2024 relief pitcher rankings: Stable closers are back in vogue
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. (However, Williams is currently out with a back injury and his prognosis is uncertain.) 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.
2024 fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings
- Devin Williams, Brewers NL1
- Edwin Diaz, Mets NL2
- Jhoan Duran, Twins AL1
- Josh Hader, Astros AL2
- Emmanuel Clase, Guardians AL3
- Camilo Doval, Giants NL3
- Raisel Iglesias, Braves NL4
- Paul Sewald, Diamondbacks NL5
- Alexis Diaz, Reds NL6
- David Bednar, Pirates NL7
- Jordan Romano, Blue Jays AL4
- Ryan Helsley, Cardinals NL8
- Clay Holmes, Yankees AL5
- Andres Muñoz, Mariners AL6
- Evan Phillips, Dodgers NL9
- Kenley Jansen, Red Sox AL7
- Adbert Alzolay, Cubs NL10
- Tanner Scott, Marlins NL11
- Craig Kimbrel, Orioles AL8
- Pete Fairbanks, Rays AL9
- Jose Leclerc, Rangers AL10
- Alex Lange, Tigers AL11
- Jose Alvarado, Phillies NL12
- Robert Suarez, Padres NL13
- Mason Miller, A's AL12
- Carlos Estevez, Angels AL13
- Robert Stephenson, Angels AL14
- Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL14
- Will Smith, Royals AL15
- Abner Uribe, Brewers NL15
- Joel Payamps, Brewers NL16
- Yennier Cano, Orioles AL16
- David Robertson, Rangers AL17
- Hunter Harvey, Nationals NL17
- A.J. Puk, Marlins NL18
- Jason Adam, Rays AL18
- Ryan Pressly, Astros AL19
- James McArthur, Royals AL20
- Hector Neris, Cubs NL19
- Orion Kerkering, Phillies NL20
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