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.

The St. Louis Cardinals are actively looking to trade players to alleviate payroll commitments, as they have yet to make any trades ahead of Opening Day. Despite efforts to find a new home for superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado, no deals have materialized. As the season approaches, the Cardinals may be forced to hold off on trades until the summer's trade deadline.

Ryan Helsley, a fan favorite and two-time All-Star, is on the trade block but likely won't be moved this winter. His performance could increase his market value significantly before he enters free agency, prompting the Cardinals to consider trades with teams like the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and Arizona Diamondbacks this summer. The Cardinals hope to leverage Helsley's talent to secure valuable prospects from a team with a strong farm system.

The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a puzzling offseason, having spoken about a potential organizational reset, yet little has changed from their 83-win season in 2024. Major roster alterations are lacking, with Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew Kittredge departing in free agency, alongside the rejection of club options for Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. Amidst swirling trade rumors, no significant moves have materialized.

ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted that the Cardinals' inactivity has caught other teams off guard, especially with usually active franchises like the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins also struggling to finalize trades. Despite Nolan Arenado being a prime candidate for trade, he, along with other rumored players such as Steven Matz, Erick Fedde, and Ryan Helsley, remains on the roster.