Opening Day marks a pivotal moment in the MLB season, and the Fantasy Baseball Closer Report is here to help fantasy enthusiasts navigate the tumultuous waters of saves and closer rankings. At the top of the ranks is Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, who consistently proves his mettle with a 0.61 ERA and 40-plus saves in the past three seasons. Following closely is Mason Miller of the Athletics, heralded for his impressive strikeout rate and potential to dominate the league.

Other notable closers include Devin Williams of the Yankees and Josh Hader of the Astros, both of whom bring a strong track record to their respective teams. With a list of emerging closers and potential stash candidates, this report offers invaluable insights for those aiming to bolster their rosters with save specialists.

As the 2024 MLB season kicks off, the closer landscape is filled with intriguing options for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Emmanuel Clase, who had an impressive 0.61 ERA and 40-plus saves last season, leads the pack for the Cleveland Guardians, solidifying his position as the favorite to lead the American League in saves once again. Following him is Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics, who showcased his skills with a league-leading 41.8% strikeout rate last season. Meanwhile, Devin Williams is poised to bring his dominant form to the New York Yankees after a stellar finish to last season, making him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups. Josh Hader, now with the Houston Astros, remains a top-tier option despite past inconsistencies.

Further down the rankings, Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals and Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets represent elite choices, albeit with some injury concerns and performance fluctuations. Andrés Muñoz is expected to step up in Seattle, while Raisel Iglesias continues to be a reliable veteran for the Atlanta Braves. Rookies and less-established players like Jhoan Duran and Ryan Walker are also making noise, presenting potential hidden gems for savvy fantasy managers. As the season unfolds, monitoring these closers' performances will be crucial for fantasy success.

The Cleveland Guardians are finalizing their roster decisions ahead of the 2025 season, with key questions remaining for the second base position and rotation. The team is optimistic about Bo Naylor's potential to enhance their offense, particularly after a promising minor league season. Infield competition is heating up, with players like Tyler Freeman and Daniel Schneemann emerging as strong candidates for short-term roles. As for outfielders, Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan will likely share time in right field.

On the pitching front, Tanner Bibee is set to start on Opening Day, but the fifth starter role is up for grabs, particularly with Triston McKenzie struggling. The bullpen looks solid with Emmanuel Clase leading the way, while Andrew Walters could also secure a spot. Overall, the Guardians aim to balance immediate needs with future potential as they head into the new season.

The 2025 fantasy baseball draft season is underway, with players focusing on both early and middle rounds to build a winning roster. While big names attract attention, it’s crucial to scrutinize middle-round picks to avoid potential busts. This article highlights five pitchers that fantasy managers should steer clear of in points leagues this year due to their early average draft positions (ADP) and underlying red flags.

Emmanuel Clase, who had a stellar season with the Cleveland Guardians, is viewed as a risky pick at an ADP of 49.7, particularly because of his low strikeout rates. Jacob deGrom, despite being a two-time Cy Young winner, has struggled with injuries and lacks the innings that fantasy players need at his 56.3 ADP. Max Fried, newly signed by the New York Yankees, might be overpriced at 86.7 due to inconsistent strikeout numbers. Tyler Glasnow, known for his potential, remains a health concern at 95 ADP and may not even pitch enough to justify the pick. Lastly, Seth Lugo's low strikeout rate and decline in performance make him a questionable choice at 146.7 ADP.

The National League West remains a battleground as teams vie for roster spots ahead of the season. The Arizona Diamondbacks are focusing on center field, with Jake McCarthy edging out Alek Thomas based on their early performances. While McCarthy's speed has proven valuable, Thomas has yet to deliver consistent power. The fifth starter role sees Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson in contention, while Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk compete to become the closer after Paul Sewald's departure.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are evaluating their right field options, with Hunter Goodman, Jordan Beck, and Zac Veen in the mix. Goodman’s dual role at catcher complicates things, and veterans may fill the gap if the youngsters don’t impress. Chase Dollander, the promising rookie, is expected to start in the minors due to spring struggles, while Seth Halvorsen appears to be the most viable closing option despite a historically tough environment for Rockies relievers. The Los Angeles Dodgers focus on second base and center field, with Tommy Edman likely starting regularly as the team assesses Hyeseong Kim's power revamp. Dustin May has secured the fifth starter role, but injury concerns loom for Tony Gonsolin.