Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Riley O'Brien secures ninth-inning role in St. Louis
Jorge Montanez breaks down the last week in saves from around the league with updated closer rankings.
In this week's Closer Report, Riley O'Brien has solidified his status as the Cardinals' top ninth-inning option. The Rays look to be turning to Bryan Baker. And Ryan Walker tumbles down the rankings with some unexpected usage.
We break it all down and more as we run through the latest closer rankings. ⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026 !
In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more. 2026 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings ▶ Tier 1 Mason Miller - San Diego Padres Edwin Díaz - Los Angeles Dodgers Jhoan Duran - Philadelphia Phillies Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners Cade Smith - Cleveland Guardians Miller worked back-to-back save chances against the Red Sox over the weekend, striking out the side each time to convert a pair of saves. He then pitched the ninth on Wednesday with a six-run lead after the Padres added four in the top of the ninth, striking out two in a clean frame.
Miller has faced 18 total batters so far and has struck out 13. This is complete domination. Meanwhile, Díaz locked down a save on Sunday, striking out one in a clean inning against the Nationals, then struck out the side on Tuesday against the Blue Jays for his fourth save.
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