Chapman should have plenty of job security when he returns to the team, but it'll be Zach Britton getting saves to start the season.
With free-agent acquisition Yoshihisa Hirano on the injured list after testing positive for COVID-19, Magill could open the year as the team's closer, with Brandon Brennan and Carl Edwards Jr. also in the mix.Sergio Romo led the Marlins with 17 saves in 2019, but he was traded to the Twins last July. Brad Hand struggled big time in the second half with a 5.40 ERA and four blown saves. July 17, 2020
If the 26-year-old struggles again, Montero could get a shot.Iglesias recorded a career-high 34 saves in 2019, but his ERA jumped to 4.16 (2.47 over 2017-18), and Lorenzen collected seven saves himself. Kimbrel didn’t sign with the club until June and had no spring training to work with. Hendriks broke out in 2019, but questions remain. Even with a 5.59 ERA, Diaz posted elite strikeout numbers with a 15.36 K/9. Meanwhile, just 11 players finished with 30-plus saves, and only six of them were cemented as the closer during fantasy draft season.Building a winning fantasy bullpen could be more difficult than ever in 2020, as many closers will likely have short leashes during the 60-game schedule, when the impact of a blown save will be magnified.Here's a look at the current closer landscape, with teams broken down into three categories and organized alphabetically.The A's also had an elite fantasy closer to start last season, but it wasn't Hendriks; it was Blake Treinen. But are they best in baseball? With free agency looming after this season, the 35-year-old could be a trade candidate in August, but he can be expected to receive the majority of Kansas City's save chances before then.Jiménez took over as the Tigers' closer after the team traded Shane Greene on July 31, and he had success in the role, collecting nine saves and recording a 3.06 ERA in his final 19 games. All he did was get the job done for the White Sox and provide excellent value with 30 saves and a 2.80 ERA. Orioles manager hinted at Harvey seeing opportunities last month and, if nothing else, he throws hard and is a former top prospect.As for the Cardinals, we had hoped it would be Gallegos' job, but he likely won't be available to start the season because he hasn't even reported to camp yet, which means Helsley looks like the default option. By Yes, Diaz belongs here.
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep: Ranking each closer by job security, plus five late-round save sleepers How do closer rankings change when you rank them according to job security?
In 2019, 199 players had at least one save, topping 2018 (165) for the all-time record. Who are the top closers to target on draft day?
Kennedy finished 2019 with 30 saves, a 3.41 ERA and the best K-BB% (21.0%) of his career.
Anderson's performance after joining the Rays in a trade last July was staggering, as the right-hander recorded a 2.11 ERA with a 50% K-BB% over 21 1/3 innings.