New closers emerging in Baltimore, San Francisco and Cincinnati
Closer situations around MLB are constantly changing, and injuries and poor performance are beginning to create opportunities for new names to emerge in the ninth inning. More so than ever before, closers are losing jobs. We have already seen it happen around the league, and now three bullpen situations in particular are suddenly worth watching more closely.
MORE: Cubs MLB best 9-game winning streak being aided by one major factor Baltimore Orioles: Rico Garcia Emerging as Trusted Option Apr 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Rico Garcia (50) and catcher Adley Rutschman (35) celebrate after the game aga9nst the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Rico Garcia has quietly become one of the more reliable relief arms in the American League this season. With Ryan Helsley currently dealing with an injury, Garcia appears to be the preferred choice to close games for the Baltimore Orioles.
What’s especially encouraging is that Garcia was already earning save opportunities before Helsley got hurt. On days when Helsley was unavailable, Baltimore trusted Garcia with the ninth inning. That matters.
The only thing limiting Garcia’s long-term closer outlook is the expectation that Helsley may not miss significant time. Still, Garcia has pitched well enough to force himself into a meaningful late-inning role moving forward. Cincinnati Reds: Tony Santillan Looks Like the Next Man Up Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2. The Cincinnati Reds may have found their temporary replacement in the ninth inning as well. With Emilio Pagán sidelined, Tony Santillan feels like the logical candidate to step into save situations.