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:
The Diamondbacks have a clear favorite now, and it’s a familiar one
The situation in the desert has crystallized over the past week. With A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez both sidelined for the first half of the season, Paul Sewald (pictured above) is looking like he has the first crack at closer. After a “lost” 2025 season plagued by injury, Sewald spent the winter at Driveline and has seen a “gigantic difference” in his velocity, sitting at 93-94 mph this spring (up from a 90.4 mph average last year). He has 89 career saves (29 of them with Arizona) and has been given praise for his “personality and confidence” in high-leverage spots, making him the clear favorite.
Taylor Clarke is a “lock” for the Opening Day roster and with his ability to limit walks (just nine in 55.1 IP last year), he’s a safe bet to bridge the gap to the ninth or step in if Sewald needs a day off. Ryan Thompson remains a steady high-leverage hand. He will likely be used in the seventh or eighth innings to neutralize right-handed heavy pockets of the lineup.
Kevin Ginkel is the wild card. He’s working his way back from a 2025 shoulder sprain and has debuted a new splitter this spring to give him a third offering alongside his elite slider. While he has 16 career saves, his 7.36 ERA last season means he has to earn back the high-leverage trust he held in 2024.
Angels’ situation further in flux with injury to Robert Stephenson
The most significant news of the past 48 hours involves Stephenson. After entering camp as the heavy favorite for saves in Anaheim, Stephenson has suffered a major setback. Stephenson is reporting concern regarding his UCL and flexor tendon. He is scheduled to see specialist Dr. Keith Meister and given his history, there is a very real possibility he misses the entire season.
So, we are now looking at a veteran committee. Kirby Yates is the “favorite” for saves by default, but Drew Pomeranz has had a resurgent spring and could easily steal the job. Jordan Romano is also looming as a high-leverage option if he can regain his peak form. In addition, keep an eye on Ben Joyce (shoulder), who is beginning to mix in sliders again. If he returns healthy, his triple-digit heat makes him the long-term play.
The Rockies’ bullpen remains the most volatile in the NL West
The competition between Victor Vodnik and Seth Halvorsen is a battle of pure velocity. Both pitchers rank in the top percentiles for fastball speed, but both have struggled with command this spring.
Vodnik is currently the slight favorite based on his late-2025 performance (10 saves). However, he has had a “rocky” spring and is currently allowing a high contact rate that is concerning in the thin air of Denver. Halvorsen is the most talented arm in the pen, hitting 100 mph consistently. He won the job to start last year before a flexor strain ended his season in August. This spring, his “stuff” is back, but his command is not—he recently struggled in an outing where he failed to record an out while walking three. He remains the high-upside play if he can find the zone.
The wild card is Jimmy Herget. He was arguably the Rockies’ best pitcher last season (2.48 ERA), but his role is the biggest question mark in camp. The team has experimented with stretching him out as a starting pitcher or “opener” this spring. If he doesn’t stick in the rotation, he is the most reliable “fireman” to handle the ninth inning if Vodnik and Halvorsen continue to walk the house.
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 |
| Angels | Kirby Yates* | Drew Pomeranz* | Jordan Romano* | Ryan Zeferjahn | Chris Cortez |
| Diamondbacks | Paul Sewald | Taylor Clarke | Ryan Thompson | Kevin Ginkel | Yordin Chalas |
| Rockies | Victor Vodnik* | Jimmy Herget* | Seth Halvorsen* | John Brebbia | Zach Agnos |
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.