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2024 relief pitcher rankings: Stable closers are back in vogue

​​​​​​​View Date:2024-12-24 00:04:37

Closers seemed more stable than usual last season. With the exception of Edwin Diaz being injured in the World Baseball Classic (before many drafts had taken place), the guys who were supposed to be their teams' closers generally were. A total of 23 pitchers recorded at least 20 saves in 2023 – the most since 2017.

In the National League, Diaz looks to be fully recovered from knee surgery and ready to reclaim his spot as the game's top closer. However, the Brewers' Devin Williams may have something to say about that. In five MLB seasons, Williams has a 1.89 career ERA and he's coming off a 36-save campaign. Two-thirds of the NL bullpens seem to have a clear No. 1 closer, with the Phillies and Padres looking like the most volatile.

In the American League, Hader takes over as the closer in Houston after leaving San Diego as a free agent. He'll bump incumbent Ryan Pressly to setup status. The Twins' Jhoan Duran, with his 100 mph "splinker," might be even more valuable from a fantasy standpoint. Craig Kimbrel returns to the AL with Baltimore with Felix Bautista out for the year. Meanwhile, the Rangers and Royals have the most uncertain closer situations entering the season.

2024 fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings

  1. Devin Williams, Brewers NL1
  2. Edwin Diaz, Mets NL2
  3. Jhoan Duran, Twins AL1
  4. Josh Hader, Astros AL2
  5. Emmanuel Clase, Guardians AL3
  6. Camilo Doval, Giants NL3
  7. Raisel Iglesias, Braves NL4
  8. Paul Sewald, Diamondbacks NL5
  9. Alexis Diaz, Reds NL6
  10. David Bednar, Pirates NL7
  11. Jordan Romano, Blue Jays AL4
  12. Ryan Helsley, Cardinals NL8
  13. Clay Holmes, Yankees AL5
  14. Andres Muñoz, Mariners AL6
  15. Evan Phillips, Dodgers NL9
  16. Kenley Jansen, Red Sox AL7
  17. Adbert Alzolay, Cubs NL10
  18. Tanner Scott, Marlins NL11
  19. Craig Kimbrel, Orioles AL8
  20. Pete Fairbanks, Rays AL9
  21. Jose Leclerc, Rangers AL10
  22. Robert Stephenson, Angels AL11
  23. Ryan Pressly, Astros AL12
  24. Alex Lange, Tigers AL13
  25. Jose Alvarado, Phillies NL12
  26. Robert Suarez, Padres NL13
  27. Mason Miller, A's AL14
  28. Carlos Estevez, Angels AL15
  29. Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL14
  30. Matt Brash, Mariners AL16
  31. Will Smith, Royals AL17
  32. Yenier Cano, Orioles AL18
  33. Hunter Harvey, Nationals NL15
  34. Jason Adam, Rays AL19
  35. Aroldis Chapman, Pirates NL16
  36. Hector Neris, Cubs NL17
  37. David Robertson, Rangers AL20
  38. John Brebbia, White Sox AL21
  39. James McArthur, Royals AL22
  40. A.J. Minter, Braves NL18

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