This is the last Closer Report of the 2021 fantasy baseball season. It should not be any surprise that in the twilight of the MLB season, closer roles are still in flux. Thank you for your time and eyeballs.
Locked In
Cole Sulser – Baltimore Orioles
Sulser has taken back the closer role after being the best of a bad bunch.
Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox
Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Indians
Ryan Pressly – Houston Astros
Scott Barlow – Kansas City Royals
Raisel Iglesias – Anaheim Angels
Alex Colome – Minnesota Twins
Aroldis Chapman – New York Yankees
Joe Barlow – Texas Rangers
Jordan Romano – Toronto Blue Jays
Tyler Clippard – Arizona Diamondbacks
Will Smith – Atlanta Braves
Carlos Estevez – Colorado Rockies
Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers
Dylan Floro – Miami Marlins
Josh Hader – Milwaukee Brewers
Edwin Diaz – New York Mets
Ian Kennedy – Philadelphia Phillies
Mark Melancon – San Diego Padres
Giovanny Gallegos – St. Louis Cardinals
Kyle Finnegan – Washington Nationals
Closer Committees
Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino, and Garrett Richards – Boston Red Sox
Note that Barnes is returning from COVID-19. His illness and shaky outings prior to the diagnosis has led to a fluid bullpen situation.
Rowan Wick and Codi Heuer – Chicago Cubs
Both have closer stuff, but Heuer’s upside is higher.
Andrew Chafin and Lou Trivino – Oakland Athletics
Paul Sewald, Drew Steckenrider, and Diego Castillo – Seattle Mariners
Pete Fairbanks and David Robertson – Tampa Bay Rays
Andrew Kittredge landed on the IL with neck stiffness, so hopefully these two close out the season.
Mychal Givens, Lucas Sims, and Michael Lorenzen – Cincinnati Reds
Injury Opportunities
Michael Fulmer – Detroit Tigers
Unfortunately, Gregory Soto is done for the season (fractured finger). Fulmer is 10-for-14 in save opportunities.
Chris Stratton – Pittsburgh Pirates
Tyler Rogers and Tony Watson – San Francisco Giants
The Giants are going with one pitcher from each handedness while Jake McGee is on the IL.
Next Man Up Adds
- Bryan Shaw (CLE)
- Daniel Hudson (SD)
- Kendall Graveman (HOU)
- Caleb Thielbar (MIN)
- Tim Mayza (TOR)
- Tyler Wells (BAL)
- Anthony Bass (MIA)
- Luke Jackson (ATL)
- Jake Brentz (KC)
- Spencer Patton (TEX)
- Kyle Funkhouser (DET)
