The 2026 Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report, released this week by Fantasy Six Pack, offers a comprehensive look at relief pitching performance as teams gear up for the upcoming season.
At the top of the National League, Jhoan Duran of the Philadelphia Phillies has emerged as the league’s most reliable closer, pacing the circuit in saves while also boasting the second‑highest strikeout percentage among relievers.
Close behind him, Mason Miller of the Padres remains a potent threat, trailing Duran by a single save but delivering elite strikeout numbers that keep him in the conversation for the top spot.
Bullpens to Steer Clear Of
The report flags the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, and San Francisco Giants as the three weakest bullpens by fWAR over the past month, suggesting fantasy managers think twice before relying on their late‑inning options.
Among the arms that do merit attention, Grant Taylor of the Chicago White Sox has quietly compiled a stellar stretch, posting a 0.00 ERA across six outings since May 25 and striking out more than 40 % of batters faced.
Another emerging name is Elvis Alvarado of the Oakland Athletics, who has logged a pair of saves and a hold while posting a –1.02 FIP in his limited appearances, a signal that he could become a deep‑league sleeper.
Strategic Takeaways
For fantasy owners, the data underscores the value of targeting relievers who combine high strikeout rates with low walk rates, as Duran exemplifies, while avoiding clusters of relievers stuck in underperforming bullpens.
The report also highlights the broader impact of bullpen health on overall team performance, noting that teams with subpar relief corps often see a dip in win probability during close games, a trend that can ripple into fantasy scoring.
As drafts approach, the nuanced rankings provided by the Bullpen Report give managers a clearer picture of where to allocate roster spots, balancing risk against the upside of breakout relievers like Alvarado and Taylor.