Fantasy Baseball Closer Report (September 6): Role Continues To Shift Despite Limited Roster Additions

The limit on roster additions post-Sept. 1 has mitigated some of the disaster that can be bullpens in the final month of the season. Still, the closer role has seen some changes over the past two weeks.

Locked In 

Matt Barnes – Boston Red Sox 

Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox 

Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Indians 

Gregory Soto – Detroit Tigers 

Ryan Pressly – Houston Astros 

Scott Barlow – Kansas City Royals 

It took until the end of August, but it appears there is stability in the Royals bullpen! 

Raisel Iglesias – Anaheim Angels 

Alex Colomé – Minnesota Twins 

Aroldis Chapman – New York Yankees 

Joe Barlow – Texas Rangers 

Spencer Patton logged a save Aug.t 31, but Barlow has a 3-1 saves edge in the Rangers’ last five save opportunities. 

Jordan Romano – Toronto Blue Jays 

Tyler Clippard – Arizona Diamondbacks 

Will Smith – Atlanta Braves 

Rowan Wick – Chicago Cubs 

Wick was my choice to close if the Cubs traded their entire bullpen. The previous high-leverage relievers are gone and Wick is healthy. The Cubs are also on a winning streak so his ROI is at its highest. 

Carlos Estévez – Colorado Rockies 

Daniel Bard had the longest leash despite the team’s lost season. Estévez is as shaky as Bard but has a longer track record as a closer. 

Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers 

Dylan Floro – Miami Marlins 

Josh Hader – Milwaukee Brewers 

Hader has allowed three of five inherited runners to score in 2021. He has only had them in three appearances. 

Edwin Diaz – New York Mets 

Ian Kennedy – Philadelphia Phillies 

David Bednar – Pittsburgh Pirates 

Mark Melancon – San Diego Padres 

Jake McGee – San Francisco Giants 

Giovanny Gallegos – St. Louis Cardinals 

Alex Reyes has lost his touch that carried him to the MLB record for consecutive saves as a first-time closer. Gallegos should have the role for the foreseeable future. 

Kyle Finnegan – Washington Nationals 

Closer Committees 

Cole Sulser and Tyler Wells – Baltimore Orioles 

The Orioles have two saves since we last convened, and both relievers logged one apiece. 

Andrew Chafin, Lou Trivino, and Sergio Romo – Oakland Athletics 

Trivino has gone through his worst stretch as the team’s closer, allowing 13 earned runs over his past five appearances. Chafin offers a left-handed option and Romo has had a second-half revival.  

Paul Sewald, Drew Steckenrider, and Diego Castillo – Seattle Mariners 

Pete Fairbanks, David Robertson, and Andrew Kittredge – Tampa Bay Rays 

I will not miss following this bullpen. 

Mychal Givens and Michael Lorenzen – Cincinnati Reds 

Injury Opportunities 

None to report. 

Next Man Up Adds 

Craig Kimbrel (CHW)  

Bryan Shaw (CLE) 

James Karinchak was optioned to the minors, making the veteran the next option if Clase needs a day off. Shaw has been used a lot, which presents concerns. His 66 appearances are the third-most among relievers. 

Kendall Graveman (HOU) 

Caleb Thielbar (MIN) 

Tim Mayza (TOR) 

Blake Treinen (LAD) 

Anthony Bass (MIA) 

Luke Jackson (ATL) 

Jake Brentz (KC) 

Spencer Patton (TEX)