Outlook Josh Hader
Elite closer looks to overcome spring injuries and anchor the Houston bullpen
Josh Hader enters his second full season in Houston with clear security at the back of the bullpen. Despite a delayed start to his preparation due to shoulder issues and biceps tendinitis, the veteran southpaw remains the undisputed staff anchor for ninth-inning duties. At 32 years old, Hader still possesses elite, late-inning swing-and-miss stuff, though the Astros' training staff has indicated they will restrict him to single-inning appearances in the early going to preserve his arm health.
Our projections expect Hader to deliver an excellent 3.09 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 30 saves over 64.0 innings. This baseline aligns well with his stellar career metrics, such as his 2025 campaign where he compiled a pristine 2.10 ERA and 28 saves with 76 strikeouts in 51.5 frames. While his walk rates can occasionally tick upward, his premium strikeout upside (projected for 75 strikeouts) more than offsets any minor ratio inflation, maintaining his status as a true category-stabilizing asset.
Drafted around ADP 133, Hader represents a premium closer target for fantasy managers willing to accept mild early-season health risks. Because his late-spring injury delayed his ramp-up, he may require a brief adjustment period, but his elite ceiling makes him a top-tier relief option who can easily anchor a fantasy bullpen. He remains a high-floor, high-upside investment on a competitive Houston squad.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Devin Williams
Devin Williams battles walk issues but remains locked in as the Mets' primary closer.
Despite recent high-leverage control struggles, Williams remains the unquestioned primary closer for the fifth-place Mets (27-35). Over his last 30 days, he has pitched to a 4.34 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP with 13 strikeouts in 8.3 innings, locking down eight saves on the year. He continues to hold down the ninth inning of a bullpen currently missing injured arms like Clay Holmes.
While his current 5.81 ERA and 1.67 WHIP look scary, our models expect positive regression back toward his elite career baseline, projecting a 3.19 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. His high-strikeout upside remains fully intact with a 15.00 K/9 this season, meaning his trademark changeup should help him settle down and easily reach our projected 20-save mark.
Looking at the remainder of the week following a mid-week set with Seattle, the Mets travel to San Diego for a three-game series starting June 5. Facing Padres starters like Griffin Canning, who carries a vulnerable 7.16 ERA, should put the Mets in plenty of late-inning lead situations. Fire up Williams as a reliable weekly Start for saves and strikeouts.
Updated 2 days ago
