Four Assists In Season Debut
CFB

Jam Miller Questionable to Face Tennessee
Cam York

on Track to Make Season Debut Thursday
John Klingberg

Deemed Day-to-Day
Will Borgen

Battling Lower-Body Issue
Hampus Lindholm

Still Day-to-Day
Jaden Ivey

Considered Day-to-Day
Josh Hart

Making Progress
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Busy in Preseason Debut
Keegan Murray

Lands Five-Year, $140 Million Extension
Domantas Sabonis

Sustains Hamstring Injury Wednesday
Jaylen Brown

"Fine" Following Wednesday's Early Exit
CFB

Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt Probable For Saturday
Jake Walman

to Remain Out Thursday
Dmitry Kulikov

to Miss Five Months Following Surgery
Darcy Kuemper

Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury
Anze Kopitar

Listed as Day-to-Day
Jacob Markstrom

Out for "Couple of Weeks"
Kevon Looney

Slated to be Sidelined With Knee Injury
Nick Foligno

Out on Wednesday
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon Calling it a Career After Nine NBA Seasons
Russell Westbrook

Inks Deal With Kings
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Open 21-Day Practice Window for Khalik Mack
Quentin Johnston

Will Practice Wednesday
Travis Hunter

Jaguars Plan to Expand Travis Hunter's Role on Offense
Anthony Volpe

Undergoes Left-Shoulder Surgery
Deshaun Watson

"a Good Month Away" From Practicing
CFB

Jayden Gibson No Longer with Oklahoma Program
David Njoku

Not Practicing Wednesday
Rashee Rice

Chiefs "Allocating a Heavy Workload" for Rashee Rice Right Away
Puka Nacua

a "Long Shot" to Play in Week 7
Emeka Egbuka

is Expected to Miss Week 7
Jalen Suggs

Participates in Contact Drills
Mark Williams

Progresses to Five-on-Five Work
Gary Harris

to Miss 1-2 Weeks
De'Andre Hunter

Sustains Knee Contusion Tuesday
Karlo Matković

Karlo Matkovic Hurts Elbow in Loss to Houston
Jalen Duren

Returns to Action Against Cavaliers
Emmanuel Clase

to be Banished for Life After Gambling Allegations?
Alex Bregman

Plans to Opt Out of Contract With Red Sox
CeeDee Lamb

"Looking Good" for Week 7
D'Andre Swift

Breaks Out for 175 Total Yards and Touchdown in Win
Drake London

Explodes for 158 Yards and Touchdown in Win Over Bills
Bijan Robinson

Erupts for 238 Total Yards and Touchdown Against Bills
Christopher Bell

Sits Third in Points After Quiet Third-Place Finish
Chase Briscoe

Passes Denny Hamlin at the Start, but Hamlin Gets Him in the End
Joey Logano

Falling Out of Playoff Picture Despite Other Contenders' Crashes
Ryan Blaney

Stage 1 Crash Puts Ryan Blaney in Severe Playoff Trouble
Denny Hamlin

Wins at Las Vegas and Will Compete for the 2025 Cup Series Title
Kyle Larson

Dominates at Las Vegas but Ends Up Second
Chase Elliott

Struggles to Gain A Solid Finish at Las Vegas After Pit-Road Penalty
William Byron

Strong Run Ends In A Wreck at Las Vegas
Garrett Wilson

Expected to Miss "a Couple of Weeks" With Hyperextended Knee
Dalton Kincaid

Ruled Out for Monday Night
CFB

Sam Leavitt Viewed as Day-to-Day with Undisclosed Injury
Anthony Santander

Scratched From Game 2 of ALCS With Back Tightness
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Expected to Play on Monday Night
San Diego Padres

Mike Shildt Retires as a Manager
Mateusz Gamrot

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Charles Oliveira

Gets Back In The Win Column
Montel Jackson

Drops Decision
Deiveson Figueiredo

Gets Split-Decision Victory
Vicente Luque

Outclassed
Vicente Luque

Joel Alvarez Outclasses Vicente Luque
Jhonata Diniz

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mario Pinto

Remains Undefeated
CFB

Matt Rhule Denying Interest in Penn State Head Coaching Job
CFB

Le'Veon Moss Not Believed to Have Suffered Season-Ending Injury
Ricardo Ramos

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Kaan Ofli

Scores Comeback Win
CFB

Bill Belichick Says he's Committed to North Carolina
Tiger Woods

Undergoes Back Surgery
CFB

UAB Fires Head Coach Trent Dilfer After 2.5 Seasons In Birmingham
CFB

Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin After 10.5 Seasons
CFB

Penn State QB Drew Allar Will Miss The Rest Of 2025 Season With Ankle Injury
Brandon Woodruff

Will Not be on NLCS Roster
Max Scherzer

Added to ALCS Roster
Bryan Woo

Makes ALCS Roster
Bo Bichette

Won't Make ALCS Roster
Christopher Bell

the Favorite to Win at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

on the Pole at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Can Joey Logano Get Lucky in Las Vegas Again?
William Byron

has the Fastest Car in Practice at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Speed of Ty Gibbs a Good Sign for Toyota at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Should Contend at Las Vegas
Ross Chastain

Scrapes Wall in Practice But Qualifies 15th at Las Vegas
Chris Buescher

Looking for Improvement at Las Vegas
Austin Cindric

It Has Been Hit or Miss for Austin Cindric at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

Should Run Well at Las Vegas
Kyle Larson

Conservatism May Keep him from Replicating Previous Las Vegas Drive
Josh Berry

After Josh Berry's Las Vegas Win, Ryan Blaney Should be a Top Contender
Chase Briscoe

has Definitely Improved on Intermediate Tracks
Gleyber Torres

Will Undergo Surgery to Repair Sports Hernia
Bryan Woo

Expected to be on Mariners' ALCS Roster
CFB

CJ Baxter to Miss Saturday's Game Against No. 6 Oklahoma
CFB

Syracuse QB Steve Angeli Will Miss Significant Time

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP