The MLB bullpen landscape is always in flux, with three teams — the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins —undergoing late-inning shakeups recently. If you’re in a saves or saves+holds league, these changes matter now more than ever.
And if you want to stay ahead of the game, bookmark and follow our constantly updated Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart (subscription required) to see how these roles are evolving in real time.
Cubs: Daniel Palencia grabs the 9th inning
Few bullpen shifts have been as quietly impactful as what’s happening on the North Side. After injuries to Adbert Alzolay and a lack of consistency from Héctor Neris, the Cubs have turned to Palencia (pictured above), and he’s delivered.
Since the start of June, Palencia:
- Has gone 10-for-10 in save opportunities
- Has allowed just two earned runs in that time
- Has 13 Ks in 11 innings over 11 appearances
With a heavy sinker and slider combo, Palencia is getting ground balls and whiffs. Even more importantly, he’s looked confident in high-pressure spots—something the Cubs have desperately needed.
Fantasy Impact: If you’re hurting for saves, Palencia is not just a streamer—he’s an every-week play in 12+ team leagues. His grip on the job looks firmer by the day, and the Cubs have enough win equity to give him plenty of opportunities moving forward.
White Sox: Is Grant Taylor the new closer?
The White Sox bullpen has been one of the most volatile in baseball this season, but a front-runner may finally be emerging.
Taylor, a rookie with a fastball that touches 98 mph, has picked up three of the team’s last four saves, including a recent clean ninth inning with two strikeouts. While the White Sox haven’t made an official announcement, Taylor is acting like the closer—and in fantasy, that’s all that matters.
What makes Taylor appealing in fantasy?
- Strong strikeout rate: 10.2 K/9 on the season with 8 Ks his last five appearances (7.1 IP, 14-3 K-BB)
- 3-for-3 in save opportunities, including a 2-inning save vs. the Giants on June 28
- Leads the team in saves despite only getting his first save on June 22
Other names like Brandon Eisert, Steven Wilson, and Jordan Leasure have seen high-leverage chances but haven’t nailed down the ninth like Taylor has.
Fantasy Takeaway: Taylor is widely available and worth an add in all formats. Eisert, Wilson and Leasure may hold value in deep leagues tracking holds, but the closer job appears to be Taylor’s to lose.
Marlins: Ronny Henriquez steps up
The Marlins’ closer carousel seems to have finally stopped spinning—for now. Henriquez has taken control of the 9th, with three saves in the last week, a 0.93 ERA in his last 10 appearances, and a K/9 above 13.0.
Henriquez’s path to the job:
- Took advantage of a struggling bullpen
- Converted three consecutive save opportunities, all clean innings
- Showed command and poise that eluded previous Marlins closers
Meanwhile, Calvin Faucher has shifted into a valuable setup role and hasn’t allowed a walk or a run in his past two appearances. He is in line and he could be a valuable speculative add in deeper leagues.
Fantasy Advice: Henriquez should be rostered in every league where saves count. Faucher is more of a watchlist guy unless you’re in a SV+H league or looking to handcuff.
Here’s a look at the bullpens for the Cubs, White Sox and Marlins:
| Team | Current closer | Backup | Next option | Dark horse | Closer of the Future |
| Cubs | Daniel Palencia | Porter Hodge | Brad Keller | Ryan Pressly | Jack Neely |
| White Sox | Grant Taylor | Steven Wilson | Brandon Eisert | Mike Vasil | Eric Adler |
| Marlins | Ronny Henriquez | Calvin Faucher | Anthony Bender | Lake Bachar | Josh Ekness |
Don’t miss the next big change
Closer roles are among the most fluid in fantasy baseball—and the biggest source of sneaky value. That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of bullpen usage, velocity trends, and manager comments.
Our Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart does just that. We monitor every MLB bullpen so you can act before your league-mates do.