A.J. Puk has quickly established himself as the primary closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, successfully converting both of the team's saves early in the season. Despite some career challenges against right-handed hitters, his impressive stats from last season (1.72 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) suggest he has the potential to dominate the role alongside Justin Martinez, who is also making waves with a 45.0 K-BB% thus far. The Atlanta Braves, meanwhile, are struggling despite their expected positive regression, with Rasiel Iglesias emerging as a potential buy-low candidate in fantasy leagues.

In the Boston Red Sox's bullpen, Aroldis Chapman is stepping into the closer's role, especially with Liam Hendriks sidelined. Chapman showed an uptick in performance post-All-Star break last year, making him a valuable fantasy asset. In contrast, the Chicago Cubs face uncertainty with Ryan Pressley leading saves but his high SIERA raises concerns. The White Sox, still without a save this season, are leaning towards Mike Clevinger, who has yet to prove effective.

Over in Cincinnati, Emilio Pagán is taking charge as the preferred ninth-inning option, but concerns about Alexis Díaz's performance when he returns from injury linger. The Colorado Rockies’ Seth Halvorsen has managed to get a save, though Coors Field remains a variable. The Detroit Tigers are also navigating murky waters with Tommy Kahnle likely to secure the closer's job, while the Los Angeles Angels, surprisingly leading the league in save opportunities, are getting solid returns from Kenley Jansen.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on the Miami Marlins' Anthony Bender, who has already notched a save, and the Milwaukee Brewers, who are still searching for their first save opportunity. With the season only just beginning, the evolving closer landscape will be crucial for fantasy players looking to fill key roster spots.

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, savvy fantasy baseball players are eyeing their stash lists, focusing on prospects who can provide significant value. Players like Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox is creating buzz with impressive minor league stats, boasting a .291 average and power metrics that have scouts excited. Meanwhile, Jake Bloss of the Toronto Blue Jays is showcasing stellar strikeout potential from the mound, with a fastball averaging 96 mph. The Pittsburgh Pirates' Bubba Chandler is also on the radar, with a formidable pitching arsenal and a striking strike percentage that suggests he could soon make an impact in the majors. Other notable prospects include Nick Kurtz from the Athletics and his rapid ascent through the minors, alongside athletes like Graham Pauley and Luisangel Acuña, who are also worth keeping an eye on as potential breakout stars this season.

The Boston Red Sox have taken a bold step by signing pitcher Garrett Crochet to a six-year, $170 million extension. This decision comes shortly after they acquired Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, and has raised eyebrows given his limited starting experience.

Despite a rocky history that includes a Tommy John surgery, Crochet had a breakout first season as a starter in 2024, showcasing his potential. The Red Sox are banking on his age and talent, believing he can develop into a top-tier ace, despite the concerns about his injury history and lack of extensive track record as a starter. The deal also includes performance incentives and an opt-out clause, reflecting a cautious optimism from Boston.

This move signals a shift in the Red Sox's approach, indicating they are willing to invest in young talent, much to the relief of their fanbase.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season unfolds, stashing injured players can yield significant dividends. Max Scherzer, playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, is set to return soon after an early-season injury, boasting an impressive strikeout rate that could bolster your rotation. Milwaukee's Tobias Myers, with a stellar 2024, is a potential steal given his low roster percentage and expected return from injury in late April.

Zack Gelof provides speed on the basepaths, having stolen 25 bases last season, though his batting average raises concerns. Miami's Jesus Sanchez combines power and speed, hitting 18 homers and stealing 16 bases last year, positioning him as a strong add for teams needing offensive support. Lastly, Masataka Yoshida from the Red Sox presents a solid batting average option and run production in an upgraded lineup.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is heating up with various closer competitions across MLB teams. With just a week into the season, some teams are still struggling to clarify their closer situations. Notably, the Pittsburgh Pirates have shifted their focus from David Bednar to Dennis Santana, who has emerged as a reliable option after a successful outing against the Tampa Bay Rays.

In Philadelphia, the Phillies are weighing multiple candidates for saves, including Jose Alvarado and Jordan Romano, while the Cincinnati Reds could see Emilio Pagan stepping up in Alexis Diaz's absence due to injury. The Colorado Rockies seem to have settled on Seth Halvorsen, and the Boston Red Sox have Aroldis Chapman in the mix following Liam Hendriks' injury. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers' Luke Jackson has quickly become a primary closer despite his shaky ERA. The Los Angeles Dodgers might have the most valuable closer situation in the league, with several pitchers vying for save opportunities.