In fantasy baseball, we all want the best. To finish tops in any category nets you the most points, so you want to own the best players to deliver you the best totals. When we discuss saves, that is a category delivered by a small cohort of players, as opposed to HRs or Runs or Ks, for example, which are group efforts. So therefore we must ask: Who is the No. 1 closer in fantasy baseball in 2026 and is Edwin Díaz that pitcher?
The answer to that question is: Yes, kinda.
Edwin Díaz’s Path to Dominance
Díaz’s stint with the Mets started slowly, but eventually turned toward brilliance. His 2025 season could have been his best yet. His second half, despite four fewer saves, was more dominant than his first half. (See Win Totals, Mets).
Let’s look at his two halves:
Those are spectacular statistics and ones that earned Díaz a $69 million deal with the Dodgers. He earned just 28 saves for a team that struggled mightily in the second half and, of course, has moved to the consensus best team in MLB, where he could accumulate 40 or more saves.
Who Are The Other Candidates for Top Closer in Fantasy Baseball 2026
In my pre-season Closer Confidential report, I give Díaz the highest confidence grade of any closer, a score of 95 out of 100. I also gave the same score to Padres closer Mason Miller. But I also predicted that Guardians closer Cade Smith would collect the most saves.
So what gives?
By way of brief explanation, the Closer Confidence score measures my belief in the security of that player holding the job and delivering saves. Cade Smith might ultimately have the best skills and achieve the best results in the saves category, but he hasn’t done it yet over a full season, so his confidence score of 92 acknowledges his skill set but slightly hedges my bets. He has the fourth-highest closer confidence score.
Let’s look at his statistics by halves:
These aren’t quite Díaz totals, but for an elite setup-guy-turned-closer, these are plenty good enough. This will be Smith’s age-28 season, which will allow for some continued growth. Díaz is over 30, which always is at least a pink flag for injury risk or regression.
Let’s look at Mason Miller. In 2025, he turned in 30 saves with a 2.62 ERA (0.58 in the second half). He averaged 101.2 mph on his fastball and throws about an equal amount of ground balls to fly balls. He owns an elite arm and should be among the top three closers in baseball if everything goes according to plan.
Phillies closer Jhoan Duran presents another high-quality set of skills that could compete for a top closer spot. Last season’s 32 saves were supported by a 2.06 ERA, a 7 percent walk rate, and a 28 percent strikeout mark. You can see why we’d put him below the other three, but if all things go well in Philadelphia this year, he will have a very big year.
Strategic Advice for Drafting
If you want a top closer, we recommend Díaz somewhere between 30 and 40 to anchor your bullpen, but do pair him with a solid closer who might be undervalued in his ADP, such as Ryan Helsley.
If you pass on Díaz or can’t get him, do think about Miller and Smith very soon after. Once you get past Duran, you’ll be looking at names like Devin Williams and other arms you may not feel as comfortable with.
In any case, we recommend drafting two closers in whom you have high confidence and then, depending on whether your league values or scores holds, supplant your closers with high-strikeout options whether they are expected to close for their team or not.
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People Want to Know More About Edwin Díaz‘s Fantasy Baseball Projections for 2026
What is Edwin Díaz’s fantasy projection for 2026?
36 saves, 2.98 ERA, 90+ Ks over approximately 65 IP, per RotoWire.
Who is the top closer in fantasy baseball 2026?
Mason Miller leads consensus, with Díaz a close No. 2.
Is Edwin Díaz worth an early pick?
Yes, for saves and Ks on the Dodgers; target Round 3-4.
How does Díaz compare to Mason Miller?
Díaz has better ERA history, but Miller offers superior K/9 and youth.
What are the best closers for 2026 drafts?
Top tier: Miller, Díaz, Smith, Duran, Muñoz.
Has Edwin Díaz signed with a new team?
Yes, three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers as primary closer.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Fantasy section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
