​In this week’s Closer Report, we wrap up the season with the year-end closer rankings. Mason Miller led the way wire-to-wire and should be the consensus first closer taken in 2027 drafts. Meanwhile, this season also brought us some incredible breakouts, such as Bryan Baker and Louis Varland. All that and more in the final 2026 edition of the Closer Report.⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.2026 Fantasy Baseball Closer RankingsHow to watch MLB According to CC on Peacock, YouTube throughout 2026 MLB Wild Card RoundHall of Famer CC Sabathia and Ahmed Fareed will recap all the Wild Card action when the games wrap up on Peacock and the NBC Sports YouTube channel. Phil Akre,▶ Tier 1Mason Miller – San Diego Padres
Jhoan Duran – Philadelphia Phillies
Cade Smith – Cleveland Guardians
Josh Hader – Houston Astros
Bryan Baker – Tampa Bay Rays
Louis Varland – Toronto Blue JaysMiller went wire-to-wire at the top spot in the rankings all season as the best closer in baseball. Through Wednesday’s action, he’s gone 37-for-40 in save chances with a 1.19 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts over 68 innings.Duran had his best season despite missing a few weeks early in the season with an oblique strain. The 28-year-old right-hander has amassed 33 saves with a 1.88 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts over 57 1/3 innings. His 33 saves and 35.2% strikeout rate set career highs.Smith picked up three more saves this week to reach 40 on the season, tying Bryan Baker for the lead in baseball. In his first full season as a closer, the 27-year-old right-hander has posted an incredible 1.99 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts over 72 1/3 innings, giving him at least 100 strikeouts in three straight seasons to start his career.Hader showed no signs of wear coming off of shoulder and biceps injuries. Since starting his season on June 3, he’s been perhaps the best closer in baseball, posting a 1.01 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 55 strikeouts over 44 2/3 innings while compiling 26 saves. He’ll be back among the top five closers in 2027 drafts.Baker picked up a win this week and remains tied for the lead in saves with 40. The 31-year-old right-hander was one of this season’s most valuable early waiver adds, breaking out to a 1.47 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts over 61 1/3 innings. Among this top tier of 2026 closers, Baker’s underlying skills indicate that he’s most likely to see some regression next season.Varland was another valuable waiver add that’s paid off over the season. The 28-year-old right-hander established himself as one of the top high-leverage relievers, collecting 34 saves with a 1.29 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts over 77 innings.▶ Tier 2Trevor Megill – Milw