The baseball season has gotten to the point where we’re counting down “magic numbers” to clinch a playoff spot. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in contention for a fantasy baseball championship. It’s been a fairly quiet week regarding MLB closers 2025 for fantasy baseball, but we do have some important injury updates to share with you. 

We’ll also identify a bullpen that features outstanding late-inning high-leverage relievers who are rising up the closer rankings 2025. They could be a good resource for saves and holds as the fantasy baseball season draws to a close. As always, stay tuned to the updated MLB Closers 2025 Grid. Good luck in bringing that fantasy baseball championship home, and please enjoy this week’s Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report.

 

 

 

MLB Closers 2025: Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Rankings

Milwaukee Brewers

In last week’s article, we mentioned that Trevor Megill appeared close to returning to action after being placed on the IL on August 27 due to a right flexor strain. Unfortunately, Megill’s timetable for return has been pushed back. He experienced some shoulder soreness while throwing live batting practice, and the Brewers are now hoping that they can get him back in time for him to pitch in their last regular-season series against the Cincinnati Reds. 

Abner Uribe will continue filling in as the Brewers’ closer until Megill is ready to return. As a unit, the Brewers bullpen has pitched to a 2.87 ERA and recorded five holds and four saves since Megill was placed on the IL. Jared Koenig has been especially effective of late. He hasn’t given up a run in his last six appearances spanning six IP, and he has struck out 13 batters while walking just one. Should Uribe be unavailable while Megill is still on the IL, Koenig would likely be the next man up. 

Chicago Cubs

There is still no definitive timeline for the return of Cubs closer Daniel Palencia, who was placed on the IL on Monday, September 8th, due to a shoulder strain. That doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t see him before the end of the season, but the Cubs need to see Palenica face live hitters via a rehab assignment or a batting practice session before he can be activated. Brewers manager Craig Counsell has been true to his word and has spread his team’s save opportunities around. 

Since Palencia has been on the IL, Andrew Kittredge has converted three saves, and Brad Keller has converted two. Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar has been used in the eighth innings of games lately and does have 15 saves in his professional baseball career, but almost all of his fantasy value can be found in saves plus holds leagues. In his last 16 appearances spanning 13.2 IP, Thielbar has recorded nine holds, and he has struck out 14 batters while walking none. 

Detroit Tigers

Kyle Finnegan, who was placed on the IL on September 1st due to a right adductor strain, is beginning a rehab assignment and nearing a return to action. Manager A.J. Hinch has not provided a definitive timeline for Finnegan’s activation from the IL, but based on the Tigers’ bullpen performance while he’s been sidelined, Finnegan’s return can’t come soon enough. 

The Tigers' bullpen as a whole is pitching to a 5.15 ERA and has two saves and two blown saves since Finnegan has been on the IL. Will Vest has a save, a hold, and a bloated 4.26 ERA while Finnegan has been sidelined. He’s also struck out four batters while walking three in six IP. 

Cleveland Guardians

Last week, we highlighted the Washington Nationals' bullpen as one that is often dismissed by fantasy baseball managers because the team has a losing record. This week, I want to call your attention to Cade Smith, who has taken over as the Guardians’ closer while former Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is on non-disciplinary paid leave while being part of an MLB gambling-related investigation. In 13 appearances dating back to August 26th, Smith has won two games, converted eight saves, and struck out 23 batters while walking none in 12.1 IP during that time span. 

Smith isn’t the only fantasy-relevant Guardians reliever. Hunter Gaddis’ 33 holds are the second most in baseball.  Like Smith, Gaddis has had a good run of late. In his last 18 appearances, Smith has recorded 11 holds, and he’s converted a save and pitched to a 1.72 ERA. If you play in a saves plus holds league, there are two other Guardians late-inning high-leverage relievers to take note of. 

Erik Sabrowski has been outstanding all season, but over the past week, he has pitched 4.1 scoreless innings and has recorded three holds. Matt Festa has also recorded three holds over the past week, and in 16 games dating back to August 15th, he has a 0.77 ERA, and he has struck out 15 batters while walking just three in 11.2 IP.