2024 relief pitcher rankings: Stable closers are back in vogue

Steve Gardner, USA TODAY
Updated

Closers seemed more stable than usual last season. With the exception of Edwin Diaz being injured in the World Baseball Classic (before many drafts had taken place), the guys who were supposed to be their teams' closers generally were. A total of 23 pitchers recorded at least 20 saves in 2023 – the most since 2017.

In the National League, Diaz looks to be fully recovered from knee surgery and ready to reclaim his spot as the game's top closer. However, the Brewers' Devin Williams may have something to say about that. In five MLB seasons, Williams has a 1.89 career ERA and he's coming off a 36-save campaign. (However, Williams is currently out with a back injury and his prognosis is uncertain.) Two-thirds of the NL bullpens seem to have a clear No. 1 closer, with the Phillies and Padres looking like the most volatile.

In the American League, Hader takes over as the closer in Houston after leaving San Diego as a free agent. He'll bump incumbent Ryan Pressly to setup status. The Twins' Jhoan Duran, with his 100 mph "splinker," might be even more valuable from a fantasy standpoint. Craig Kimbrel returns to the AL with Baltimore with Felix Bautista out for the year. Meanwhile, the Rangers and Royals have the most uncertain closer situations entering the season.

Brewers closer Devin Williams posted a 1.53 ERA, struck out 87 batters in 58 2/3 innings and converted 36 of 40 save chances last season.
Brewers closer Devin Williams posted a 1.53 ERA, struck out 87 batters in 58 2/3 innings and converted 36 of 40 save chances last season.

2024 fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings

  1. Devin Williams, Brewers NL1

  2. Edwin Diaz, Mets NL2

  3. Jhoan Duran, Twins AL1

  4. Josh Hader, Astros AL2

  5. Emmanuel Clase, Guardians AL3

  6. Camilo Doval, Giants NL3

  7. Raisel Iglesias, Braves NL4

  8. Paul Sewald, Diamondbacks NL5

  9. Alexis Diaz, Reds NL6

  10. David Bednar, Pirates NL7

  11. Jordan Romano, Blue Jays AL4

  12. Ryan Helsley, Cardinals NL8

  13. Clay Holmes, Yankees AL5

  14. Andres Muñoz, Mariners AL6

  15. Evan Phillips, Dodgers NL9

  16. Kenley Jansen, Red Sox AL7

  17. Adbert Alzolay, Cubs NL10

  18. Tanner Scott, Marlins NL11

  19. Craig Kimbrel, Orioles AL8

  20. Pete Fairbanks, Rays AL9

  21. Jose Leclerc, Rangers AL10

  22. Alex Lange, Tigers AL11

  23. Jose Alvarado, Phillies NL12

  24. Robert Suarez, Padres NL13

  25. Mason Miller, A's AL12

  26. Carlos Estevez, Angels AL13

  27. Robert Stephenson, Angels AL14

  28. Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL14

  29. Will Smith, Royals AL15

  30. Abner Uribe, Brewers NL15

  31. Joel Payamps, Brewers NL16

  32. Yennier Cano, Orioles AL16

  33. David Robertson, Rangers AL17

  34. Hunter Harvey, Nationals NL17

  35. A.J. Puk, Marlins NL18

  36. Jason Adam, Rays AL18

  37. Ryan Pressly, Astros AL19

  38. James McArthur, Royals AL20

  39. Hector Neris, Cubs NL19

  40. Orion Kerkering, Phillies NL20

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings: Top 40 for 2024

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