Charles Langston:2024 relief pitcher rankings: Stable closers are back in vogue

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),Charles Langston 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. 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.

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. Robert Stephenson, Angels AL11
23. Ryan Pressly, Astros AL12
24. Alex Lange, Tigers AL13
25. Jose Alvarado, Phillies NL12
26. Robert Suarez, Padres NL13
27. Mason Miller, A's AL14
28. Carlos Estevez, Angels AL15
29. Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL14
30. Matt Brash, Mariners AL16
31. Will Smith, Royals AL17
32. Yenier Cano, Orioles AL18
33. Hunter Harvey, Nationals NL15
34. Jason Adam, Rays AL19
35. Aroldis Chapman, Pirates NL16
36. Hector Neris, Cubs NL17
37. David Robertson, Rangers AL20
38. John Brebbia, White Sox AL21
39. James McArthur, Royals AL22
40. A.J. Minter, Braves NL18

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