The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for the 2025 season, aiming to overcome pitching struggles that plagued them in 2024, where they finished with the fourth-worst starter ERA in the American League. General Manager Mike Chernoff acknowledged the importance of improving their pitching depth, citing the strength of last year's bullpen led by standout performers like Emmanuel Clase and Hunter Gaddis. While the team is optimistic about the return of Shane Bieber post-surgery, concerns remain about the rotation, especially following the loss of key pitchers like Cobb and Boyd. The Guardians are looking to integrate promising young arms such as Luis Ortiz and Slade Cecconi to bolster their options on the mound.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is primed for action, with teams shaking up their bullpens ahead of spring training. Notably, Emmanuel Clase is projected to lead the saves chart with 41, flanked by elite arms like Josh Hader and Raisel Iglesias, both with 36. The American League features exciting closer situations, particularly in Oakland with Mason Miller, who showcases an impressive 101 mph fastball and a staggering strikeout rate that could redefine the closer role. In Baltimore, Félix Bautista returns from injury, hoping to reclaim the top closer spot after a stellar 2023, while the Red Sox juggle a mix of veterans and upstarts vying for save opportunities.

As teams finalize their rosters, keep an eye on potential waiver wire gems. For instance, the Royals’ Carlos Estévez might reclaim closing duties, while in Detroit, Jason Foley's lower strikeout rate raises concerns about his job security. The fantasy landscape is shifting rapidly, and savvy managers will track these developments closely to optimize their rosters ahead of the draft.

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 2025 Fantasy Baseball season is gearing up with the release of the latest closer and relief pitcher rankings, essential for the 5x5 mixed roto leagues. This year's early rankings highlight the significant offseason trades and acquisitions that could reshape team dynamics. Notably, Ryan Helsley leads the charge with an impressive 49 saves, closely followed by Emmanuel Clase with 47 saves. The New York Yankees made a splash by acquiring Devin Williams, who is set to be their new closer after signing a one-year contract to avoid arbitration.

Among other moves, the Chicago Cubs traded for Ryan Pressly, while Tanner Scott has been signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, further adding to the competitive landscape of the league. With 22 relief pitchers having converted 20 or more saves last season, the rankings cater to players looking to strategize their draft picks effectively, ensuring they secure top-tier closers who can deliver saves consistently throughout the season.

In the 2024 MLB season, the St. Louis Cardinals' Ryan Helsley and the Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Clase emerged as standout relievers, both surpassing 40 saves. This duo highlights a surprisingly deep pool of talent in the closing pitcher role, as evidenced by a total of six relievers achieving 30 or more saves, while 14 managed at least 20 saves across the league.

Notably, the upcoming 2025 season is anticipated to bring more competitive arms into the fold. Josh Hader is expected to improve in his second year with the Houston Astros, while Devin Williams, nicknamed 'The Airbender', will be donning pinstripes with the New York Yankees next season. This influx of talent makes the relief pitcher position one to watch during drafts as teams look to bolster their bullpens.