Thankfully, the chaos surrounding MLB closers in 2024 that we’ve witnessed over the past couple of weeks has subsided recently. 

Newly crowned MLB closers that we’ve covered in recent fantasy closer columns like Philadelphia Phillies reliever Seranthony Dominguez, Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez and San Francisco Giants stopper Ryan Walker seem to have settled into their new roles.

 

 

 

With the revolving door nature of the MLB closers in 2024 position perhaps they shouldn’t get too comfortable. 

You have to think that Walker might be looking over his shoulder since the Giants recently recalled Camilo Doval from their Triple-A affiliate. Doval has picked up a hold and a win in his first two appearances since his recall but luckily for Walker, he hasn’t gotten rid of that nasty habit of issuing free passes to opposing hitters (3 walks in 2.1 IP).

MLB Closers 2024: Fantasy Baseball Closer Report

Make it a point to check out our Fantasy Baseball Closer Grid. We update it on a regular basis based on all the latest trends and news related to baseball’s high-leverage relievers. 

In the meantime, here’s a few bullpen-related updates regarding fantasy baseball closers that you should be aware of!

(All stats quoted in this article are accurate as of the morning of 8/28/2024)

 

 

 

Hector Neris A Good Resource For Holds Moving Forward

MLB teams seem to always have room for a reliever that they believe can add depth to their bullpen. Neris, who was DFA’ed last Tuesday, is back home pitching for the Houston Astros again. 

He spent the 2022 and 2023 season with the Astros and has been used in the sixth and seventh innings in his first two appearances with his new (old) team. With Ryan Pressly on the IL, Bryan Abreu is likely the next man up after closer Josh Hader but with 106 career saves on his resume Neris could also be used in occasional save situations.

Add Jake Cousins To Your Watch List

We’ve covered Clay Holmes’ recent struggles in past columns and while New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone claims he plans on sticking with Holmes as his closer, if his struggles continue, he might not have a choice but to make a change. 

If you’ve got room on your roster and are looking for help in the holds category, adding a highly effective reliever who pitches for one of the best teams in baseball is a good strategy. Cousins recorded three holds last week and has a solid 1.80 ERA on the season. 

He also has a path to potential save opportunities should Holmes be unavailable or if the Yanks look to make a change in the structure of their bullpen. Cousins has a save this season and 12 in his professional baseball career. With the Yankees recently DFAing Michael Tonkin he’ll likely continue to see an uptick in his use in high leverage late inning situations.

 

 

 

The Athletics Bullpen Has Been A Good Resource For Holds

When it comes to the A’s bullpen the first pitcher that most of us think of is fireballer Mason Miller. There’s no doubt that the A’s are a bad team but they can be scrappy at times. With so many teams that are in contention for a playoff spot having such issues with their bullpen depth it’s surprising to note that collectively, A’s relievers have the sixth best ERA in baseball (3.62). 

Even more surprising is that the A’s bullpen has the third most holds this season (87). That’s pretty impressive for a team that has only won 43 percent of their games this season. Grant Holman might give up more walks than we’d like to see from him (4.5 BB/9) but he has a 2.25 ERA and he’s recorded a hold in each of his five appearances for the A’s dating back to August 17th. 

Another A’s reliever who has been impressive lately is T.J. McFarland. He hasn’t given up a run in his last 12 appearances dating back to July 26th. McFarland has a win and four holds during that time span. Tyler Ferguson is another A’s reliever who can help you in the holds category. He has a 0.82 ERA, a win and five holds in his last 11 appearances.

Tyler Holton Is The Detroit Tigers Reliever You Should Roster

The Tigers have been using a committee approach in managing their high leverage late inning situations, but Holton has proven to be the most valuable member of that committee, and he has been so for a long time. 

In Holton’s last 23 appearances he has two wins, four saves and six holds. He has a microscopic 0.26 ERA and has struck out 26 batters while walking just four during that time span. 

Liam Hendriks Is Close To Making His Return To Big-League Action

In his prime Hendriks was one of baseball’s best closers but a myriad of health issues including a cancer diagnosis derailed his career. As this article is being written Hendriks has made three rehab appearances. The plan was to have Hendriks make six to eight appearances including back to back days before he is reinstated from the IL. 

Having Hendriks back on a big league mound is a great feel good story. He’ll give the Boston Red Sox bullpen some much needed depth, but for fantasy purposes Hendriks could be a resource for an occasional hold. He probably won’t be worth rostering among MLB closers in 2024.