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 Fantasy Baseball Bullpens Report: Changes in Texas, Chicago, Arizona, More Coming?

Devin Williams - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Relief Pitchers, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News Updates

Michael Florio reviews fantasy baseball closers, saves, and waiver wire pickups for Week 7 of 2025. He analyzes changing bullpens and RP risers with elite ratios.

Bullpens are many things, but one thing they are never is boring. Just this week alone, we have seen several changes to late-inning arms on teams that should see many save chances.

Whether it be from injury or poor performance, the closer carousel just keeps on turning. If you are a save-needy fantasy baseball manager, you need to be ready to pounce this week. Several arms could help in the short term and could be grabbed off the waiver wire.

There are also several big names that you could attempt to buy low on. And if you are still not satisfied, there are bullpens where we have not seen a change yet, but the closer is struggling. That is where you can nab the potential replacement for cheap before a move is made. If you need saves, this is a great week for you!

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

 

Changing Bullpens for Fantasy Baseball

Rangers closer Luke Jackson took a line drive off his throwing shoulder on Monday and exited the game. Manager Bruce Bochy said afterward that an IL stint is possible, although X-rays came back negative. Fantasy managers will have to keep a close eye on this one. At the very least, plan on being without Jackson for a couple of days, but a couple of weeks is not ruled out.

We saw Jacob Webb come in and finish out the Rockies for his first save of the season. However, Chris Martin and Robert Garcia, the other Rangers pitchers who have picked up a save this season, had already pitched in a setup role to Jackson. Martin is my preferred pickup as he provides elite strikeouts and ratios. Garcia has been better in those regards than Webb, so I would rank him ahead here as well. This is a developing situation, though, and needs to be monitored moving forward.

The Cubs bullpen has been in turmoil since Ryan Pressly was lit up a little over a week ago. We saw him pitch in a low-leverage situation on Friday, going in the sixth inning. The Cubs then turned to Porter Hodge for the save on Saturday. However, Hodge came into a tie game in the eighth on Saturday and was lit up. The Cubs then turned to Drew Pomeranz for the save on Monday night. Yes, that Pomeranz who hasn’t pitched since 2021.

This bullpen is a mess right now. I still value Pressly the most of the bunch. If you are sitting pretty in saves, you can play it safe and bench him for the time being. However, I am not anywhere close to cutting him. As for the others, I would rank them Hodge then Pomeranz, but that could quickly change. These two are cheaper pickups that could provide a handful of save opportunities. The Cubs are ideal candidates to be in the reliever market this summer, but fantasy managers will have to navigate murky waters until then.

The Yankees do not have a save in the last week, so their bullpen is kind of in status quo. The good thing for them is Devin Williams did not allow a run in his two appearances in the last week. He continues to try and work his way back to his pre-Yankee dominant form. In the meantime, Luke Weaver is holding down the closer gig for the Yankees. That makes him a must-start fantasy option until we see otherwise. The good part is, even if a change were to occur and Weaver is locked into your starting lineup for the week, he provides such strong strikeout and ratio numbers that you will be fine.

Williams could potentially hit the fantasy bench, but do not think about cutting him. He is far too proven and the Yankees are going to get a ton of save chances the rest of the way. I still very much believe they want him to overtake the closer role again. Just be patient. If anything, he is a buy-low target.

Dennis Santana picked up the lone save for the Pirates in the last week. Still, David Bednar continues to outpitch him. While this is a committee for now, I would much prefer Bednar to Santana the rest of the way. If you are a save-needy team, you could try and buy low on Bednar, who, despite pitching better, has not seen many save chances as of late. That is more on the team than on him.

While I think Bednar should be started in all fantasy formats, Santana remains a viable option in Roto leagues as long as he is in the saves picture. However, it may not be a bad idea to find the teams in your league that need saves and try to flip him in a trade.

Shelby Miller picked up his second save for the Diamondbacks on Monday night. While I believe he is their best available reliever, the D-backs have not opted to use him as a traditional closer. In the last week, Miller, Kevin Ginkel, and Ryne Nelson have each picked up a save. Miller, who provides elite strikeouts and ratios, is the only one I would be aggressive going after. Even so, though, I would max out around 6-8 percent of FAAB. The others are a chance to grab a cheap save or two off the waiver wire.

Everything here could soon change, though, as Justin Martinez has thrown a bullpen and is set to face live batters on Wednesday. He is eligible to return from the IL on Friday, which is something to monitor this week. A.J. Puk has begun a throwing program, but he is still ineligible to return for another month.

 

Speculative Saves for Fantasy Baseball

I am not saying a change is coming for the Braves, but you also cannot definitively rule one out. Raisel Iglesias picked up a loss on Sunday against the Pirates, then blew a save, allowing two runs, but ultimately picked up the win on Monday. Iglesias has been struggling. He has pitched to a 6.06 ERA and 5.71 xERA, with a 1.41 WHIP and a 26 percent strikeout rate. Those would all be career highs, except for strikeout rate, which ties last year for lowest he’s posted since 2016.

Daysbel Hernandez has been the primary setup man, but he is more of a pitch-to-contact pitcher who allows a good amount of traffic. While he may seem like the next man up, Pierce Johnson has been very effective, has the highest strikeout rate in this bullpen, and has been a closer in the past. He is my preferred option if I am looking to get out in front of a move here. Dylan Lee is another option in play as well.

The Tigers have a committee with Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest. On the year, Kahnle has five saves to Vest’s one. However, it is worth pointing out that since April 19th, Vest has four while Kahnle has one. It is hard to ignore that he has been the preferred option as of late. I originally preferred Kahnle of the two, but Vest appears to be earning more and more chances. Both are worth using in Roto formats.

The Dodgers have had seven different pitchers pick up a save for them this season. It is only mid-May. Tanner Scott has nine and is the clear lead option. That makes him a must-start fantasy option. But, it also means other arms can be used in Roto formats.

Kirby Yates has one of the best strikeout rates amongst all relievers, provides elite ratios, and will get a save chance here and there. Evan Phillips has yet to allow a run, picked up a save, and has a closer history. Alex Vesia is top 10 amongst relievers in strikeout rate and provides strong ratios, while getting a save chance every so often.

The Phillies bullpen is a mess. Jose Alvarado was looking like the clear-cut closer, and then he got shelled last week against the Diamondbacks. Since then, he has not picked up a save. In the last week, Jordan Romano and Matt Strahm each picked up a save. I still am not ready to cut bait on Alvarado, but I do think it is time to add Strahm in Roto formats. Romano is an option in deeper leagues.

The Marlins have two, maybe three options for saves. Jesus Tinoco leads them with three saves and has the lone one in the last week. He has seen the bulk of opportunities as of late and is the top option in this bullpen. Calvin Faucher, who has two saves, would be second. Anthony Bender has a save, but I am not sure he is really in the mix here. He can be left on waiver wires for now.

 

Elite Strikeouts and Ratios for Fantasy Baseball

Nick Mears leads all qualified relievers with a 0.47 WHIP. Opposing batters are hitting just .104 against him. He has a 0.60 ERA and has struck out 28 percent of the batters he has faced this season. He deserves some love! He is certainly in play in Roto formats.

Lucas Erceg has pitched to a 0.52 ERA and 0.52 WHIP -- both are top three among qualified relievers. He has struck out 22 percent of the batters he faced, while walking less than 2 percent and giving up just a .140 batting average against. Plus, he is next in line for saves on the Royals.

Danny Coulombe leads all relievers with a 0.00 ERA. He and Andres Munoz are the only qualified relievers who have yet to allow an earned run. Coulombe has struck out 33 percent of the batters he has faced, while walking less than 2 percent. He has a 0.55 WHIP. If you want elite strikeouts and ratios, look no further.

The Mets have several arms that can go multiple innings and give strong results. On the season, Max Kranick, Jose Butto, and Huascar Brazoban have each pitched at least 22 innings. Reed Garrett has thrown 16. To put that into perspective, only 13 relievers have gone 22 innings, and three are on the Mets. Brazoban has a 1.23 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and a 24 percent strikeout rate. He would be the top arm of this bunch, followed by Garrett, Butto, and Kranick.

Make sure to follow Michael on X, @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

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