Who Is The Baltimore Orioles' Closer? Fantasy Baseball Saves Outlook

Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista had an incredible debut season last year. As a rookie, he was part of the team's closer committee and racked up 15 saves and 88 strikeouts. 2023 proved to be an even bigger year for Bautista. With closing duties to himself, he has accumulated 33 saves, holds a minuscule 1.48 ERA, and leads all relief pitchers with a whopping 110 strikeouts. 

Unfortunately, this stellar campaign was cut short on August 25. Just one strike away from converting his 34th save, Bautista was pulled after showing sudden signs of discomfort on the mound. The following day it was announced that he had an injured UCL, though at this point the severity of the injury is still unknown.

We do know that the O’s are suddenly without a key piece of their staff as they enter the final month of the regular season. There’s no true replacement for The Mountain, but someone will have to take the reins in the ninth. Who will be the new closer in Baltimore? Let’s look at the candidates and see who might be of use to you in the saves category.

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The Rock

Yennier Cano is the likeliest reliever to step in and take Bautista’s role outright. As a setup man, Cano has been lights out.  He leads the league in holds (along with Erik Swanson) with 28 and his ERA sits at 1.57. The right-hander has one of the best walk rates (4.1%) in the league, which has pushed his WHIP down to a scant 0.97. Cano has seen 10 save situations this year but has converted only half. Still, he has been the Orioles’ most consistently effective reliever this year (Bautista aside) and will probably be tapped for the job.

The Journeyman

Danny Coulombe’s first game back after spending much of August on the injured list came on August 25. When Bautista exited early, the newly available southpaw was called on to finish the game and he was rewarded with a one-out save for his trouble. His seventh-inning appearance on August 29 earned him a win but made it clear he is not being reserved for closing duties. Coulombe, who isn't exactly a flamethrower, still leads his healthy teammates in strikeout rate with a 31.3% mark.

The Rookie

One of Baltimore’s top prospects, DL Hall got called up from Triple-A Norfolk the day after Bautista’s injury. The rookie has serious strikeout potential, holding a K/9 of 14.0 in his 125.2 innings at triple-A Norfolk in 2022 and 2023. After faltering as a starter, Hall was enjoying new-found success as a reliever with the Tides. With Cano and Coulombe already established as trustworthy ninth-inning options, it would take a rest day for both in order for Hall to be called on to convert a save. 

Who Is The Oriole To Add?

Cano is rostered in 72% of leagues already and should be added if he is still available. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde will probably go to Coulombe first if he wants to play matchups or give Cano some extra rest. Coulombe can be added in deeper leagues or to teams that need help in the ERA and WHIP categories while collecting the occasional win or save. Hall is not worth an add at this time but should be on your radar.

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