Saves plus holds (SV+H) leagues are gaining more and more popularity each year. This format shifts the relevant relief pitcher player pool from exclusively closers to nearly all relievers.
In 2024, eight pitchers had 30+ saves, while another eight had 30+ holds. Of the eight pitchers with 30+ holds, none had more than two saves, so there isn’t much overlap.
This format doubled the relief pitchers with 30+ saves + holds compared to a traditional saves league. There were 1,200+ saves last year compared to 2,500+ holds.
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Fantasy Baseball Saves + Holds League Advice
Each week during the season, I take a look at the relief pitcher landscape to aid with start/sit decisions and waiver wire management.
Saves + Holds Relief Pitcher Rankings
Here are my top 40 relievers for saves plus holds leagues:
| Rank | Pitcher | Team |
| 1 | Emmanuel Clase | CLE |
| 2 | Devin Williams | NYY |
| 3 | Josh Hader | HOU |
| 4 | Edwin Diaz | NYM |
| 5 | Mason Miller | OAK |
| 6 | Ryan Helsley | STL |
| 7 | Tanner Scott | LAD |
| 8 | Andres Munoz | SEA |
| 9 | Raisel Iglesias | ATL |
| 10 | Ryan Walker | SFG |
| 11 | Jhoan Duran | MIN |
| 12 | Jeff Hoffman | TOR |
| 13 | Robert Suarez | SDP |
| 14 | Cade Smith | CLE |
| 15 | Trevor Megill | MIL |
| 16 | Bryan Abreu | HOU |
| 17 | Blake Treinen | LAD |
| 18 | Justin Martinez | ARI |
| 19 | Griffin Jax | MIN |
| 20 | Jason Adam | SDP |
| 21 | Porter Hodge | CHC |
| 22 | Carlos Estevez | KCR |
| 23 | Aroldis Chapman | BOS |
| 24 | AJ Puk | ARI |
| 25 | Chris Martin | TEX |
| 26 | Lucas Erceg | KCR |
| 27 | Felix Bautista | BAL |
| 28 | Jose Alvarado | PHI |
| 29 | Luke Weaver | NYY |
| 30 | Matt Strahm | PHI |
| 31 | Kenley Jansen | LAA |
| 32 | Pete Fairbanks | TBR |
| 33 | Camilo Doval | SFG |
| 34 | Kirby Yates | LAD |
| 35 | Ryan Pressly | CHC |
| 36 | Kyle Finnegan | WSH |
| 37 | Jordan Romano | PHI |
| 38 | Luke Jackson | TEX |
| 39 | Tony Santillan | CIN |
| 40 | Jeremiah Estrada | SDP |
Saves + Holds Relief Pitcher Notes
- Five pitchers lead the way with three SV+H each. Blake Treinen (LAD), Porter Hodge (CHC) and Jason Adam (SDP) have yet to allow an earned run. Alex Vesia (LAD) and Tanner Scott (LAD) haven’t been quite as dominant but should see plenty of opportunities in the back of the Dodgers’ bullpen.
- David Bednar (PIT) looked awful in his one inning across three appearances and was sent down to Triple-A to figure it out. Dennis Santana got the first save post-Bednar.
- With Alexis Diaz (CIN) on the injured list (IL), the Reds have given Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagan opportunities.
- Felix Bautista (BAL) is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. His sinker is sitting a couple of ticks below what it was in 2023, but that’s expected while he shakes off the rust.
- Emmanuel Clase (CLE) followed up his nearly flawless 2024 by blowing the save and giving up a run on Opening Day. It’ll take a lot more than that to lose faith.
- There’s been talk of Jose Alvarado (PHI) getting closing duties for the Phillies, but it shouldn’t matter. Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm and Alvarado should all see SV+H opportunities.
- Beau Brieske (DET) got the first save chance for the Tigers, but it was his last. Tommy Kahnle closed out their next opportunity and is the only one worth monitoring for now.
- The Braves, Twins, Brewers, Royals, Astros, Guardians and Red Sox have had very few opportunities but should see more as the season progresses.
- The Rockies, White Sox, Marlins and Pirates hardly have a handful of options combined. I would steer clear.
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