Bullpens remain one of the most unpredictable areas in baseball, and for fantasy players, tracking potential closers has become almost a daily exercise. Roles can shift quickly, and the most successful managers are often those who stay ahead of the curve—identifying “closers in waiting” before the rest of the field catches on.
This past week brought another wave of bullpen volatility, creating new opportunities for savvy fantasy owners. In Pittsburgh, Dennis Santana appears to have lost his grip on the closer role. While Gregory Soto is expected to handle save opportunities in the short term, many around the league are keeping a close eye on Mason Montgomery. Once viewed as a future closer during his time in Tampa Bay, Montgomery now finds himself in a new situation with a clearer path to high-leverage innings. Although his 2026 numbers have been inconsistent, his raw stuff continues to intrigue.
Over in Washington, Richard Lovelady picked up another save, making him a name to watch—if only cautiously. The Nationals have exceeded expectations lately, but their bullpen remains far from settled. With Gus Varland struggling to lock things down, Lovelady could see additional chances. Still, his underlying metrics, particularly his strikeout-to-walk ratio, suggest he may be benefiting more from good fortune than dominant pitching.
The situation in Cincinnati is even less certain. After Emilio Pagán went down, many expected Alexis Díaz’s replacements to emerge from a group that included Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft. Instead, both have struggled to adapt, leaving the door open for others. Brock Burke has quietly put together a strong season, while Pierce Johnson and Tejay Antone have also entered the mix. None possess overpowering velocity, which could limit their long-term viability, but for now, the save opportunities appear to be up for grabs.
Meanwhile, in Sacramento, a familiar name is resurfacing. Former Yankees prospect Luis Medina is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has shown encouraging signs. With the current closer faltering, the role remains wide open, and Medina could be a late-season factor if his upward trajectory continues.
As always, bullpen roles can change in an instant, and staying informed is key. For fantasy managers, keeping tabs on these evolving situations could make all the difference in the race for saves.