In the competitive landscape of fantasy baseball drafts for 2025, targeting mid-round closers can be pivotal. Players like Trevor Megill of the Milwaukee Brewers showcased their potential in 2024, accumulating 21 saves with an impressive ERA and WHIP. Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins is positioned as a top high-leverage option, expected to secure over 25 saves despite stiff competition from his bullpen mates. Ryan Walker from the San Francisco Giants emerged as a standout with a remarkable season, but uncertainty about his role remains. With Kenley Jansen joining the Los Angeles Angels, he adds veteran stability to their ninth inning. Finally, Andres Munoz offers elite closer potential for the Seattle Mariners, although his injury history warrants caution. Each of these pitchers presents distinct value in mid-round drafts, making them essential considerations for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters.

Gregory Santos, a 25-year-old reliever for the Seattle Mariners, is generating buzz early in spring training after a challenging previous season marred by injuries. Santos only managed to pitch in eight games last season, suffering from a right latissimus dorsi strain and biceps inflammation, posting a 4.91 ERA. However, he previously showed promise with a 3.39 ERA in 2023 while playing for the Chicago White Sox, where he struck out 66 batters in 60 appearances. The Mariners are optimistic that if Santos can regain his form, he could be pivotal for a bullpen that struggled last season.

At a recent bullpen session, Mariners president Jerry Dipoto praised Santos, indicating that he’s looking good. With a potential trio of Santos, Andres Munoz, and Matt Brash, the Mariners could solidify their late-game strategy. The team is coming off a narrowly missed playoff berth and is eager to return to postseason play, having not advanced past the ALDS since 2001.

This analysis focuses on several MLB players who are generating buzz in the upcoming draft season, featuring insights on their performance and potential. Notable mentions include Jorge Soler, who, with an ADP of 222, is expected to thrive batting cleanup for the Los Angeles Angels. His move to a full-time DH role could see him challenge 100 RBIs, leveraging his previous prowess of 48 homers in 2019. Yusei Kikuchi, now with the Houston Astros, has shown remarkable improvement since leveraging his slider, projecting him as a top-40 pitcher. For deeper leagues, Pedro Leon’s ADP of 745 presents a risk/reward opportunity as he competes for playing time in the Astros outfield.

Other players of interest are Spencer Arrighetti, whose rookie season showcased a strong strikeout rate, while Shea Langeliers from the Oakland Athletics is poised for a breakout season with potential Tier 1 catcher stats. Andres Munoz is highlighted as a top-3 closer, benefiting from the absence of competition for saves in Seattle. Lastly, Evan Carter and Kumar Rocker are promising young talents, with Carter's ADP at 288 and Rocker's projected to rise after a successful return from injury.

The Boston Red Sox have made significant moves ahead of the holiday season, signing pitchers Walker Buehler and Austin Adams. Buehler, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion, has secured a $21.05 million contract.

Adams, an experienced eight-year veteran, will join the team on a minor league deal with hopes of making the bullpen. He has previously played for multiple teams, including the Oakland Athletics last season, where he had a 3.92 ERA over 56 games.

The Seattle Mariners are showcasing one of the strongest minor league systems in Major League Baseball, with eight players featured on Baseball America's top 100 prospects list. This depth could translate into significant contributions to the major league roster as early as 2025, with players like Cole Young and Logan Evans expected to make their mark.

Baseball America's recent projections for the Mariners' 2028 lineup indicate a dramatic transformation, retaining only catcher Cal Raleigh and star outfielder Julio Rodriguez. The starting pitching rotation, however, is expected to remain largely intact, with Logan Evans potentially stepping in for veteran Luis Castillo.