In 2023, we had one of the best years for closer stability. 2024 already looks like a much more difficult season to navigate. We have had major injuries and unsettled situations that are hard to figure out. However, if you can find the emerging guys, it can make your season more successful.
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Closers to Target from Unsettled Situations
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox situation was already a mess before they traded away the front runner for the closer job in Gregory Santos. That was before his apparent replacement, John Brebbia, injured his calf in spring. With Michael Kopech heading to the bullpen, he could be called upon initially, but his command and control issues would make him a wild card to keep the role. I really like Prelander Berroa, who the White Sox traded for this offseason, but he is dealing with a shoulder issue right now. My money is on Jordan Leasure, who has been impressive in spring and should make the team as a non-roster invite.
Detroit Tigers
Alex Lange enters the season as the incumbent for the closer role but has a short leash. Lange’s struggles with control may finally come back to bite him this season. While Jason Foley is the logical next man up, Shelby Miller could be the man the Tigers turn to as a veteran option if Lange struggles.
Oakland Athletics
The A’s aren’t going to win a lot of games, which means there won’t be a ton of saves. Mason Miller seems to be the popular choice among drafters but he is more useful in a multi-inning role. Lucas Erceg has been another popular name but I expect them to go to Dany Jimenez as the guy initially, as he has done it before.
Colorado Rockies
It appears Tyler Kinley and Justin Lawrence will share the closer duties in Colorado. Do you want a Rockies closer, though? I don’t.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have a stacked bullpen with a lot of options. Jose Alvarado seems like the frontrunner for the job and Seranthony Dominguez has done the job before. However, I love Jeff Hoffman‘s skills and think he could emerge as a sneaky guy to roster in deeper leagues. A lot of people like rookie Orion Kerkering but Hoffman has quietly been elite and doesn’t have the same arbitration concerns.
Toronto Blue Jays
Jordan Romano is dealing with elbow soreness, which is concerning as he was one of the locked-in closers in fantasy. With his injury and Erik Swanson also dealing with an injury, Yimi Garcia should be the guy the Blue Jays turn to on Opening Day. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blue Jays make a trade for a closer if Romano is out long term.
Milwaukee Brewers
With Devin Williams out for at least three months with a back injury, the Brewers will have to turn to someone else to close out games. A lot of people have talked about Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe. The only person to get saves last season was Joel Payamps, though, and he is the best bet to start with the job. This easily could be a committee situation.
Minnesota Twins
Johan Duran will start the year on the IL due to an oblique injury, which usually takes six to eight weeks to recover from. With Duran out, I expect Griffin Jax to be the next man up for the Twins.
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