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 Louis Varland
Louis Varland's elite high-leverage dominance makes him a fantasy must-start.
The third-place Blue Jays currently hold a 29-33 record in the highly competitive AL East. Varland has been brilliant out of Toronto's bullpen, posting a pristine 0.00 ERA and 0.59 WHIP over his last 5.1 innings of work. Although he serves as the secondary late-inning option behind Jeff Hoffman on the depth chart, Varland has already compiled eight saves this year.
While his microscopic 0.64 season ERA will likely rise toward our projected 4.16 mark, his elite 13.40 K/9 rate shows his dominant swing-and-miss stuff is no fluke. His career numbers suggest his control will keep his WHIP manageable even if his ERA regresses. Expect him to continue delivering outstanding strikeouts and high-leverage holds or saves.
For the remainder of the week, Toronto finishes a tough series in Atlanta before hosting Baltimore for three games. With matchups against high-ERA opposing starters like Shane Baz, Varland should find plenty of close-game situations to secure late-inning holds or saves. Keep him active as a premier weekly start.
Updated 2 days ago
