2025 Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Preview: Closers may get the glory, but don’t ignore non-closing relievers

2025 Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Preview: Closers May Get the Glory, but Don’t Ignore Non-Closing Relievers

As fantasy baseball owners prepare for the 2025 season, the relief pitcher landscape is shaping up to be as intriguing as ever. While closers tend to dominate the headlines, savvy owners know that non-closing relievers can provide immense value in deeper leagues. In this preview, we’ll break down the top closers, setup men, and non-closing relievers to target in your fantasy drafts.

Top Closers to Target

1. Josh Hader: The San Diego Padres’ closer is a perennial elite option, boasting a 100+ mph fastball and devastating slider.
2. Aroldis Chapman: The New York Yankees’ closer remains one of the most dominant forces in the game, with a 100+ mph fastball and sharp slider.
3. Liam Hendriks: The Chicago White Sox’s closer has established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable options in the game.

Setup Men to Target

1. Trevor May: The New York Mets’ setup man boasts a 95+ mph fastball and sharp slider, making him a prime target for holds and strikeouts.
2. Tyler Matzek: The Atlanta Braves’ setup man features a 95+ mph fastball and devastating curveball, making him a valuable asset for holds and strikeouts.
3. Diego Castillo: The Seattle Mariners’ setup man boasts a 98+ mph fastball and sharp slider, making him a prime target for holds and strikeouts.

Non-Closing Relievers to Target

1. Michael King: The New York Yankees’ right-hander features a 95+ mph fastball and sharp slider, making him a valuable asset for holds and strikeouts.
2. Dylan Floro: The Miami Marlins’ right-hander boasts a 95+ mph fastball and sharp slider, making him a prime target for holds and strikeouts.
3. Joe Barlow: The Texas Rangers’ right-hander features a 95+ mph fastball and devastating curveball, making him a valuable asset for holds and strikeouts.

Strategy for Drafting Relief Pitchers

1. Focus on Skills, Not Roles: When drafting relief pitchers, focus on their skills and abilities rather than their specific roles. This will help you identify talented pitchers who may not be closers but can still provide significant value.
2. Target High-Strikeout Pitchers: Relief pitchers who can rack up strikeouts are incredibly valuable in fantasy baseball. Target pitchers with high strikeout rates and the ability to miss bats.
3. Monitor Bullpen Roles: Keep a close eye on bullpen roles throughout the season. Closers can change, and setup men can become closers. Staying informed will help you make informed decisions and adjust your roster accordingly.

Conclusion

The 2025 fantasy baseball relief pitcher landscape is filled with talented options, from dominant closers to skilled non-closing relievers. By focusing on skills, targeting high-strikeout pitchers, and monitoring bullpen roles, you can build a formidable relief corps that will help you dominate your fantasy league. Don’t sleep on non-closing relievers – they can provide immense value in deeper leagues.