The MLB season’s heating up fast, and bullpens are right in the thick of it as teams chase playoff spots. Veterans like Aroldis Chapman are somehow still dominating, while young arms keep popping up in big moments.
Relief pitchers are flipping games on their heads almost every night. Let’s dig into which closers and relievers are standing out, and how managers are juggling their bullpens with the trade deadline looming.
Aroldis Chapman’s Resurgence at 35
Age? Chapman doesn’t seem to care. He’s in his 16th MLB season and somehow looks reborn with the Boston Red Sox.
This year, Chapman’s turned back the clock—he’s nailed 14 of 15 save chances, rocking a 1.36 ERA and a tidy 0.82 WHIP. His 48 strikeouts to 10 walks in 33 innings? That’s just nasty. Boston trusts him completely in the ninth, and honestly, he’s pitching like one of the best closers in baseball right now.
What’s Behind Chapman’s Success?
Chapman’s command is sharper than ever, and his fastball still sizzles. Most relievers are up and down, but Chapman’s calm and experience seem to give Boston a real edge late in games.
Josh Hader and Dylan Lee: More Dominance in the Bullpen
Chapman’s not the only one lighting it up. Josh Hader, now closing for Houston, keeps piling up saves—he’s at 21, with a 1.73 ERA and a ridiculous 0.72 WHIP.
Over in Atlanta, Dylan Lee’s become a secret weapon. He splits closing duties with Raisel Iglesias and handles pressure like it’s nothing. Lee’s 1.77 ERA shows he’s locking things down for Atlanta when it matters most.
Elite Closers: Consistency at Its Finest
A handful of other arms have become must-watch closers. Here are a few making waves:
- Andrés Muñoz: Steady and reliable for his squad the last couple months.
- Edwin DÃaz: Still one of the nastiest relievers out there.
- Robert Suarez and Emmanuel Clase: Both are quietly holding things together for their teams.
Having a closer you can trust is huge, especially with division races getting wild.
Ups and Downs for Other Relievers
Not everyone’s putting up Chapman numbers. Mason Miller and Tanner Scott have had their rough patches, but they keep getting the ball in big spots. Their teams count on them, even if it’s a bit of a rollercoaster.
Emerging Names and Bullpen Shakeups
The trade deadline’s coming, and bullpens are anything but settled. Félix Bautista grabbed two saves this week, and Trevor Megill picked up three. Both look ready to take on bigger roles as the season rolls on.
Rotating Roles and Injury Recoveries
Some clubs are mixing things up. The Yankees are splitting saves between Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, who just got back from injury.
In LA, Will Vest is suddenly a key piece for the Dodgers. Meanwhile, David Bednar has finally nailed down the closer role for the Pirates after a shaky start.
Trade Deadline Impacts on Bullpen Roles
The MLB trade deadline is right around the corner, and honestly, it just ramps up the drama. Plenty of relievers could be packing their bags soon, since contenders are desperate to patch up weak spots in their bullpens.
Teams are also eyeing up new arms for those clutch late-inning moments. It’s a wild time for fans—and if you’re into fantasy baseball, you’re probably glued to every rumor.
Here is the source article for this story: Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Aroldis Chapman is dominating in 16th season
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s