Closers seemed more stable than usual last season. With the exception of Edwin Diaz being injured in the World Baseball Classic (before many drafts had taken place), the guys who were supposed to be their teams' closers generally were. A total of 23 pitchers recorded at least 20 saves in 2023 – the most since 2017.
In the National League, Diaz looks to be fully recovered from knee surgery and ready to reclaim his spot as the game's top closer. However, the Brewers' Devin Williams may have something to say about that. In five MLB seasons, Williams has a 1.89 career ERA and he's coming off a 36-save campaign. Two-thirds of the NL bullpens seem to have a clear No. 1 closer, with the Phillies and Padres looking like the most volatile.
In the American League, Hader takes over as the closer in Houston after leaving San Diego as a free agent. He'll bump incumbent Ryan Pressly to setup status. The Twins' Jhoan Duran, with his 100 mph "splinker," might be even more valuable from a fantasy standpoint. Craig Kimbrel returns to the AL with Baltimore with Felix Bautista out for the year. Meanwhile, the Rangers and Royals have the most uncertain closer situations entering the season.
HOT STOVE UPDATES: MLB free agency: Ranking and tracking the top players available.
