Lock-down closers are an endangered species

With more and more MLB teams turning to closer committees, the importance of having a lock-down source of saves has risen considerably. On the other hand, relief pitchers who demonstrate an ability to produce in high-leverage situations can occasionally take over the closer’s role during the season — as Ryan Helsley, Felix Bautista, Camilo Doval and Clay Holmes did last year.

In the National League, the Mets‘ Edwin Diaz was the undisputed No. 1 until he suffered a season-ending knee injury at the World Baseball Classic. David Robertson looks like the early favorite as his replacement. The Phillies loaded up on bullpen arms during the offseason, so keep an eye on whether Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel or someone else assumes the ninth-inning role.

In the American League, the Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase led the majors last season with 42 saves and is a good bet to do so again. All-Star closer Liam Hendriks is out indefinitely while battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so Kendall Graveman is his likely successor in Chicago.

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Relief pitcher rankings

1. Emmanuel Clase, Guardians AL1

2. Josh Hader, Padres NL1

3. Ryan Pressly, Astros AL2

4. Jordan Romano, Blue Jays AL3

5. Raisel Iglesias, Braves NL2

6. Ryan Helsley, Cardinals NL3

7. Felix Bautista, Orioles AL4

8. Devin Williams, Brewers NL4

9. Camilo Doval, Giants NL5

10. Kenley Jansen, Red Sox AL5

11. Clay Holmes, Yankees AL6

12. Alexis Diaz, Reds NL6

13. David Bednar, Pirates NL7

14. Jhoan Duran, Twins AL7

15. Andres Muñoz, Mariners AL8

16. Pete Fairbanks, Rays AL9

17. David Robertson, Mets NL8

18. Scott Barlow, Royals AL10

19. Seranthony Dominguez, Phillies NL9

20. Paul Sewald, Mariners AL11

21. Jose Leclerc, Rangers AL12

22. Evan Phillips, Dodgers NL10

23. Daniel Bard, Rockies NL11

24. Alex Lange, Tigers AL13

25. Craig Kimbrel, Phillies NL12

26. Jorge Lopez, Twins AL14

27. Dylan Floro, Marlins NL13

28. Kendall Graveman, White Sox AL15

29. Giovanny Gallegos, Cardinals NL14

30. Jason Adam, Rays AL16

31. Taylor Rogers, Giants NL15

32. Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL16

33. Brandon Hughes, Cubs NL17

34. James Karinchak, Guardians AL17

35. Trevor May, A’s AL18

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 35 relief pitchers for 2023