When fantasy managers are asked the question, “Who’s closing in LA?” the immediate response is usually simple. Edwin Díaz just signed a massive contract, and he will be the unquestioned endgame stopper for the Dodgers. But there is another Los Angeles team, and while they have not helped many fantasy rosters lately, they still need someone to handle the ninth inning. So the question becomes, “Who’s closing in LA—no, the other LA?” The answer is far from clear.
Last season, the Angels signed Kenley Jansen to close games, and the veteran delivered. Jansen rediscovered flashes of his Hall of Fame-caliber form, saving 29 games with a 2.59 ERA while appearing in 62 contests. He has since moved on to Detroit, leaving a significant void at the back end of the Angels’ bullpen.
The Angels hope Ben Joyce can eventually stabilize the role, but durability remains a major concern. Joyce possesses an electric fastball that regularly touches triple digits, yet he has not shown an ability to stay healthy for a full season. Robert Stephenson fits a similar profile. The 32-year-old can be dominant in short bursts, but injuries have consistently interrupted his career.
The situation became even murkier when the Angels added former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano and veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz. Both pitchers bring experience and past success, but both also carry significant injury risk. Romano appears to be the early favorite, given his 113 career saves, despite rough recent seasons with Philadelphia and Toronto.
General manager Perry Minasian has acknowledged the role remains unsettled and may be decided during spring training. Pomeranz, now 37, enjoyed a strong 2025 season, but it was his first full major league campaign since 2021.
For fantasy purposes, the Angels’ bullpen is one to approach cautiously. Still, if forced to choose, Joyce’s upside remains the most intriguing. Once healthy, his raw stuff gives him the highest ceiling of the group.