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

Fantasy Baseball Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Report for Postseason Week 1

Jason Foley - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for closers, saves, and bullpen arms for Postseason Week 1 (2024). David's relief pitcher and bullpen updates, and closers to add.

Congrats to all of you who won, placed, showed, or even just had fun in your fantasy leagues this season! We hope we were able to help you get the best out of your lineups from draft day until the last time you set your lineups. It was another very interesting season of baseball, for sure.

Most fantasy leagues may be done, but DFS and sports betting are still going strong, so we'll keep the bullpen news coming through to the World Series. The report will be a little different, but we're still here for you with all the bullpen news that could be relevant as the postseason hums along!

All that and more in this week's report! Be sure to also keep an eye on our Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts for saves, holds, and bullpens. They will be updated daily or sometimes even more often throughout the 2024 baseball season. 

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

 

Bullpen and Closer Recap

Saves

I sincerely thought we'd see our first 50-save season since 2018 this year, but two pitchers fell just short. Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians took second place with 47 saves and Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals finished in first with 49. Kyle Finnegan of the Nationals (38) and Robert Suarez of the Padres (36) round out the top four.

Holds

Holds are a relatively newly kept stat, so the records don't go all that far back. The current single-season record for holds is 41, held by both Joel Peralta from 2013 and Tony Watson from 2015.

This season, our holds leaders were Bryan Abreu of the Astros with 38, Andrew Kittredge of the Cardinals with 37, and then David Robertson of the Rangers and Yennier Cano of the Orioles with 34 each.

Blown Saves

Blown saves aren't only credited to closers, as any high-leverage appearance can result in a blown save. This year's leader (by far) was Clay Holmes of the Yankees with 13. He was followed by four pitchers who had eight each: Ryan Pressly of the Astros, JoJo Romero of the Cardinals, David Robertson of the Rangers, and Jalen Beeks of the Rockies and Pirates.

 

Playoff Bullpen News

Pitching rotations and bullpen hierarchies are often a mess in the postseason, but someone's got to take the high-leverage innings (of which there seem to be way more in October). Here's a look at each remaining team's bullpens:

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have Tarik Skubal, an absolute ace. Besides him, they have "bullpen chaos" as the pitching plan. It worked wonderfully in Game 2 of the Wild Card series, as they buzzed the Astros out of the playoffs by using seven pitchers, none of whom got more than five outs.

For leverage purposes, Jason Foley figures to be the guy in Detroit, but Tyler Holton (the starter for that bullpen game), Will Vest, and Beau Brieske will see exciting innings as well.

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians bullpen will be well-rested after the break while other teams had to play in the Wild Card round. It is led by one of the best relievers pitchers in baseball, Emmanuel Clase. He pitched 74 1/3 innings this season, allowing just five earned runs all season, and never more than one run in an outing.

Clase is the clear best reliever in the playoffs, and he'll be helped out in leverage situations by Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals lost 106 games last season. This year, not only are they in the playoffs, but they're already through to the AL Division Series. Lucas Erceg was picked up at the trade deadline and has been excellent as a Royal, pitching 25 innings while allowing just eight earned runs, striking out 31, and walking only three.

Erceg will pitch as the highest-leverage reliever for Kansas City, and he'll get help from Kris Bubic and John Schreiber in earlier innings. The Royals closer was a two-way player in college but came into his pro career as an infielder. It's been fun seeing him carve out a key role on the mound.

New York Yankees

As already mentioned above, the Yankees had the league leader in blown saves, Clay Holmes, as their closer for most of the season. Toward the end of the year, though, Holmes was relieved of his duties, and a committee was formed. At least for a little bit before Luke Weaver took over.

Weaver presumably enters the playoffs as the team's closer and will be helped out by Tommy Kahnle, Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, and possibly even Holmes in an earlier role.

San Diego Padres

The Padres steamrolled right through the overmatched Braves in the Wild Card series and now will play in the NL Division Series against their neighbors two counties away, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres bullpen features Robert Suarez, who finished fourth in the league with 36 saves, and Tanner Scott, who was the top relief option available at the trade deadline.

Suarez and Scott will make a powerful 1-2 punch in the late innings, and they'll get help from the other Padres leverage guys like Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers had some ups and downs this season, but at the end of it all, they finished up with the best record in baseball at 98-64. They had 14 different pitchers record a save this season, with Evan Phillips leading the way with 18. Phillips had some struggles and knocked himself out of the ninth inning, however.

Michael Kopech, acquired at the deadline, was serving at least as the head of the committee and should retain that role into the postseason. Blake Treinen and Phillips, along with Joe Kelly and Daniel Hudson, are the leverage guys we'll see coming out of the Los Angeles bullpen.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies were excellent in 2024, finishing up with the league's second-best record in the regular season. They come into the playoffs well-rested and with a bullpen that will feature some of the toughest pitchers to hit in the playoffs.

Carlos Estevez will close most games, as he did since being acquired at the deadline. Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado, and Orion Kerkering will all see key moments on the mound as well.

New York Mets

The Brewers/Mets Wild Card series is the only one that went three games, so we got to see a little more of each team along the way. Both teams had solidified closers in Edwin Diaz for New York and Devin Williams for Milwaukee. Somehow, however, the Mets managed to put up four runs on Williams in 2/3 of an inning, after he'd allowed just three in 21 2/3 during the regular season.

Diaz had a solid enough season outside of a brief stretch of struggles, saving 20 games but missing time due to injury. He wasn't the top tier elite Edwin Diaz from before his injury, but he was still more than passable. Diaz will be set up by Adam Ottavino, Jose Butto, and Reed Garrett.



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

Tee Higgins

Trying to Prevent Injuries
Lamar Jackson

Extension for Lamar Jackson on Ravens Docket
Anthony Volpe

Leaves Early Friday With Elbow Contusion
Gabriel Moreno

Exits Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Tyreek Hill

Won't Catch Passes Until August
Shane Bieber

Shut Down From Throwing Until Next Week
Ryan Mountcastle

Out 8-12 Months With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Rome Odunze

Anticipates Big Year 2
Shea Langeliers

A's Place Shea Langeliers on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Keilan Robinson

Joins Eagles
Ladd McConkey

Focused on Staying Healthy
Logan O'Connor

to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Ezequiel Tovar

Rockies Place Ezequiel Tovar on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Lindor

Out Again on Friday With Toe Injury
Tyler Seguin

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
DAL

Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Stuart Skinner

Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
A.J. Greer

Remains Out Friday
Corbin Burnes

to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Bryce Harper

Day-to-Day With Sore Wrist, Not Playing on Friday
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning on Friday
Ryan Ritter

Promoted to Major Leagues
Gardner Minshew II

Throwing at OTAs
Rondale Moore

Active at OTAs
Colston Loveland

Could Return Soon
Kyle Monangai

has "Really Stepped Up"
Anthony Richardson

No Structural Damage to Anthony Richardson's Shoulder
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Isaac Guerendo

Taking Part in OTAs
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Evan Engram

Off to a Good Start at OTAs
Alvin Kamara

Not Present for OTAs
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Derek Carr

Didn't Want to "Just Take the Saints Money"
Trevor Lawrence

Making Progress at OTAs
Framber Valdez

Dominates the Pirates on Thursday
Marcus Semien

Goes Deep Twice on Thursday
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Davante Adams

Making Positive Impact on Puka Nacua
Anthony Richardson

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Michael Pittman Jr.

OK But Likely to be Held Out of Minicamp With Knee Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers

Quindell Johnson Heading to Pittsburgh
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Nate McCollum

Waived by Seahawks
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Tyler Soderstrom

Slugs Two Homers in Blowout Win Over Twins
Kyle Teel

Being Called Up by White Sox
Shea Langeliers

Exits Early on Thursday
Shane Bieber

Scratched With Elbow Soreness
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Expect Zack Wheeler to Return Early Next Week
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Multiple Injuries
Brandon Woodruff

Pulled Off Rehab Assignment After Elbow Injury
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Return in Mid-June
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Zion Williamson

to Remain Pelicans "Focal Point"
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Brock Nelson

Staying with Avalanche for Three Years
A.J. Greer

Out for Wednesday's Game 1
Connor Brown

Ready to Go Wednesday
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
New York Knicks

Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
Bronny James Jr.

May Have Regular Role with Lakers Next Season
Dante Exum

and Mavericks Have "Mutual Interest" to Work Out New Deal
Tyler Kleven

Inks Two-Year Extension with Senators
Marcus Johansson

Staying with Wild for One More Year
Yanni Gourde

Agrees to Six-Year Extension with Lightning
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joey Logano

Puts Together a Clean Race and Finishes In the Top Five At Nashville
William Byron

Steady Performance Earns Him a Top-Five Finish At Nashville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Finally Returns to the Top 10 At Nashville
Kyle Larson

Rollercoaster Day At Nashville Ends In the Top 10
Tyler Reddick

Makes A Top-10 Recovery At Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Denny Hamlin Factors for Nashville Win Until Ryan Blaney's Three-Wide Pass
Ryan Blaney

Joey Logano Runs Better Than Expected, Still No Match for Teammate Ryan Blaney
Erik Jones

Delivers Best Run Since 2022 at Nashville
Christopher Bell

Recovers From Stage 2 Crash to Finish 10th
Ross Chastain

Mildly Disappointing at Nashville but Still Runs Decently
Chase Briscoe

Dominates Early but Struggles in Traffic
Carson Hocevar

a Great DFS Option to Consider for Nashville Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Solid Value Option For Nashville DFS Lineups
Justin Haley

Should DFS Players Roster Justin Haley At Nashville?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Safe Value Play For Nashville DFS Lineups
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Nashville, Could Have to Miss Race
Ross Chastain

Always Strong at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Struggling to Find Speed at Nashville
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Snap Winless Streak at Nashville?
Alex Bowman

Still Searching for First Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Can Ty Gibbs Turn Things Around at Nashville?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF