As the 2025 baseball season gets underway, fantasy baseball enthusiasts will find the RotoBaller's Closers and Saves Report indispensable. This weekly publication offers insights into bullpen dynamics, top relief performances, and must-have waiver wire targets. This inaugural report dives into key questions surrounding each team's bullpen, paving the way for informed decisions this season.

For the Atlanta Braves, Raisel Iglesias is confirmed as the closer, but with the return of Craig Kimbrel, questions linger about his impact. Calvin Faucher’s role for the Miami Marlins could be pivotal; will he reach double-digit saves? Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets has made a notable shift in pitch selection, prompting queries about sustaining effectiveness. The Philadelphia Phillies are embracing a 'floating closer' strategy, and it remains to be seen if Jordan Romano or Jose Alvarado will emerge as the primary choice.

As the season unfolds, the report will serve as a vital resource, continually updating the Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts, essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of MLB bullpens.

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Díaz struggled last season with a 3.99 ERA and declining strikeout rate, earning 28 saves in 32 opportunities. Starting the season on the injured list due to hamstring issues raises concerns about his reliability in fantasy leagues, especially with a stronger bullpen featuring options like Taylor Rogers and Scott Barlow. New manager Terry Francona has more depth for closing opportunities, making it harder for Díaz to maintain his role if inaccuracies in pitching persist.

With the Reds missing proven closers from past seasons, fantasy managers should tread carefully. While there’s a chance Díaz returns to form, it seems a stretch given his current state. Meanwhile, Felix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles remains a top investment despite past injury concerns, while Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals is a reliable pick for saves. The ever-changing landscape of bullpens makes it essential for managers to monitor updates closely.

In the upcoming season, fantasy baseball managers should strategically target pitchers with Average Auction Values (AAV) under $5 to maximize their auction draft potential. This article highlights valuable players within this budget, emphasizing the necessity of budget-friendly options, particularly for saves and strikeouts.

The Washington Nationals' Kyle Finnegan emerges as a prime candidate, showing resilience as the closer despite some advanced metrics raising concerns. At $3, he offers potential savings, making him a reliable selection for teams in need of saves.

Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays is another standout, having transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation successfully with impressive late-season stats. His AAV of $3 reflects significant upside, making him a worthy gamble for fantasy managers seeking depth.

Walker Buehler, now with the Boston Red Sox, presents a high-risk, high-reward option given his recent struggles but showcased postseason brilliance. Priced at $2, he could yield a substantial return if he rebounds under a new regime.

DJ Herz from the Nationals is touted for his potential despite command issues, offering a tantalizing profile at $2. Lastly, these pitchers provide excellent opportunities for fantasy owners to enhance their roster without breaking the bank, underscoring the importance of strategic bidding in auction drafts.

The Washington Nationals face scrutiny for parting ways with former closer Kyle Finnegan, who remains a free agent. Predictably, he has drawn interest from teams like the Chicago Cubs, a franchise looking to revamp its roster and solidify its bullpen. Finnegan had a stellar first half of the previous season, posting a 2.45 ERA with 25 saves, leading to an All-Star selection. However, his performance faltered in the second half, resulting in a 5.79 ERA, prompting the Nationals to non-tender him.

As the Cubs consider adding Finnegan, they currently rely on rookie Porter Hodge as their closer, who performed admirably last season. However, bringing in the experienced Finnegan could provide stability, allowing Hodge to further develop without the pressure of being a full-time closer. Meanwhile, the Nationals have found a possible replacement in Jorge Lopez, who had a rough start in New York but bounced back with solid performances in Chicago.

The Atlanta Braves are facing a significant challenge in their bullpen as right-hander Joe Jiménez is sidelined due to surgery and lefty A.J. Minter is reportedly heading to the New York Mets. Despite signing several pitchers to minor league contracts this offseason, the Braves have yet to make a significant addition to their bullpen. With the offseason clock ticking, they are exploring affordable relief pitcher options for potential Major League contracts.

Colin Poche, a left-handed pitcher formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays, is on the market after posting a 3.86 ERA in 43 appearances in 2024, although he had previously achieved a 2.23 ERA when healthy. Lucas Sims, once a Brave, had a mixed year with the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, finishing with a 3.57 ERA but showing promise in September after recovering from injury.

Other candidates include Matt Moore, who had a successful stint before regressing in 2024, and Kyle Finnegan, a 2024 All-Star with the Nationals. The Braves are looking for low-risk, high-reward signings to bolster their bullpen as the new season approaches.