2025 Fantasy Baseball: Bullpen Arm Updates
Overview
Last week, high-stakes fantasy baseball managers aggressively targeted relief pitchers on the waiver wire, with free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) bids exceeding expectations due to the scarcity of closing opportunities. Below is an analysis of the top three relievers generating buzz: David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jason Foley (Detroit Tigers), and Abner Uribe (Milwaukee Brewers).
Top Relievers of Interest
1. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates
Background:
Bednar, a former closer for the Pirates, was demoted to AAA after a rough start to 2025, allowing three runs, four hits, a home run, two walks, and one strikeout over one inning across three appearances. His 2024 season was also challenging (5.77 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 58 strikeouts over 57.1 innings), with nine home runs allowed and seven blown saves out of 30 opportunities.
Recent Performance:
At AAA, Bednar has shown signs of a turnaround, tossing four hitless, scoreless innings with no walks and six strikeouts. His fastball velocity (96.6 mph) remains consistent with his prior elite seasons, complemented by a strong curveball and a low-usage split-finger pitch.
Fantasy Outlook:
Bednar is nearing a return to the majors, potentially reclaiming a high-leverage role. His recent dominance in AAA and restored velocity make him an attractive waiver wire target in all formats, especially for managers seeking save potential. Monitor his call-up timeline closely.
2. Jason Foley, Detroit Tigers
Background:
Foley missed the Tigers’ Opening Day roster after a disappointing spring training (6.14 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 7.1 innings), though he showed improved strikeout ability (10 strikeouts, no walks). In 2024, he converted 28 of 32 save opportunities but struggled with command (3.0 K/9) and saw his groundball rate (47.2) dip from its pre-2024 mark of over 55%.
Recent Performance:
At AAA in 2025, Foley has been stellar over five appearances (6.2 innings), allowing no runs, one hit, no walks, and nine strikeouts. On April 12, he threw two shutout innings with no baserunners and three strikeouts. His arsenal now includes a new split-finger fastball (used 20% of the time), alongside a hard sinker (95.8 mph) and a slider as his secondary pitch.
Fantasy Outlook:
Foley’s refined pitch mix, high groundball rate, and newfound swing-and-miss ability position him for a potential ninth-inning role upon his imminent return to the majors. He’s a priority pickup in deeper leagues and a speculative add in 12-team formats for managers needing saves.
3. Abner Uribe, Milwaukee Brewers
Background:
Uribe emerged as a waiver wire darling after a report suggested Trevor Megill, the Brewers’ primary closer, might be dealing with a knee issue following a poor outing on April 12 (three runs, two hits, three walks in one-third of an inning). This sparked heavy FAAB bidding on Uribe in high-stakes leagues.
Recent Performance:
In 2025, Uribe has pitched 8.2 innings, allowing one run, six hits, and three walks while recording 10 strikeouts and six holds. His sinker averages 98.7 mph with triple-digit potential, paired with a swing-and-miss slider. Megill, meanwhile, pitched a scoreless inning with one hit in a non-save situation on April 16, but after not appearing in a game since April 12, raising questions about his health.
Fantasy Outlook:
Uribe is a high-upside pickup for managers looking to capitalize on potential save opportunities, especially if Megill’s knee issue persists. His elite velocity and strikeout ability make him a valuable stash, but fantasy managers must monitor Megill’s status closely to gauge Uribe’s role. He’s a stronger add in deeper leagues.