The trade deadline brought unexpected shifts in the Fantasy Baseball landscape, notably for Kyle Finnegan who delivered a surprise save that has started to reshape closer rankings. While Mason Miller was initially anticipated to gain prominence after a major trade involving the Padres, the reality has diverged, with incumbent reliever Robert Suarez retaining the closer role for now. These events unfolded during late August as teams sought to strengthen their bullpens ahead of the playoff push.

Padres’ Closer Situation: Suarez Maintains Grip Despite Miller’s Potential

Mason Miller, whose talent had many speculating a closer role, remains on the sidelines in that capacity because manager Mike Shildt continues to trust Robert Suarez, a two-time All-Star and current saves leader. Suarez’s consistency and previous success under Shildt’s management have made it difficult for Miller to claim the role outright. During Miller’s debut with the Padres, Suarez was brought in to close, signaling the team’s loyalty to the veteran reliever despite Miller’s potential.

Shildt explained the team’s approach as dynamic, stating,

“We do have a guy in Robert Suarez who’s leading this league in saves, a two-time All-Star, and a guy who’s been fantastic for us for going on two years now.”

He also noted,

“It’s going to be fluid. We’re going to pass the ball around. That’s how we see it as far as the closer role. There will be opportunities for [Miller] to take that role down at some point.”

—Mike Shildt, Padres Manager

Though Miller has yet to record a save, his role may grow if Suarez struggles, particularly given Suarez’s vulnerability after multiple recent poor outings. For fantasy players, holding both arms could be wise given the scarcity of saves opportunities and the fluidity of this bullpen battle.

Closers in Flux: Other Teams’ Post-Deadline Bullpen Scenarios

Several other MLB teams are experiencing uncertain closer roles, which is impacting Fantasy Baseball strategies significantly. Among these changes, Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis provide an intriguing example with the Guardians. Originally, Smith was favored to assume the closer role following Emmanuel Clase’s suspension due to a gambling investigation. However, it was Gaddis who secured the first save after Clase’s absence, indicating a less straightforward situation.

Though Hunter Gaddis has performed well in the high-leverage eighth inning, Cade Smith still holds stronger overall stats and appears to be the better fantasy pick. Clase remains technically eligible to return after August 31, but with rumors of him clearing out his locker, his resumption this season looks unlikely.

Kyle Finnegan’s Emergence in Detroit Challenges Established Closer Norms

The Tigers acquisition of Kyle Finnegan was initially seen as a minor move in the closer hierarchy since the team already had Will Vest, who boasted better numbers. Manager A.J. Hinch, known for his unconventional bullpen management, envisioned a flexible role for Finnegan, stating,

“We’re gonna use him in a lot of different ways. He could close games. He could also be part of the path to get to the back end. He’s willing to do anything.”

—A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager

Finnegan vindicated this approach during a crucial game against the Phillies, where he earned a save despite Vest having a strong hold on the ninth inning earlier. While Vest had accumulated most of the team‘s saves before the trade deadline, Finnegan’s debut revealed a new pitch mix that reduced his reliance on a less effective fastball, suggesting increased effectiveness ahead. Fantasy owners should not discount Finnegan’s continuing value, even if Vest remains favored long term.

Yankees’ Closer Controversy Settled but Vulnerabilities Persist

Manager Aaron Boone addressed the closer situation despite acquiring two proven relievers—David Bednar and Camilo Doval—during the deadline. He confirmed Devin Williams would maintain the role, even though Williams has struggled recently, with a high ERA and several rough outings. Boone’s decision is complicated by Williams’ impending free agency and the long-term control the Yankees have over Bednar and Doval.

While Bednar and Doval have also allowed runs, notably in a wild 13-12 loss to the Marlins, they have generally posted better statistics than Williams this season. Their inability to quickly convince Boone of closing viability keeps the closer role with Williams for the time being, though this could change if continued underperformance persists.

Giants Shift Closer Duties to Randy Rodriguez After Deadline Trades

The Giants faced an immediate closer vacancy after trading Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers. Randy Rodriguez has emerged as the clear candidate to fill this gap, boasting elite numbers including a 1.17 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Though there was some speculation whether Ryan Walker might reclaim the closer spot given his previous tenure, Rodriguez secured his first save for the Giants in an extra-innings game shortly after the deadline, reinforcing his role.

This new elevation reflects Rodriguez’s status as a major trade deadline winner, potentially surpassing other relief arms in value. His consistent dominance positions him as a critical asset in fantasy leagues focused on saves and strikeouts.

Pirates’ Relief Roles Evolve With Bednar’s Departure

Following David Bednar’s struggles and demotion earlier this season, Dennis Santana filled in as an interim closer but experienced tough outings after Bednar was traded. Despite a challenging game where his ERA soared from 1.36 to 2.31, Santana retained the closer spot and rebounded with a scoreless ninth inning in his next appearance. However, Isaac Mattson, a rookie setup man with impressive peripheral stats, represents a compelling alternative. Mattson’s ability to generate strikeouts and keep runs off the board makes him a player to watch as the Pirates reconfigure their bullpen hierarchy.

Cardinals’ Closer Role Filled by Jordan Romero Amid Limited Options

The Cardinals’ need for a closer replacement after Ryan Helsley’s injury led to Jordan Romero stepping into the spotlight. While he allowed an earned run over 1 1/3 innings in his first save opportunity, Romero features a solid 2.21 ERA this season and has been the logical, if imperfect, choice given a lack of better candidates. Kyle Leahy’s recent scoreless innings highlight depth in relief but not enough to challenge Romero’s position at the moment.

Twins Face Bullpen Challenges After Significant Deadline Departures

The Minnesota Twins aggressively sold off several bullpen arms at the deadline, leaving Cole Sands as the principal reliever expected to take over closing duties. Despite this, Sands has appeared primarily in the eighth inning since the deadline, encountering difficulties as the ninth-inning role remains unsettled due to limited options in the bullpen. Manager Rocco Baldelli’s attempt to manipulate leverage situations with a depleted bullpen suggests a transitional phase that will need adjustment, as the ninth inning remains the key closing situation most of the time.

Athletics Showing Uncertainty Between Sean Newcomb and Michael Kelly for Closing Role

After acquiring Sean Newcomb, a left-hander with excellent recent relief numbers, the Oakland Athletics appear to be weighing their closer options following Mason Miller’s departure. Newcomb’s 2.25 ERA and solid strikeout rates make him a natural closer candidate. However, manager Mark Kotsay has deployed him inconsistently—in one game using Newcomb in the ninth inning with a multi-run lead, and in another using right-hander Michael Kelly in the ninth while Newcomb labored in the eighth with the team trailing. Kelly’s impressive 1.35 ERA contrasts with some questions about his ability to miss bats, offering a mixed outlook for the closer role.

Nationals’ Jose Ferrer and Cole Henry Offer Limited Closer Potential

Jose Ferrer has been considered a potential closer in Washington due to his high-velocity fastball but has struggled with a 5.03 ERA and limited effectiveness. Since the trade deadline, Ferrer pitched only once in a middle-inning appearance during a blowout loss where he allowed runs. His teammate Cole Henry, while a more stable right-handed alternative, fails to provide significant upside as a closer candidate.

Orioles’ Closer Spot Remains Unsettled Following Key Departures

The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen experienced considerable turnover with the departure of setup man Bryan Baker and then closer Felix Bautista’s injury. Subsequent trades involving Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez removed apparent closer hopefuls. As a result, the Orioles rely on a collection of lesser-known relievers whose utilization remains unclear even to manager Tony Mansolino.

Among them, Corbin Martin stands out. After converting a save opportunity on July 29, Martin has exhibited strong strikeout ability and improved fastball velocity. Yet, in recent games he has appeared in middle relief, with closer chances deferring to Keegan Akin. The team‘s approach to defining their ninth-inning solution remains a work in progress.

Implications for Fantasy Baseball Owners and the Closer Market

The reshuffling of closer roles across multiple teams signals an unpredictable final stretch of the MLB season, where opportunities for saves and key relief appearances may shift quickly. Kyle Finnegan’s recent save and new pitching approach exemplify how emerging talents can disrupt expectations, challenging established hierarchy and offering fresh options for fantasy players monitoring saves.

Managers’ tendencies towards bullpen flexibility, loyalty, and matchup-based leverage games create volatile environments where incumbent closers can falter and backups may seize unexpected roles. For fantasy owners, identifying these evolving situations offers a chance to capitalize on newly minted closers and setup men as the pennant races tighten.

Monitoring developments from the Padres’ bullpen to the Tigers’ and Giants’ relief room will be essential, as well as watching franchises confronting depth losses, such as the Twins and Orioles. This dynamic closer market may reward those who proactively adjust their rosters to embrace emerging fantasy assets like Finnegan, Rodriguez, and Mattson.