In fantasy baseball, bullpen changes happen fast. To help you stay ahead, RotoProspects constantly updates the Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart as a way for our subscribers to keep an edge, especially in dynasty leagues. This tool keeps fantasy baseball managers updated on shifting closer situations across Major League Baseball. Bullpen roles change constantly due to injuries, performance shifts, and managerial decisions. That’s why our chart provides an up-to-date snapshot of each team’s closer hierarchy. You’ll always know who’s getting the ninth-inning chances.
Since we are heavily focused on prospects, we have a unique feature which highlights the team’s “Closer of the Future”. This gives you the edge on who to keep an eye on from the minor leagues before they become a household name.
Here’s a look at the latest developments from around the camps:
Astros’ Josh Hader to miss Opening Day
Manager Joe Espada confirmed that Hader (pictured above) will begin the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list. Hader has been battling biceps inflammation throughout camp, and while a recent bullpen session was encouraging, the team simply does not have enough runway to get him built up for the March 26 opener against the Angels.
Bryan Abreu steps into the spotlight as the primary closer. Abreu was elite in this role late last year, finishing 2025 with a 34.3% K-rate and a 2.30 ERA. He is a must-add for those speculating on saves. Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos and Bennett Sousa move up the pecking order as the high-leverage options and for help in Holds and Saves/Holds leagues.
Hader’s biceps inflammation is being described as “non-nefarious,” and his recent bullpen session was a success. However, biceps issues for a max-effort lefty are always a red flag—especially when combined with his 2025 shoulder strain. If you own Hader, Abreu is a mandatory handcuff. If you don’t own Hader, Abreu is worth an aggressive FAAB bid or a trade inquiry before the season officially starts on March 26.
Cardinals’ committee likely to remain that way
In St. Louis, the post-Ryan Helsley era is officially a “solve-itself” situation. Manager Oliver Marmol confirmed this week that he does not intend to name a primary closer before Opening Day.
We currently have JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien and Matt Svanson as the “co-closers” right now, but veteran Ryne Stanek is also hanging around with a possibility for save opportunities.
Romero is the internal favorite and recently signed a one-year, $4.26 million deal to avoid arbitration. He was elite in 2025 with a 2.07 ERA, but his name continues to surface in trade rumors (the Giants have been linked recently). Svanson is the name the creating the most buzz, especially after he had a 1.94 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 3.4 K/BB with a 10.1 K/9 in 39 games last season. His profile suggests he could be the most stable long-term option in this group.
Looks like a two-horse race with the Nationals
The Nationals’ ninth-inning role remains the most wide-open in the division following the offseason trade of Jose A. Ferrer. Clayton Beeter has emerged as the frontrunner after a dominant spring, headlined by a “lights-out” three-strikeout performance against the Marlins on March 10. His elite slider—which posted a league-best .098 BAA in 2025—gives him the edge over Cole Henry in what currently looks like a two-horse race.
Other developments from around the MLB camps
Braves: Raisel Iglesias remains the closer for now, but keep a close eye on Robert Suarez. Suarez has looked dominant this spring and is breathing down the neck of the backup role, especially when you remember that Suarez has 76 saves over the past two seasons for a playoff team.
Rangers: The battle between Robert Garcia and veteran Chris Martin is neck-and-neck, but Garcia’s youth and strikeout upside give him the slight edge in our latest rankings.
Rays: Griffin Jax appears to be currently in the driver’s seat for saves with Edwin Uceta dealing with shoulder soreness. But Bryan Baker and Garrett Cleavinger are a possibility for saves as well.
White Sox: Veteran Seranthony Dominguez is the projected Week 1 closer, but the buzz in camp is all about Grant Taylor. Taylor’s punchout potential makes him a premium stash in dynasty formats as his own GM has compared him to Mason Miller.
Here’s a look at the Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart for the teams listed above (* denotes a committee). For the complete chart, CLICK HERE and purchase a subscription.
| Team | Current closer | Backup | Next option | Dark horse | Closer of the Future |
| Astros | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King | Bennett Sousa | Enyel De Los Santos | Alonzo Tredwell |
| Braves | Raisel Iglesias | Robert Suarez | Dylan Lee | Tyler Kinley | Rolddy Munoz |
| Cardinals | JoJo Romero* | Riley O’Brien* | Matt Svanson* | Ryne Stanek | Zack Showalter |
| Nationals | Clayton Beeter* | Cole Henry* | PJ Poulin | Jackson Rutledge | Marquis Grissom Jr. |
| Rangers | Robert Garcia* | Chris Martin* | Cole Winn | Jakob Junis | Marc Church |
| Rays | Griffin Jax* | Garrett Cleavinger* | Bryan Baker* | Mason Englert | Yoniel Curet |
| White Sox | Seranthony Dominguez | Jordan Leasure | Grant Taylor | Sean Newcomb | Eric Adler |
What makes our Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart unique? Closer of the Future!
We give dynasty managers another advantage with our fantasy baseball closer chart. We include a “Closer of the Future” column in the chart. This feature highlights the top relief prospect from each farm system who could eventually take over closing duties. Now, you can plan ahead and grab future closers before your competition does.
Key features of the Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart
- Updated regularly – We track bullpen changes so you always have the latest information.
- Team-by-team breakdown – Quickly see the closer situation for all 30 MLB teams.
- Highlighting key setup men – For those in leagues that value holds or SVH, SVH2 etc.
- Closer of the future – What other site gives you a list of future closers from every farm system?
By using the RotoProspects Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart, you’ll gain an edge in finding saves, spotting trends, and securing future closers. Check back regularly as we are constantly updating the list.