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2023 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
ARI
ATL
BAL
BOS
CHC
CIN
CLE
COL
CWS
DET
HOU
KC
LAA
LAD
MIA
MIL
MIN
NYM
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OAK
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Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 33
Closer: Committee
(3/17) Arizona was a bottom-ranked pen in 2022 with a 4.58 ERA and only 33 total saves. However, only five D'Backs relief pitchers combined for those saves, which was tied for fewest in the league. Veteran Mark Melancon led the team with 18 saves, but lost full-time closing duties towards the end of last season. He could still be in the mix for saves in 2023, but Arizona overhauled its bullpen, with newcomers Andrew Chafin, Miguel Castro, Scott McGough and Cole Sulser all expected to fill late-inning roles. Kevin Ginkel could be more of a factor closing out games this season, while lefty Joe Mantiply is likely to remain in a high-leverage setup role after posting the second-best walk rate in the league among qualified relievers last year. This is one of the messiest closing situations in the league as we approach Opening Day, so we'll be monitoring this bullpen closely to see whose likeliest to emerge from the pack.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 55
Closer: A.J. Minter
(3/23) The Braves led the majors with 55 saves in 2022, with Kenley Jansen pacing the club with 41 of those and 74.5% team save share. With Jansen departing for Boston, Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is primed to step in as Atlanta's closer for 2023 and beyond, but he'll open the season on the IL with due to a sore shoulder. Iglesias had a dominant finish to the 2022 season, allowing only one run over his final 31 innings. A.J. Minter had five saves and 35 holds with a 2.06 ERA last season and was mentioned by manager Brian Snitker as Iglesias' "obvious" replacement, though the skipper also indicated a possible matchup approach. Joe Jimenez, who was acquired from the Tigers during the offseason, is likely the secondary fill-in option. Nick Anderson and Kirby Yates are wild cards who have closed in the past, but must prove they're healthy and effective before stepping into meaningful roles.
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Team Notes
- 6/29:A.J. Minter, who logged his first save of the season Tuesday at Philadelphia, has appeared in 3 games in 4 days. This makes Will Smith the likeliest candidate for a save chance if one were to arise Wednesday.
Baltimore OriolesTeam: Baltimore Orioles
Total Saves: 46
Closer: Felix Bautista
Next in Line: Cionel Perez , Bryan Baker
(3/17) Manager Brandon Hyde finally had a strong relief corps last year, as Baltimore finished 9th in bullpen ERA (3.49) and 8th with 46 saves. Jorge Lopez tallied 19 of those before he was traded to Minnesota, while Felix Bautista took over closing duties for the rest of the season to finish with 15 saves. Bautista is one of the hardest throwers in the league and has 30-plus save upside when healthy. He dealt with knee and shoulder soreness earlier this spring, but is on track to make his spring debut soon. Dillon Tate (elbow) will spend the month of April on the IL after suffering a flexor/forearm strain in November. This leaves Baltimore thin in high-leverage relief, so keep an eye on Mychal Givens, Bryan Baker and Cionel Perez for ancillary saves early in the season. The O's have a few swingmen types - Austin Voth and Tyler Wells - who could start the season in the rotation, while Mike Baumann is now looked at in a short relief role. Wells, in particulary, seems unlikely to return to the starting rotation with Baltimore adding Kyle Gibson and Cole Irvin this offseason and Grayson Rodriguez expected to break camp with the Orioles.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 39
Closer: Kenley Jansen Day-To-Day
Next in Line: John Schreiber , Chris Martin
(3/17) The Red Sox prioritized their pen this offseason, signing closer Kenley Jansen and underrated setup man Chris Martin to 2-year deals. They also added southpaws Joely Rodriguez (1-year deal) and Richard Bleier via trade. No Boston pitcher recorded more than 8 saves last year, as Alex Cora has used a closer committee the past 1.5 seasons, but 2023 is expected to be different with Jansen now at the back-end. Jansen was second in the majors with 41 saves last season to bring his career total to 391, which ranks second among active pitchers and only a few behind leader Craig Kimbrel. Among the returning bullpen arms, John Schreiber should be a fixture in high-leverage after an impressive breakout in 2022. He's probably the favorite for ancillary saves behind Jansen, but expect Martin to pitch in too. Swingmen Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford are options for the starting rotation to open 2023, but both are flexible enough to succeed out of the bullpen, particularly Houck.
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Team Notes
- 6/27:Tanner Houck was placed on the restricted list Monday prior to Boston's three-game series at Toronto. Matt Strahm and John Schreiber are the likeliest candidates for save opportunities should any arise during the series.
- 10/11:Hansel Robles exited Game 3 of the ALDS on Sunday due to a stomach illness after allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning. He should be considered day-to-day due to his illness. Assuming he tests negative for COVID-19, it wouldn't be surprising to see the right-hander available for Game 4 on Monday. It was the first earned run he's allowed since August 29.
- 10/5:Entering tonight's AL Wild Card game against the Yankees, Hansel Robles has not allowed an earned run in 15 consecutive outings. Both he and Adam Ottavino enter tonight's contest with two-days rest, while Garrett Richards and Garrett Whitlock have had one day of rest after both pitched on Sunday.
Chicago CubsTeam: Chicago Cubs
Total Saves: 44
Closer: Committee
(3/17) The Cubs have established a trend in recent years of using a veteran, free-agent-to-be as their primary closer in the first half of the season, only to trade that pitcher at the deadline and shift to a closer committee for the second half. They did this in 2021 with Craig Kimbrel and 2022 with David Robertson. Perhaps Chicago has the same intentions in 2023 with Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger, whom they signed to 1-year deals this offseason? Both are currently viewed as primary closer options, though the team is expected to be more competitive this season, which may result in them staying put with the Cubs rather than being traded. Chicago also has a trio of high-upside relief pitchers that should factor into the late innings whenever Fulmer and Boxberger are unavailable, though Adbert Alzolay, Jeremiah Estrada and Codi Heuer (elbow) are better targets for second-half saves. Brandon Hughes could join the mix for saves as well after he recorded eight as rookie last season, but he'll need to improve his walk and hard-hit rates in his sophomore season.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 31
Closer: Alexis Diaz
(3/17) Ten Cincinnati pitchers combined for 31 saves in 2022, which was third-fewest in the league by team. Alexis Diaz was the only Reds reliever to record double-digit saves (10), but his high walk rate and extreme fly-ball tendencies while pitching inside Great American Ball Park make him a risky bet for 2023, especially playing for a manager who has frequently used a closer committee in the past. However, David Bell did give Diaz a vote of confidence (albeit a reluctant one) to open 2023 as his closer, as he's clearly the most talented reliever in this bullpen. Just anticipate Diaz getting work earlier than the ninth inning too, when the high-leverage matchups warrant it. Aside from Diaz, Lucas Sims, Ian Gibaut, Tony Santillan (back) and Buck Farmer should get plenty of high-leverage opportunities this season, while Tejay Antone (elbow) is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, but possesses upside should he return later this year.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 51
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: Trevor Stephan , James Karinchak
(3/17) Aside from Emmanuel Clase, the Guardians bullpen was a huge question mark entering 2022, but the unit surprisingly posted the fifth best ERA (3.05) in the league. Clase was the star of the show, leading the majors with 42 saves while making his first All Star team and earning Reliever of the Month honors three times. He's expected to be among the league's save leaders again in 2023. James Karinchak rebounded last season, while several others emerged in high leverage, including Trevor Stephan, Sam Hentges (shoulder), Enyel De Los Santos and Eli Morgan, who were huge contributors in the late innings. However, Stepahn is the handcuff to target, not Karinchak, who is more of a seventh inning ace that will have to get used to the new pitch clock rule this season.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Emmanuel Clase has appeared in each of the last 3 games. It's likely that Eli Morgan or Trevor Stephan would receive a save chance if one were to arise tonight against the Yankees.
Colorado RockiesTeam: Colorado Rockies
Total Saves: 43
Closer: Daniel Bard
Next in Line: Brad Hand , Pierce Johnson
(3/17) Rockies manager Bud Black typically sticks with one primary closer and Daniel Bard was his preferred option for ninth inning duties throughout 2022. Bard had 34 of the Rockies' 43 saves and his 79.1% team save share was the second highest among relief pitchers. He had a career year at age 37, thus earning him a 2-year extension with the Rockies. As long as Bard keeps performing, he's the favorite to close for Colorado again in 2023, though Brad Hand, Pierce Johnson and Dinelson Lamet are the top names to monitor behind him. All should be locks for high-leverage roles in 2023, especially with Alex Colome and Carlos Estevez departing. Jake Bird (nearly 12.0 K/9 in minors) is also a closer in waiting candidate, but now that Bard is signed through 2024, he likely won't come across many save opportunities.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 48
Closer: Committee
(3/17) With Liam Hendriks battling Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, new manager Pedro Grifol indicated the White Sox will not have a set closer until Hendriks is able to return. Grifol plans to be flexible in the late innings and respond to the leverage of different situations, which could result in a variety of candidates getting save opportunities. Among them, Reynaldo Lopez is performing the best this spring and is probably the most skilled reliever, but he has yet to record a save in his young career. Kendall Graveman has the most experience in the ninth inning with 16 career saves, including six last year. Joe Kelly, Jake Diekman, Aaron Bummer (lat) and Garrett Crochet (elbow) could also mix in if performance and matchups dictate. As for Hendriks, he is still a viable target in draft-and-hold leagues, but at a far reduced cost than his previous late-third round ADP. If you're considering stashing him, keep in mind we won't know whether or not he'll pitch in 2023 and won't receive any updates from the White Sox on his status until Opening Day. You'll have to weigh the risk (potentially zero innings in 2023) versus reward (potentially returning early in the season and delivering his typical top-end closer numbers). We certainly wish him the best in his battle with cancer.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 38
Closer: Committee
(3/17) There's a significant void in the late innings after the Tigers traded 2022 closer, Gregory Soto, to the Phillies and former closer, Joe Jimenez, to the Braves this offseason. Alex Lange is the market favorite to replace Soto as the Tigers' closer after generating a 54+ percent whiff rate on both his curveball and changeup last season, but he has more walks than strikeouts this spring and will need to improve his command (11.4% walk rate in 2022) to earn that role. Jason Foley is also struggling this spring, while veteran Jose Cisnero is having a solid camp and may be the favorite to open 2023 in the closer role. Garrett Hill and Mason Englert (a Rule 5 pick) are impressing this spring, while Tyler Alexander and Matt Wisler could become late-inning factors based on how they're performing early in the season. Just avoid this bullpen until we get more clarity on roles from A.J. Hinch.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 53
Closer: Ryan Pressly
Next in Line: Rafael Montero , Bryan Abreu
(3/17) Ryan Pressly made his appearances count last year, tallying a career high 33 saves in only 50 regular season appearances (48.1 innings). The veteran did miss some time with knee and neck injuries, but was ultra-reliable when healthy. In fact, he was dominant to close out the 2022 season with 11 scoreless frames throughout the playoffs. Pressly will be 34 years old in 2023, but should still be drafted among the top 7 closers. Rafael Montero re-emerged in 2022, earning a high leverage role and recording a career-high 14 saves. He recently re-signed with Houston on a 3-year pact and should remain in the mix for saves when Pressly is unavailable. Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton and Bryan Abreu, the latter of whom had a breakout season in 2022, should continue to form a strong bridge to Pressly in 2023.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Ryan Pressly has recorded a Save in each of the past 2 days. He has yet to work 3 games in a row this season, so it's likely a save chance would go to Rafael Montero on Friday.
- 9/29:Ryan Pressly is currently managing a knee issue and hasn't pitched since Saturday. Kendall Graveman was placed on the paternity list Tuesday. Look for Ryne Stanek or Yimi Garcia as the favorites to pitch in potential save opportunities for the next couple days if Pressley remains unavailable.
Kansas City RoyalsTeam: Kansas City Royals
Total Saves: 33
Closer: Committee
(3/17) Matt Quatraro replaces Mike Matheny as Kansas City's manager in 2023. Quatraro comes to the Royals from Tampa Bay, which is known for its different approach to bullpen management, particularly when it coms to save chances. Should Quatraro mirror this approach, it will be interesting to see how the various relievers perform in high leverage scenarios, as the collective unit is not as talented as the one in Tampa Bay. The Royals ranked 27th in 2022 with a 4.66 bullpen ERA, with 24 of the team's 33 saves (73%) going to Scott Barlow, who is clearly their most talented reliever. Barlow was a workhorse for the Royals last season, finishing with 74.1 innings that tied a career high and was most among closers. The 30-year-old was effective in those innings, posting career best marks in multiple categories with a 2.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, seven wins and 24 saves. While it's possible he maintains the primary closer role in 2023, the risk of a committee is evident, especially after the signing of Aroldis Chapman, who may not be as "cooked" as most people think he is. Dylan Coleman, Josh Staumont and Taylor Clarke could be in the mix for saves as well, while Amir Garrett has past experience as a closer from his time with the Reds. Drafting Barlow as your primary saves source is risky, at least until we hear more from Quatraro as to how he intends to manage the ninth inning.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 38
Closer: Committee
(3/17) Phil Nevin deployed a closer committee in the second half of 2022 after Raisel Iglesias was traded, but may have his answer in the ninth inning after Carlos Estevez signed a 2-year deal with the Angels. Estevez is struggling immensely this spring (10 walks, 8 ER through 3.2 innings) and will likely need to overcome these struggles to open the season as the Angels' closer. If Estevez doesn't get right by Opening Day, Los Angeles could easily turn to Jimmy Herget, Ryan Tepera, Matt Moore, or flamethrower Ben Joyce, who routinely tops triple-digits on the radar gun. Herget was the Angels best reliever in 2022 and led the team with nine saves after Iglesias was traded. Tepera has been a trusted high leverage option for the past six years and complemented Herget with five saves over the final two months of 2022. However, Estevez has the most ninth inning experience in this pen with 25 career saves and possesses much better splits away from Coors Field. We'll be keeping a close eye on his spring performance over these next few weeks and label this as a committee for now. It's best to avoid this bullpen until Phil Nevin announces roles for his relievers for early in the season.
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 43
Closer: Committee
(3/17) Los Angeles had the second-best bullpen ERA last season (2.87), while a league high 12 Dodgers combined for 43 saves. Evan Phillips (1.14 ERA) and Alex Vesia (2.15 ERA) were primary reasons the Dodgers were so successful in the late innings and both should receive more save opportunities in 2023 with Craig Kimbrel now in Philadelphia. Joining them in a closer committee should be veteran Daniel Hudson (knee), who has the potential to lead the Dodgers in saves once he's fully recovered from his torn ACL. Even if he doesn't make Opening Day, he'll be an important part of Los Angeles' high leverage plans this season. Brusdar Graterol pitched a career-high 49.2 innings and tallied four saves in 2022 despite dealing with a few injuries. With health, he has 15-to-20 save upside, and thus ascends the top of this hierarchy with Hudson iffy for Opening Day. Those looking for a dark horse candidate for saves should also keep an eye on Shelby Miller this spring.
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Team Notes
- 10/14:Corey Knebel will serve as the opener for Thursday's NLDS Game 5 matchup against the Giants. Knebel filled the opener role four times during the regular season, allowing one run in a combined 5.2 innings of work. Julio Urias is expected to follow him in bulk relief.
- 10/6:The Dodgers' highest-leverage relievers are well rested, as Jansen, Treinen and Vesia enter Wednesday's NL Wild Card game against the Cardinals on 4 days rest.
Miami MarlinsTeam: Miami Marlins
Total Saves: 41
Closer: Committee
(3/17) Skip Schumaker takes over for Don Mattingly as the Marlins manager in 2023. Schumaker confirmed early in spring training that he doesn't plan on using a traditional closer and will instead play matchups with Dylan Floro, Matt Barnes, A.J. Puk and others. Miami's 2022 bullpen ERA (4.15) was 22nd in the majors, though the team was involved in plenty of close games, recording a save (41 total) in nearly 60% of the team's wins (69). Anthony Bender (elbow) opened last season as the Marlins closer, but underwent Tommy John surgery and is likely to miss all of 2023. Tanner Scott was one of the best waiver wire additions for saves, but has a perennially high WHIP and may not be the best option for Schumaker's committee. Dylan Floro finished last season in the closer role and is the favorite to be the committee leader early in 2023. He'll be a free-agent in 2024, so it's likely the Marlins build up his trade value, then move him if they are out of playoff contention near the trade deadline. Matt Barnes figures to be next in line based on his experience closing games in Boston, but A.J. Puk is the reliever to target from this bullpen, as he finally remained healthy and was successful in high leverage last year. Steven Okert and JT Chargois are solid late-round darts if you're speculating on saves in super deep leagues.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 52
Closer: Devin Williams
Next in Line: Matt Bush , Peter Strzelecki
(3/17) With Milwaukee trading Josh Hader to San Diego last season, Devin Williams finished with a career-high 15 saves, including seven of the Brewers' final nine saves to close out the season. The right-hander doesn't have an extensive track record in the ninth inning, but he's the most experienced closer on the roster following the departures of Hader, Taylor Rogers and Brad Boxberger. Williams has the upside to record 100 strikeouts while leading the league in saves, as the Brewers' excellent pitching staff and questionable lineup could lead to plenty of closely contested games in the late innings. Matt Bush is next in line for saves, while Peter Strzelecki closed 2022 with nine straight scoreless outings. Jake Cousins has some upside too, but has options remaining and is no guarantee to break camp with the team.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 28
Closer: Committee
(2/15) Minnesota finished with a league-low 28 saves in 2022. Emilio Pagan led the team with 9, but struggled to hold leads and was removed from closing duties after a few months. Dominant rookie Jhoan Duran flourished in a relief role with 8 saves and led the league with 392 pitches thrown 100 mph or greater. He has the upside of a top 5 closer with full-time duties, but the Twins are more likely to be flexible with his role. Jorge Lopez added 4 saves after the Twins acquired him at the deadline, but he struggled in his first two months with Minnesota and is no lock to close in 2023. We'll label this a committee for now between Duran and Lopez. Griffin Jax and Jovani Moran emerged as high upside relief arms in 2022, while Jorge Alcala (elbow) has some potential if healthy.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 41
Closer: Committee
(3/16) Shortly after the World Series, the Mets made it a priority to re-sign closer Edwin Diaz to the largest contract for a relief pitcher in history at five years and $102 million. No reliever in 2022 came close to Diaz's 50.2% strikeout rate, 25.2% SwStr%, 17.1 K/9 or 42.6% K-BB%, while his 1.31 ERA was a career best and ranked fourth among qualified relievers. He was poised to be the top closer off the board in all fantasy drafts for 2023, but then came a brutal and likely season-ending right knee injury on March 15 as Diaz was celebrating Puerto Rico's win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. David Robertson, Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley are likely to mix and match in the ninth inning early in the season. It's possible the Mets will acquire a closer in the coming weeks as well.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 47
Closer: Clay Holmes
Next in Line: Michael King , Jonathan Loaisiga
(3/17) Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated this spring that he intends to used Clay Holmes in high-leverage spots outside the ninth inning this season. Despite this news, Holmes is still good bet for 20-plus saves if health permits (he regressed in the second half last season due to back and shoulder injuries). Michael King rivals Holmes as potentially the best reliever in this bullpen. This could afford him more save opportunities in 2023. Former A's closer Lou Trivino (elbow) is capable of closing games, but will open 2023 on the IL along with Tommy Kahnle (biceps). Wandy Peralta played an important high leverage role down the stretch last year, while Jonathan Loaisiga appeared to regain his 2021 form towards the end of last season. Holmes is the favorite to close, but so while Holmes is the favorite to close, there are capable options that Boone can turn to, including Tommy Kahnle and Greg Weissert, the latter of whom closed games in the minors.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Aroldis Chapman was activated from the 15-day IL. Clay Holmes has worked 3 games in the last 5 days, but did not pitch yesterday. Don't be surprised if the Yankees elect to give Holmes another day of rest with Chapman back. It's possible Chapman gets the call tonight if a save opportunity were to arise.
- 6/29:Aroldis Chapman is likely to return Friday.
- 10/5:Entering tonight's AL Wild Card game, Aroldis Chapman has a career 6.43 ERA and 2.07 WHIP in 14 innings at Fenway Park. However, he logged a 2.70 ERA against Boston this season with a 8:4 K:BB in 6.2 innings, albeit with two home runs allowed.
- 9/29:Jonathan Loaisiga (shoulder) will likely be activated Wednesday.
Oakland AthleticsTeam: Oakland Athletics
Total Saves: 34
Closer: Committee
(3/27) After being a logical candidate to see save chances throughout 2022, Domingo Acevedo finally saw ninth-inning duties over the final weeks, recording Oakland's last four saves of the season. Acevedo posted a top-25 WHIP (0.99) among qualified relievers last season, but isn't the favorite to reclaim the closer role, as injuries to Dany Jimenez (shoulder) and Zach Jackson (shoulder) essentially forced Mark Kotsay's hand, with Acevedo left standing as his most trusted reliever by default. The A's expect all of their injured relievers to be back to full strength for Opening Day, with Jimenez joined by newcomers Trevor May and Jeurys Familia as options to close games early in the season. However, persistent shoulder woes and a high walk rate does not inspire much confidence in Jimenez. May signed a one-year deal and is a lock for a high-leverage role that should yield some save chances, but probably isn't a full-time closer. Jackson could also enter the mix for saves as well after posting an AL-leading 27 holds, but will also need to bring down his walk rate (16.3%) to earn opportunities. Ultimately, this pen is one to avoid, as Oakland isn't expected to win many games in 2023.
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Philadelphia PhilliesTeam: Philadelphia Phillies
Total Saves: 42
Closer: Committee
(2/15) Phillies manager Rob Thomson split up closing duties once he took over for Joe Girardi last season. 11 Philadelphia relievers combined for 42 saves, with Seranthony Dominguez (9) the only returnee for 2023 who recorded at least a handful. Dominguez was the Philly's best reliever in 2022 and may have led the team in the saves category if not for a triceps injury late in the season. The Phillies have added late-inning depth in Craig Kimbrel and Matt Strahm via free agency and Gregory Soto through trade. Jose Alvarado is also a high-upside dart after posting a career-best strikeout rate while improving his walk rate. Unless Kimbrel reverts back to peak form early in the season, expect Thomson to mix and match in the ninth-inning once again.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 33
Closer: David Bednar
(2/15) Pittsburgh is loaded with pre-arbitration relief pitchers, including closer David Bednar, who will be arbitration eligible for the first time in 2024. It will be interesting to see whether the typically cost-conscious Pirates elect to trade Bednar in 2023, or build their bullpen around the Pittsburgh native. This impacts his stability a bit and even more so after Bednar missed nearly two months last season with a back injury. However, when healthy, Bednar is one of the most secure closers in the league. When Bednar was injured last season, five different Pittsburgh relief pitchers combined for six total saves. The lack of saves overall is likely to continue into 2023 with the Pirates not expected to significantly improve.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 48
Closer: Josh Hader
(3/17) San Diego finished near the top of the league with 48 saves in 2022. The majority came from Taylor Rogers (28) before the Padres shipped him off in the deal to acquire Josh Hader. Hader struggled with his new team at first, but was able to rebound over the final month and change thanks to a mechanical tweak that unlocked more velocity. His security as the Padres closer for 2023 remains high due to his strong 2022 finish. Robert Suarez is the next man up for saves and possible closer of the future after signing a 5-year deal to return to San Diego. Suarez was a former closer in Japan and had a fantastic rookie MLB season last year.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 40
Closer: Committee
(3/17) Paul Sewald tallied half (20) of Seattle's 40 saves in 2022, but Andres Munoz finally stayed healthy and broke out with a huge season to enter the mix for saves moving forward. Since Munoz is signed to a long-term, team-friendly contract, the Mariners have no financial concerns to consider when it comes to the number of save opportunities he receives. Meanwhile, both Sewald (elbow, heel) and Munoz (foot) underwent surgery this offseason, so keep Diego Castillo and Matt Brash on your radar for saves early in the season. Penn Murfee and Matt Festa return, while Trevor Gott and Gabe Speier are new additions to this leverage ladder in 2023.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 39
Closer: Camilo Doval
Next in Line: Taylor Rogers , John Brebbia
(3/17) The Giants led the league two years ago with a 2.99 bullpen ERA, but plummeted to 20th in the category (4.08) last year. Camilo Doval and John Brebbia were the lone bright spots from a unit that otherwise struggled. Doval, in particular, tallied 27 of the Giants' 39 saves for a 69.2% share that ranked 9th among closers. The 25-year-old also introduced a new sinker last July with promising results. Doval's slider is still nasty as ever, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts the usage of his secondary pitches with the sinker being far more successful than his cutter. The Giants recently signed Taylor Rogers, who may cut into Doval's save share a bit when matchups against left-handed hitters are in his favor. They also added Luke Jackson (elbow), who likely awaits a high-leverage role up his return near mid-season.
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Team Notes
- 10/4:The Giants bullpen gets a much-needed break after winning the NL West. Camilo Doval, in particular, pitched 4 times in 5 days during the final week.
- 10/1:Doval, Rogers and Leone have worked 2 out of the past 3 games, with Rogers throwing 47 pitches over that span. Strong possibility Rogers gets the night off against San Diego.
- 9/30:Doval earned his 2nd big-league save on Wednesday and may be the new closer in San Francisco.
- 9/29:The plans for Jake McGee (oblique) beyond Wednesday aren't entirely clear, but so long as he gets through mound work without any setbacks, a return to the Giants' bullpen for the final regular-season series against the Padres might not be out of the question.
St. Louis CardinalsTeam: St. Louis Cardinals
Total Saves: 37
Closer: Ryan Helsley
Next in Line: Giovanny Gallegos , Jordan Hicks
(3/11) Manager Oliver Marmol's 'closer by calculation' strategy benefited Ryan Helsley with the majority share of Cardinals save chances since late May 2022. Helsley was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball last season, tossing the third-most pitches at 100 mph or greater while going nearly two months without giving up an earned run. Giovanny Gallegos also tallied double-digit saves for the second straight year and is likely to make it three in 2023 after inking a 2-year extension with the Cardinals as the clear backup to Helsley. Don't forget about Jordan Hicks, who has closed for St. Louis in the past should Helsley or Gallegos be unavailable. Drew VerHagen, Genesis Cabrera and Wilking Rodriguez round out the dark horse candidates for saves.
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Team Notes
- 10/6:The Cardinals' highest-leverage relievers are well rested, as Gallegos, Cabrera and Reyes enter Wednesday's NL Wild Card game against the Dodgers on 4 days rest, while Garcia is on 3 days rest.
- 10/1:Garcia earned his 2nd save of the season Thursday night as the Cardinals give Gallegos some much deserved rest before the playoffs. Gallegos has logged a new career-high 79.1 innings this season.
Tampa Bay RaysTeam: Tampa Bay Rays
Total Saves: 44
Closer: Committee
(3/17) We've come to expect varied late-inning usage from manager Kevin Cash and 2022 was no different with 11 different relievers combining for 44 saves. Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam led the Rays with eight saves apiece, while Colin Poche (7) and Andrew Kittredge (5) also tallied five or more. Fairbanks experienced numbness on his pitching hand during the playoffs and has always had trouble staying healthy, but he appears likely to lead this unit in saves after his dominant performance down the stretch of 2022. Fairbanks recorded 4 of the Rays final 7 saves to close out last season, so don't discount the possibility of him pitching in a more traditional closer role. Jason Adam emerged as a reliable high-leverage reliever last year, but another name who could emerge in 2023 is lefty Garrett Cleavinger, who posted a 35% strikeout rate over 23 innings. Kittredge (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery last summer, but could return late in 2023.
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Team Notes
- 10/11:Collin McHugh will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher Monday against the Red Sox as part of a bullpen day in Game 4 of the ALDS, Manager Kevin Cash hasn't appointed a primary pitcher to work behind McHugh, as the Rays will instead likely turn to a cadre of arms to fill innings out of the bullpen. Josh Fleming, JT Chargois, Pete Fairbanks, J.P. Feyereisen, Andrew Kittredge and Matt Wisler tossed 20 pitches or fewer in Sunday's 13-inning loss, so the Tampa Bay bullpen should be relatively fresh for Monday's contest.
Texas RangersTeam: Texas Rangers
Total Saves: 37
Closer: Committee
(3/17) 10 Texas relievers combined for 37 saves in 2022, with Joe Barlow the only one to finish in double-digits with 13. Barlow dealt with persistent blister issues last seasonand underwent off-season wrist surgery to help prevent the blisters moving forward. Skills wise, he's not the best option for saves and lost the closer role last July before the blisters became an issue. Jose Leclerc finished second on the team with 7 saves and the Rangers picked up his $6 million option for 2023 after he successfully returned from Tommy John surgery. He served as the Rangers closer over the final month-and-a-half and is one of the favorites to get save chances early in the season, though Bruce Bochy has not publicly committed to him as the closer. The Rangers recently signed several relievers Bochy is familiar with from his days in San Francisco, including Will Smith, who is probably in line with Leclerc in the pecking order for saves. Jonathan Hernandez, Ian Kennedy and Brock Burke could always find their way into the ninth inning as well if things don't go smoothly for Leclerc or Smith. This is suddenly a very crowded bullpen.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 46
Closer: Jordan Romano
Next in Line: Erik Swanson , Adam Cimber
(3/27) Jordan Romano recorded 36 of Toronto's 46 saves in 2022 and his 78.3% team save percentage was 4th-highest among closers. His strikeout rate was down compared to 2021, but his ratios were comparable and he only allowed 4 home runs all year. His role as the Blue Jays' closer is extremely secure considering Adam Cimber (4 saves) and Tim Mayza (2) were the only other Toronto relievers to record more than one save last year. Erik Swanson, Anthony Bass and Yimi Garcia also have closing experience, but appear destined for the 6th through 8th innings in 2023 as part of the bridge to Romano.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 28
Closer: Kyle Finnegan
Next in Line: Hunter Harvey , Carl Edwards
(3/27) Washington posted a league low 55 wins in 2022, while tying for a league low with only 28 saves. At least the Nationals closer role was pretty clear. Tanner Rainey (elbow) opened last season as the closer before undergoing Tommy John surgery in late-August. He'll miss most, if not all, of the 2023 season. When Rainey got hurt, Kyle Finnegan took over closing duties for the rest of the season, with Carl Edwards Jr. pitching in a few saves of his own. Finnegan is the likeliest bet to return as closer to start 2023, but keep a close eye on Hunter Harvey, who may be the most talented reliever in this pen, but has yet to pitch a full season due to injuries.
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Team Notes
- 9/23:Tanner Rainey earned the save for the Nationals last night and has worked 3 out of the last 4 games. Expect Kyle Finnegan, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 19, to get the save chance if one presents itself against the Cardinals tonight.