As fantasy baseball drafts heat up, the debate over when to target closers intensifies. Securing a top option in the early rounds is critical, as the quest for at least 60 saves begins. Closers not only contribute saves but also impact ratio and strikeout categories, making their selection pivotal for fantasy success. A clear understanding of your league format and competitors can shape your draft strategy significantly.

Five must-have closers for the upcoming season include Felix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but boasts impressive 2023 numbers. Lucas Erceg of the Kansas City Royals has the skill set to become a top-10 closer despite a shaky start. Trevor Megill, stepping into a more pivotal role with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to secure 25+ saves. David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024, and Seth Halvorsen from the Colorado Rockies could defy traditional thoughts about Rockies pitchers with breakout potential in 2025.

Baltimore Orioles All-Star closer Félix Bautista, recovering from Tommy John surgery, shared a promising update during a media session. Currently at 85% strength in his throwing program, Bautista remains confident in reaching 100% by Opening Day. The 29-year-old was a dominant force in 2023, securing a 1.48 ERA and 33 saves, playing a pivotal role in the Orioles' return to the playoffs.

Despite Bautista's absence in 2024, the Orioles still reached the playoffs, though they faced elimination against the Kansas City Royals in the wild card round. The team boasts a strong lineup with players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, but the offseason saw the departure of key players like Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander in free agency. With questions surrounding the health of pitchers Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, the Orioles aim to maintain competitiveness in the challenging American League East.

As fantasy baseball draft season approaches, strategies around drafting closers and securing saves become increasingly critical. The volatility of closer performances emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in your draft strategy. In 2024, only eight closers achieved over 30 saves, showing the importance of hitting on your initial closer. Research indicates that about half of saves go to the primary closer, making it a gamble. Monitoring player stats, particularly K% and injury history, is crucial. Targeting high-leverage pitchers and understanding your league's scoring system can provide opportunities to capitalize on saves and holds effectively.

Knowing your league's format can lead to strategic advantages. In leagues counting only saves, drafting multiple potential closers early is advisable, while deeper leagues may necessitate targeting emerging players or relievers likely to get save opportunities. The historical performance of your league mates also plays a role in determining how aggressively to pursue closers. Overall, the landscape of fantasy baseball saves requires an astute approach and continuous monitoring of player situations leading up to the draft.

The Baltimore Orioles have secured a one-year contract with relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge worth $10 million. The deal includes a $9 million salary for the upcoming season and a $9 million option for 2026, which comes with a $1 million buyout. Kittredge, a 34-year-old right-hander, previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he recorded a 5-5 record, a 2.80 ERA, and one save last season.

In addition to Kittredge, Baltimore is expecting the return of closer Félix Bautista, who missed the entirety of last season due to Tommy John surgery. The bullpen has been bolstered previously with the addition of Craig Kimbrel, though his performance led to his release before the season’s conclusion.

Jorge Lopez, the former All-Star closer for the Baltimore Orioles, has officially signed with the Washington Nationals on a one-year contract worth $3 million, as reported by Jon Heyman. With a career spanning nine years, Lopez has showcased versatility by playing for multiple teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins.

Lopez's time with the Orioles from 2020 to 2022 included a standout All-Star season as the team's closer. During his tenure, he saved 19 games in 2022, marking his most successful season. Following his trade to the Twins, the Orioles have since developed their bullpen around Felix Bautista, who also made the All-Star roster in 2023. Despite the Nationals' fourth-place finish in the National League East, Lopez may seize the opportunity to take on a closing role.