Jax has given up one run on four hits with seven strikeouts and one walk across 4.2 combined innings between the Grapefruit League and World Baseball Classic this spring.

The right-hander is expected to open the season in a closer committee alongside Garrett Cleavinger, with Edwin Uceta (shoulder) poised to join the mix once healthy. Jax had an underwhelming 4.23 ERA and 1.29 WHIP last season, but his 99:21 K:BB and 2.57 FIP better illustrate his high-leverage upside. He has three straight seasons of 18-plus holds but didn't record any saves last year, which isn't likely to be the case for long in 2026.

Newcomb allowed two runs (none earned) on three hits and one walk while striking out six across three innings in Friday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

Newcomb has made four spring appearances and had allowed six earned runs across eight innings entering Friday's outing. His appearance against the Cubs was his most positive of the spring, and he also ramped up to 63 pitches. Newcomb looks likely to begin the season in the bullpen, but he could work in a swingman role and still has a chance to crack the rotation.

Cleavinger has given up one hit with one strikeout and no walks over two scoreless Grapefruit League appearances. He also struck out one in a scoreless frame for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Cleavinger's game work has been a bit light this spring while away from the Rays for the World Baseball Classic, but he should be ready for Opening Day all the same. The left-hander and Griffin Jax are poised to begin the season splitting closing duties, with Edwin Uceta set to join the mix once he recovers from a shoulder issue. Cleavinger was dominant while serving in a setup role last year, recording two saves and 22 holds with a 2.35 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 82:18 K:BB across 61.1 innings.

Barlow could begin the season as an option in the Athletics' closer committee, Jason Burke of SI.com reports.

The veteran right-hander joined the A's on a one-year, $2 million contract in February after posting a 4.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 75:45 K:BB over 68.1 innings for the Reds during the 2025 regular season. Barlow recorded one save and 16 holds, but he tallied 53 saves from 2021-23 and is an experienced high-leverage option for manager Mark Kotsay. The skipper shifted to a heavy committee approach last season after closer Mason Miller departed at the trade deadline, so the fantasy upside could be limited in this closing situation unless Kotsay's approach changes.

Leiter could be a factor in the Athletics' closer committee to begin the season, Jason Burke of SI.com reports.

The right-hander joined the A's on a one-year, $3 million contract in December after being non-tendered by the Yankees earlier in the offseason. Leiter had a 4.84 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 54:17 K:BB across 48.1 innings during the 2025 regular season, recording two saves and 16 holds in 59 appearances. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay utilized a heavy committee approach last year after the departure of closer Mason Miller at the trade deadline, and Leiter figures to be a part of that mix early in 2026 despite his underwhelming numbers last year. He's given up one run on three hits with four strikeouts and three walks through four outings in spring training.

Harris could lead the Athletics' closer committee early in the season, Jason Burke of SI.com reports.

Manager Mark Kotsay utilized a committee approach after the A's traded away Mason Miller last season, with Harris leading the way with four of the club's final 15 saves, and the skipper is expected to have a similar strategy this season. As a lefty that can also cover multiple innings, Harris is likely to see significant action outside the ninth inning. The 29-year-old had a 3.20 ERA last season, but his 1.35 WHIP and 23.5 percent strikeout rate don't offer major upside, especially if the save chances are inconsistent.

Sterner has given up four runs on four hits while striking out 12 and walking three across six innings during spring training, and Jason Burke of SI.com didn't list him as a closer candidate for the A's.

Sterner was effective as a rookie last season with 16 holds to go along with a 3.18 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 70:21 K:BB across 65 innings, though he didn't pick up any saves, even after closer Mason Miller was traded away at the deadline. Burke listed Hogan Harris as the early favorite for saves with Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter also in the mix, though manager Mark Kostay isn't expected to utilize a true closer in the traditional sense. Sterner still figures to pick up some saves this season if he pitches similarly to 2025.

Garcia returned to the Rangers' training camp Friday after his run with Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic ended earlier this week, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Garcia worked in a high-leverage role for Team Mexico as a setup reliever for Mariners closer Andres Munoz. After serving as the Rangers' closer at times in 2025, Garcia is competing with Chris Martin for that job entering this season. The former was somewhat shaky in the role last season, converting just nine of 16 save opportunities.

Martin walked one over a scoreless inning in Friday's spring game against the Rockies.

Martin pitched a scoreless sixth inning in his third Cactus League appearance. He remains in the mix to close games for the Rangers, and one obstacle was cleared Friday when the Rangers designated Alexis Diaz for assignment. That leaves Martin and Robert Garcia as the primary candidates to close games for Texas. Garcia just returned to camp after Team Mexico was ousted from the World Baseball Classic, and the competition between the two will play out over the final two weeks of the Cactus League.

Rogers has a 4.50 ERA this spring with a 6:3 K:BB in four innings. He's still likely in the mix to close games but manager Derek Shelton said he has no plans for how he'll distribute save opportunities, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.

Rogers has the most experience closing games in the bullpen, but his declining velocity to an average fastball of 92.8 mph last season from a peak of 95.8 mph in 2021 may not make him ideal as the primary closer. He still had a decent 9.4 K/9 last season, so he could be part of a committee. However, at this point it's unclear how the Twins will divide up the opportunities to finish games among an unsettled bullpen that also includes Justin Topa, Cole Sands and Liam Hendriks.