Last Updated on July 22, 2025 8:01 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: July 22, 2025

We got some committees, performance concerns and a arms coming off the injured list that are/could be changing the saves landscape.

There was no ‘Call to the ‘Pen’ last week so all the stats in this one will be from July 9, forward. That was the day after my previous piece.

In that time we have an injury in LA, Miami just can’t stick to one dude, a long-time closer looks to have reclaimed his top spot, one ‘strong’-rated closer had three blown saves (eek) and a contender (or two) has had some struggles wit their closers.

And then you have the ever-changing holds landscape.

I’ve got your answers in my latest installment of Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen!

The closers I will label in the following tiers (I’ve added a fourth tier from last year and modified my definition of ‘weak’*)

Strong – they are definitely the closer.
Probably – they look to be the closer, for now.
Weak – there is a good chance they don’t get the next save chance*
Committee – We just don’t know who will get the ball in the ninth. Shrug.

Alright, let’s get into it!

Mariners

Closer – Andres Munoz – Strong

No one got a save as Munoz actually blew one.

He has been too good this year to freak out.

Holds

Gabe Speier and Matt Brash each got two holds with Eduard Bazardo getting one.

So Brash should continue to be a nice holds league piece despite some struggles.

Speier is back on the deep league radar with Carlos Vargas being supplanted.

Keep an eye on Bazardo though as he has done well with 23 Ks in his last 23.0 innings and 1.57 ERA.

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• About the Author
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Paul Williamson

I grew up in Crosby, TX, just about 30 minutes east of Houston, TX. Yes, I am a major Houston Astros fan, and love my Texans and Rockets.

I graduated Crosby High School in 2006 (Go Coogs!) and attended San Jacinto College (Go Gators!) before attending and graduating from Texas Tech in 2012 (Go Tech!). I got my degree in journalism.

Throughout my academic life I was on some form of debate team, and it was the greatest experience of my academic career.

Now I couldn’t be more happier. Sports Ethos is allowing to me to live a life long dream: to be a sports writer.

• Paul's Call to the 'Pen: September 24 - Holds Edition
• Paul's Call to the 'Pen: September 23 - Saves Edition
• Fantasy MLB Today: Elder Wand (September 24 streams)