Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: April 30 – Saves Edition

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Injuries have shuffled ‘pens across the league and committees are starting reveal themselves.

    I also identify a buy-low and a sell-high in this Call to the ‘Pen as I walk you through all the arms and how they should be valued.

    As I will all year, I will list the closers in the following tiers

    Must-roster – they should be rostered in all leagues.

    Solid play – They are 12-team viable, fringe options for shallower leagues.

    Fringe-play – I would only roster them in 12-team leagues if I was starved for saves or holds

    Deep league play – I’m only using them in deeper than 12-team leagues

    Dart throw – Are you desperate?

    MUST ROSTER

    Robert Suarez, Raisel Iglesias – ATL – They both need to be on rosters. Suarez is a short term option as Iglesias works his way back. I don’t think Suarez can pitch his way into the closer’s role with Iglesias on the IL.

    Cade Smith – CLE – He is doing well with three saves over his last four appearances. No reason to doubt him now.

    Andres Munoz – SEA – After allowing five earned on April 15, he has allowed one earned in his last 6.1 innings with 12 Ks and one walk, including Wednesday.

    Ryan Helsley – BAL – He has done well on his new team as he has struck out six in his last 4.0 innings pitched.

    Mason Miller – SDP – He might be the best closer in baseball

    Brad Keller, Jhoan Duran – PHI – Duran might be back soon, but Keller is the one you want in the meantime.

    David Bednar – NYY – Some ups and downs but had five straight scoreless outings with six Ks, one walk before allowing a run thanks, in part, to a Jazz Chisholm error.

    Daniel Palencia – CHC – Should be stashed as he may return this weekend.

    SOLID PLAY

    Aroldis Chapman – BOS – He might be a sell-high of mine. It’s still a small sample for relivers but his velo is down still, the walks are climbing back up towards 10% and he is allowing a ton of hard contact.

    Louis Varland – TOR – Varland may not need to ‘lose’ his grip on this job. If Hoffman turns in more good outings, he could be given the role back.

    Enyel De Los Santos – HOU – The Astros have been scuffling lately but EDLS seems to be the preferred 9th inning option until Josh Hader returns.

    Abner Uribe – MIL – Megill has been pitching a lot lately as I’m not sure Uribe holds on to this role long-term.

    Devin Williams – NYM – He has really struggled lately as his ‘Airbender’ changeup has lost over six inches of drop. He was drafted too early to cut bait but keep an eye on his performance. The Mets have not indicated they are looking to mix things up but the managers in Queens might be leaving soon.

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    April 30, 2026, 8:00 am