2026 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings: Mason Miller, Edwin Diaz Lead Top 5 Relievers

The first round of 2026 fantasy baseball drafts will revolve around power bats and ace starters, but the men who slam the door in the ninth inning are once again poised to decide league titles. A fresh set of closer rankings reveals a clear top tier defined by triple-digit heat, swing-and-miss secondary offerings, and—most importantly—secure ninth-inning roles on contenders.

1. Mason Miller, Padres Miller’s 2025 campaign was a tale of two bullpens. After opening with 12 scoreless appearances and ten consecutive saves, a mid-season swoon (10 runs, 5.2 IP in May) cost him the job in Oakland. A trade to San Diego relegated him to setup duty, yet the peripherals never wavered: 101.2 mph average fastball, 15.2 K/9, and a 21.1-inning shutout streak to close the year. With Josh Hader gone, the Friars are expected to hand the 26-year-old a full-time gig. Projection systems see 40 saves, 125 strikeouts, and ratio dominance if he can nudge his first-pitch-strike rate from 57% toward 65%.

2. Edwin Diaz, Dodgers Los Angeles doubled down on the back end, giving Diaz a three-year, $69 million pact one winter after inking Tanner Scott. The investment looks sound: Diaz posted a 1.89 ERA in 2025, his fourth career sub-2.00 season, while holding opponents to a .171/.158 split from either side of the plate. A 97.3 mph heater and a slider that generated 59 punch-outs remain elite, and the Dodgers’ bullpen churned out 45 saves a year ago. Expect 35 opportunities and a top-three reliever finish if he avoids the back-to-back hiccups that plagued him last April and August.

3. Andres Munoz, Mariners Seattle’s flame-thrower set career highs with 38 saves and a 1.73 ERA, fueled by a 98.5 mph fastball and a devastating slider (.100 BAA, 65 K). A 51.5% ground-ball rate kept the ball in Safeco, though a 4.0 BB/9 and a rising hard-hit rate (39.6%) leave room for improvement. The Mariners project for another 40-plus save season, giving Munoz a safe floor and untapped strikeout upside.

4. Cade Smith, Guardians An undrafted free agent in 2022, Smith seized Cleveland’s ninth when Emmanuel Clase was suspended, converting 13 of 16 chances with a 0.69 WHIP and 39:2 K:BB over the final two months. His 96.4 mph four-seamer produced 91 strikeouts on a 70% usage rate, while a split-finger neutralized lefties (.167 BAA). The Guardians manufactured 47 saves last season; Smith should see the bulk of them, with a realistic path to 40 saves and 100-plus Ks.

5. Jhoan Duran, Phillies Philadelphia paid a steep price—catching prospect Eduardo Tait and right-hander Mick Abel—to pry Duran from Minnesota at the deadline, and he rewarded them with a career year: 32 saves, 7 wins, 70 IP, and a 64% first-pitch-strike rate that slashed his walk rate. A 100.5 mph sinker and a curve opponents hit .185 against give him swing-and-miss even while generating a 65% ground-ball rate. The Phillies tied for second in saves (47) and want a single workhorse; Duran’s durability and improved command make him the favorite to top 35 for the first time.

Tier Takeaway The gap between Miller’s league-leading strikeout ceiling and Diaz’s cushy Dodgers context is razor thin. Munoz, Smith, and Duran each carry unique risk—walks, limited track record, righty splits—but also the skills to finish as the No. 1 reliever by season’s end. Lock in one of the top five within the first eight rounds and pocket four categories while your opponents chase the next committee carousel.