MLB Rumors: Closers

The Guardians rejected Clase's bid to play in the Venezuelan winter league this offseason as he continues to be investigated by MLB for sports betting, reports Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

The Marlins are expected to target Williams this offseason in free agency, Kevin Barral of FishOnFirst.com reports.

The Pirates aren't expected to tender Ramirez a contract for 2026, per Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Phillies need to decide whether to keep Alvarado on their roster for the 2026 season, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said Tuesday that the organization will discuss whether to keep Morejon in the bullpen or move him into the rotation in 2026, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said Tuesday that the team will hold discussions about whether Miller will open next season in the rotation or bullpen, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Williams is open to returning to the Yankees in 2026, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "I really enjoyed my experience here. ... There's a lot to like about this city, but it took me some time to adjust."

The Cardinals plan to have Leahy stretch out during the offseason and compete for a rotation spot in 2026, reports Katie Woo of The Athletic.

Keller said Saturday that Chicago is "definitely a place that I want to come back to and enjoy," in reference to continuing to play for the Cubs, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Weaver isn't expected to be re-signed by the Yankees during the offseason, reports Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News.

Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News doesn't expect Williams to re-sign with the Yankees, though the reliever said he's "grown to love being [in New York]."

Sasaki will operate as the Dodgers' primary option in save situations, Dave Roberts told Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times this week.

Sasaki, who's set to return Wednesday from a shoulder injury, will pitch out of the bullpen once activated, manager Dave Roberts told Sonja Chen of MLB.com.

Weaver is open to pitching as a starter in the 2026 season, according to Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of The New York Post. "For so long, being a starting pitcher, you don't expect to be a reliever. Being a starting pitcher, honestly, has got to be the best job in the big leagues - especially when it's going well. But I just found this niche. I just found this ability to do something a little bit different and use my background of starting to channel it into how I pitch now....The door is open. I am never just going to say, 'Absolutely not.' When the time comes, let's talk about it."

Palencia could miss the start of the 2025 playoffs after exiting Sunday's game against the Nationals with a shoulder injury, according to Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com.

Iglesias has been named the National League Reliever of the Month for August, Jason Foster of MLB.com reports.

Chapman has been named the American League Reliever of the Month for August, Jason Foster of MLB.com reports.

According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, GM Ross Atkins said last week that the Blue Jays had been interested in acquiring Varland from the Twins for at least two years.

Jansen said he's planning to pitch "at least four more years" after the 2025 campaign, reports Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register.

Diaz was named the National League Reliever of the Month for July on Monday.

Jansen was named the American League Reliever of the Month for July on Monday.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rangers are attempting to acquire Maton from the Cardinals in the final minutes before Thursday's trade deadline.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Pirates could trade Rogers before Thursday's deadline.

The Yankees are viewed as the front-runner to land Bednar, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The Twins remain in trade talks regarding Jax even after dealing Jhoan Duran, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.