As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 5, several closers are standing out as solid fantasy options, especially those who have recently become reliable in their roles. Luke Jackson of the Texas Rangers continues to dominate the closer's position, successfully converting seven of eight save opportunities, although his strikeout rate has dipped this season. Meanwhile, Detroit's Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest are both proving valuable, with Kahnle earning four saves and holding an impressive ERA under 1.00.

Emilio Pagan of the Cincinnati Reds has also emerged, boasting a remarkable 0.44 WHIP and a 9:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, marking him as a must-add in save-only leagues. Camilo Doval has overtaken Ryan Walker for the closer role with the San Francisco Giants, highlighted by his five saves and a solid 2.25 ERA. For deeper leagues, Porter Hodge of the Cubs could be a potential upside play, especially with Ryan Pressly's health issues. The landscape of MLB bullpens is shifting constantly; keeping an eye on these emerging closers can lead to significant fantasy advantages.

This week’s waiver wire focuses on emerging closers and those who can provide saves for your fantasy baseball team. Luke Jackson has solidified his role as the closer for the Texas Rangers amid Chris Martin's injury issues. A.J. Puk of the Arizona Diamondbacks continues to deliver, boasting a strong K:BB ratio. Meanwhile, Tommy Kahnle is stepping up for the Detroit Tigers as their main closing option with impressive stats this season.

Emilio Pagan of the Cincinnati Reds is also a must-watch as he maintains an impressive WHIP despite competition from Alexis Diaz. For deeper leagues, Dennis Santana and David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates are options worth monitoring, especially with Bednar’s recent performance in Triple-A. Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers showcase a strong bullpen with Jack Dreyer emerging as a potential high-leverage asset. Stay updated for more tips on maximizing your fantasy lineup!

This FAAB overview highlights key targets for fantasy managers as the MLB season progresses. Notably, the league-wide OPS has dipped below .700, signaling a concerning trend for hitters. Despite only three weeks into the season, the average batting average stands at a historic low of .235. Amidst this backdrop, standout pitchers like Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers, who boasts a 0.50 ERA, and luckier options like Emilio Pagan from the Cincinnati Reds, currently holding the closer role, emerge. Meanwhile, Carson Kelly from the Chicago Cubs shows remarkable offensive prowess with a .407 batting average, making him a prime target for FAAB considerations.

Several pitchers, including Jose Quintana and David Festa, are highlighted as potential acquisitions due to injuries impacting their respective rotations. The FAAB budget, set at $100, indicates strategic moves for managers looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the weekend. With offensive trends impacting player performances, savvy fantasy managers will need to adapt quickly to secure valuable assets as the season unfolds.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, with save opportunities becoming a focal point early in the year. Currently, 50% of wins have resulted in saves, mirroring the previous year's statistics. However, teams like the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins are still in search of their first saves this late in the season, trailing behind the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, each boasting eight saves. A total of 122 saves have been recorded by 58 different pitchers, suggesting a diverse competition for closing roles across the league.

Notable pitchers like Luke Jackson and Emilio Pagan have emerged unexpectedly high on the saves leaderboard, while established closers like Jhoan Duran and Mike Clevinger have struggled to find their footing. The Game Leverage Index (gmLI) stats indicate potential closer candidates in Ryan Johnson and Nick Sandlin, while the performance of known names, such as Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase, raises questions about their future reliability. As the season progresses, the landscape of saves could shift dramatically, influencing fantasy strategies.

The Cincinnati Reds are poised to make a strategic shift in their bullpen as Alexis Díaz returns, but they should think twice before reinstating him as the closer. Emilio Pagán has emerged as a strong candidate, boasting a remarkable 1.23 ERA and four saves this season, far surpassing his previous two years combined. Pagán revamped his physique with a carnivore diet, sharing insights on its effectiveness for his performance. The Reds have found success in the closer role without a designated closer, converting five of seven save opportunities so far. Managerial strategies may evolve as Diaz transitions back into play, which suggests a less intense role initially for him. Meanwhile, a potential signing of veteran closer David Robertson could bolster the bullpen further, bringing experience and reliability.