Closers seemed more stable than usual last season. With the exception of Edwin Diaz being injured in the World Baseball Classic (before many drafts had taken place), the guys who were supposed to be their teams' closers generally were. A total of 23 pitchers recorded at least 20 saves in 2023 – the most since 2017.

In the National League, Diaz looks to be fully recovered from knee surgery and ready to reclaim his spot as the game's top closer. However, the Brewers' Devin Williams may have something to say about that. In five MLB seasons, Williams has a 1.89 career ERA and he's coming off a 36-save campaign. (However, Williams is currently out with a back injury and his prognosis is uncertain.) Two-thirds of the NL bullpens seem to have a clear No. 1 closer, with the Phillies and Padres looking like the most volatile.

In the American League, Hader takes over as the closer in Houston after leaving San Diego as a free agent. He'll bump incumbent Ryan Pressly to setup status. The Twins' Jhoan Duran, with his 100 mph "splinker," might be even more valuable from a fantasy standpoint. Craig Kimbrel returns to the AL with Baltimore with Felix Bautista out for the year. Meanwhile, the Rangers and Royals have the most uncertain closer situations entering the season.

2024 fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings

1. Devin Williams, Brewers NL1

2. Edwin Diaz, Mets NL2

3. Jhoan Duran, Twins AL1

4. Josh Hader, Astros AL2

5. Emmanuel Clase, Guardians AL3

6. Camilo Doval, Giants NL3

7. Raisel Iglesias, Braves NL4

8. Paul Sewald, Diamondbacks NL5

9. Alexis Diaz, Reds NL6

10. David Bednar, Pirates NL7

11. Jordan Romano, Blue Jays AL4

12. Ryan Helsley, Cardinals NL8

13. Clay Holmes, Yankees AL5

14. Andres Muñoz, Mariners AL6

15. Evan Phillips, Dodgers NL9

16. Kenley Jansen, Red Sox AL7

17. Adbert Alzolay, Cubs NL10

18. Tanner Scott, Marlins NL11

19. Craig Kimbrel, Orioles AL8

20. Pete Fairbanks, Rays AL9

21. Jose Leclerc, Rangers AL10

22. Alex Lange, Tigers AL11

23. Jose Alvarado, Phillies NL12

24. Robert Suarez, Padres NL13

25. Mason Miller, A's AL12

26. Carlos Estevez, Angels AL13

27. Robert Stephenson, Angels AL14

28. Kyle Finnegan, Nationals NL14

29. Will Smith, Royals AL15

30. Abner Uribe, Brewers NL15

31. Joel Payamps, Brewers NL16

32. Yennier Cano, Orioles AL16

33. David Robertson, Rangers AL17

34. Hunter Harvey, Nationals NL17

35. A.J. Puk, Marlins NL18

36. Jason Adam, Rays AL18

37. Ryan Pressly, Astros AL19

38. James McArthur, Royals AL20

39. Hector Neris, Cubs NL19

40. Orion Kerkering, Phillies NL20

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings: Top 40 for 2024