It’s safe to say relievers were in high demand during the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline. Several former All-Star closers were shipped to other destinations, which led to closer changes for many of the league’s teams. Now that the deadline has passed, here’s a look at what to expect in fantasy when it comes to looking for save options right now.

American League

Athletics

The Athletics pulled off arguably the most notable trade of deadline day, moving Mason Miller and his four seasons of team control to the Padres, alongside JP Sears. San Diego gave up a haul, highlighted by star prospect Leo De Vries.

It looked from the onset that Jack Perkins would be the man to take over from Miller. Perkins had three saves, most recently on July 30, as he pitched when Miller wasn’t available. However, the Athletics moved him to the rotation, as Perkins is a starter by trade and worked in that role with Las Vegas (AAA).

Sean Newcomb closed out the Athletics’ victory on August 1, albeit with a four-run cushion. He, along with rookie Luis Morales, Elvis Alvarado, and practically anyone in that bullpen, could be an option for saves.

Orioles

The Orioles didn’t trade Felix Bautista, currently on the IL, at the deadline. Baltimore did, however, deal away Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto, meaning there’s opportunity in that pen.

Keegan Akin received the first save opportunity after the deadline and notched it. He also got the ninth on August 3 in a tied game, and gave up the game-winning home run to Justin Turner.

Guardians

Emmanuel Clase is not in the Guardians’ bullpen anymore — but not because of a trade. Clase has been put on paid leave by MLB, as his name came up in a gambling investigation. He’s on paid leave through August 31 but his locker was cleaned out. Meaning, he’s likely not coming back this year.

If you haven’t already, grab Cade Smith.

Twins

Minnesota took an axe to their roster, particularly with their bullpen. The Twins traded a ton of rentals, including Danny Coloumbe, as well as closer Jhoan Duran. Griffin Jax, who looked to be the top contender for saves once Duran left, was also traded. That came amidst a report from the New York Times that Jax wanted out after the selloff.

Cole Sands and Justin Topa are the two prime candidates, with the former being the favorite.

Rangers

The Rangers have been piecing together the late innings of games throughout the year, as Texas lost Kirby Yates in the winter and didn’t go in too deep for relievers. Luke Jackson started the season as Texas’ closer but has since been DFA’d and released.

Robert Garcia, currently dealing with a back spasm, has been the primary guy for saves. However, Phil Maton, acquired at the deadline, is someone to watch should Garcia falter.

National League

Cardinals

St. Louis dealt away Ryan Helsley, leaving a fairly sizeable hole in the bullpen. Helsley left the Cardinals with an impressive resume, one that includes two All-Star nods and an NL Reliever of the Year award.

JoJo Romero got work as the team’s temporary closer in 2023 and picked up the first save chance in a post-Helsley world.

Diamondbacks

Arizona didn’t acquire a closer at the deadline, as the Diamondbacks were sellers. The D-Backs did get quite a few relievers, though, names who could be very relevant next season.

In the interim, the Diamondbacks traded Shelby Miller (IL) at the deadline. Additionally, Kevin Ginkel went on the injured list on August 4, further complicating the hierarchy for the next few weeks. Kendall Graveman, Kyle Nelson, and Jalen Beeks are all shortlist-worthy.

Pirates

The Pirates moved former All-Star David Bednar on deadline day. It gave the Pirates more catching depth but also opened the door for another closer to take over.

Dennis Santana was shelled in his first outing after the deadline. However, he’s easily the best option and a pitcher with ninth-inning experience this season. Santana has six saves this season.

Giants

Another late-inning reliever change is set for the Giants.

Now that Camilo Doval is gone, Randy Rodriguez is poised to take over. The 25-year-old has been excellent overall this season, as he struck out 63 over his first 46 innings.

Padres

The Padres, as mentioned earlier, picked up Mason Miller at the deadline. But like last season, when San Diego acquired Tanner Scott, Miller will be behind Robert Suarez on the depth chart.

Miller will be a very important piece of the Padres’ future, whether it be as the team’s future closer or as a starter. Suarez has two player options (2026 and 2027), each at $8MM. But given how well he’s pitched, Suarez may very well opt out for a bigger payday.

Phillies

This one is simple: Jhoan Duran is the man now in Philadelphia.

A closer was the most significant need for the Phillies and Duran is among the best. Duran has already shut the door in two games as the Phillies’ closer.

Nationals

Lastly, the Nationals traded away Kyle Finnegan to the Tigers. Finnegan, despite hiccups here and there, was the Nats’ closer for the entire season.

Washington was swept over their first post-deadline weekend against the Brewers, and none of those games were particularly competitive. It would appear Jose Ferrer would be their best option, as rookie Zach Brzykcy hasn’t been great this season and arguably their best reliever this season, Brad Lord, is now a starter.

Again, another wait-and-see.

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