As we take a look at the RotoProspects fantasy baseball rankings and projections, we see that the relief pitcher position remains one of the trickiest to navigate in fantasy baseball. With bullpens constantly in flux, securing a reliable closer can provide stability in the saves category while bolstering strikeouts and ratios.
Here at RotoProspects, we provide 2025 fantasy baseball rankings position-by-position rankings and projections, broken into tiers. Here’s a quick look at the first two tiers. You can check out the entire list of the top 120 relief pitchers, with where they slot into eight tiers, by clicking here (subscription required).
Tier 1: The Elite Closers
1. Emmanuel Clase, CLE
Clase (pictured above) remains the gold standard for closers, delivering elite ratios and reliability. With a projected 2.55 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 36 saves, he’s as safe as it gets at the position. His elite control (1.9 BB/9) and strong strikeout rate (8.9 K/9) make him a must-own in all formats.
2. Edwin Díaz, NYM
Fully recovered from injury, Díaz is set to reclaim his place as one of the most dominant relievers in the game. His ability to rack up strikeouts (12.9 K/9) while maintaining a 2.71 ERA and 1.06 WHIP makes him a top-tier closer. Expect around 35 saves and a heavy workload.
3. Mason Miller, OAK
Miller has emerged as a shutdown closer, posting a projected 2.51 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. With a staggering 13.1 K/9, he provides elite strikeout production while securing saves for the A’s. If he keeps his walk rate in check (3.1 BB/9), he could challenge for the top spot.
4. Ryan Helsley, STL
Helsley’s combination of strikeout ability (11.1 K/9) and effectiveness in high-leverage situations makes him a reliable closer. His projected 2.80 ERA and 34 saves make him a strong Tier 1 option, though his 3.4 BB/9 suggests there’s some risk with control.
5. Josh Hader, HOU
Despite some inconsistencies, Hader remains a high-end fantasy closer. He’s projected for 33 saves, a 3.14 ERA, and a strong 12.4 K/9. While his walk rate (3.6 BB/9) can be concerning, his strikeout upside makes him a top-tier option.
6. Devin Williams, NYY
Williams brings an electric fastball and dominant changeup to the Yankees’ bullpen. His projected 2.81 ERA, 12.1 K/9, and 31 saves make him a strong fantasy asset, though his 4.2 BB/9 adds some volatility.
| No. | TIER 1 | Age | IP | ERA | W | S | SO | WHIP | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB |
| 1 | Emmanuel Clase, Cle | 27 | 67 | 2.55 | 3 | 36 | 66 | 1.02 | 8.9 | 1.9 | 4.7 |
| 2 | Edwin Diaz, NYM | 31 | 64 | 2.71 | 4 | 35 | 93 | 1.06 | 12.9 | 3.4 | 3.9 |
| 3 | Mason Miller, A’s | 26 | 66 | 2.51 | 3 | 29 | 97 | 1.00 | 13.1 | 3.1 | 4.2 |
| 4 | Ryan Helsley, SL | 30 | 65 | 2.80 | 4 | 34 | 81 | 1.11 | 11.1 | 3.4 | 3.2 |
| 5 | Josh Hader, Hou | 31 | 66 | 3.14 | 4 | 33 | 90 | 1.10 | 12.4 | 3.6 | 3.4 |
| 6 | Devin Williams, NYY | 30 | 60 | 2.81 | 4 | 31 | 81 | 1.14 | 12.1 | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Tier 2: High-End Closers and Elite Setup Options
7. Raisel Iglesias, ATL
A steady veteran presence, Iglesias continues to provide consistent saves with solid ratios. His 3.23 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 9.7 K/9 make him a safe but slightly lower-upside closer compared to the elite tier.
8. Félix Bautista, BAL
Bautista’s dominance as a strikeout artist (13.1 K/9) makes him a valuable asset, even with some injury concerns. If he stays healthy, his 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP will make him one of the best late-inning arms.
9. Jhoan Duran, MIN
Duran’s electric fastball makes him a dangerous closer option. With a 2.67 ERA, 11.2 K/9, and a projected 25 saves, he’s a strong high-leverage reliever who could take on an even bigger role.
10. Andrés Muñoz, SEA
Muñoz has the stuff to dominate, posting a projected 2.58 ERA and 11.7 K/9. His ability to secure saves (26 projected) and generate strikeouts makes him a valuable fantasy option.
11. Ryan Walker, SF
Walker continues to grow into a late-inning role, projecting for 26 saves with a 2.96 ERA and 10.6 K/9. He’s not a lock for the full-time closer role, but his ratios and strikeout ability make him valuable in all formats.
12. Jeff Hoffman, TOR
A reliable veteran, Hoffman offers strong ratios with a 3.04 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 11.0 K/9. With 26 saves projected, he should remain a solid closing option for the Blue Jays.
13. Tanner Scott, LAD
Scott brings a high strikeout rate (11.1 K/9) but also some control concerns (4.1 BB/9). With a 2.94 ERA and 25 projected saves, he remains a high-upside but slightly volatile fantasy option.
| No. | TIER 2 | Age | IP | ERA | W | S | SO | WHIP | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB |
| 7 | Raisel Iglesias, Atl | 35 | 68 | 3.23 | 5 | 33 | 73 | 1.10 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 4.1 |
| 8 | Felix Bautista, Bal | 30 | 57 | 2.67 | 3 | 27 | 83 | 1.08 | 13.1 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| 9 | Jhoan Duran, Min | 27 | 64 | 2.67 | 4 | 25 | 79 | 1.11 | 11.2 | 2.9 | 3.8 |
| 10 | Andres Munoz, Sea | 26 | 62 | 2.58 | 3 | 26 | 80 | 1.10 | 11.7 | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| 11 | Ryan Walker, SF | 29 | 68 | 2.96 | 4 | 26 | 81 | 1.13 | 10.6 | 2.9 | 3.6 |
| 12 | Jeff Hoffman, Tor | 32 | 64 | 3.04 | 3 | 26 | 78 | 1.11 | 11.0 | 3.1 | 3.6 |
| 13 | Tanner Scott, LAD | 30 | 66 | 2.94 | 4 | 25 | 81 | 1.18 | 11.1 | 4.1 | 2.7 |
Check out the rest of the relief pitchers, as well as the other positions we have posted, as we help you dominate your fantasy baseball drafts.