Outlook Josh Hader
Elite Stopper Set for Top-Tier Closer Value Despite Delayed Start
Josh Hader enters his second full season with the Houston Astros looking to anchor the back end of the bullpen as the premier high-leverage weapon. After battling shoulder inflammation and biceps tendinitis that delayed his start to the campaign, the veteran southpaw slots right back into his undisputed role as the primary closer. At 32 years old, Hader still possesses elite, late-inning stuff, though health and durability represent the primary risks to his overall fantasy ceiling.
Our season projections expect Hader to be a premier source of saves and strikeout rate helper, projecting nearly 30 saves, 85 strikeouts, and a stellar 3.09 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 64.0 innings. This output aligns closely with his dominant track record, including a stellar 2025 campaign where he compiled 28 saves with a 2.10 ERA. Fantasy managers can expect elite base runner prevention and a strikeout-per-inning rate well north of 1.0, keeping his ratios among the best in the game.
Given his delayed start to the season, Hader's ADP fell into the ninth or tenth round, representing a potential bargain for managers who preached patience. If he remains healthy, he offers the ceiling of a top-three fantasy closer with a incredibly safe floor of elite ratios and high-volume strikeouts. He should be treated as a highly valuable, set-and-forget relief asset across all formats.
Updated 11 hrs ago
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Outlook Bryan Baker
Baker secures Rays closer role with Kimbrel sidelined
Bryan Baker has seized the primary closer role for the first-place Tampa Bay Rays (37-25) following teammate Craig Kimbrel's placement on the injured list with a wrist strain. Baker has been locked in recently, posting a clean 0.00 ERA with four strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP over his last four appearances.
This brilliant stretch aligns with Baker's career-best 2.21 ERA and 16 saves on the year, representing a massive leap from his 4.41 ERA last season. While our models project some regression to a 3.88 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over the rest of the season, his excellent 10.70 K/9 strikeout rate suggests his high-leverage dominance is largely legitimate.
The Rays play six games this week, featuring three at home against the Red Sox followed by three road contests against the Angels. Baker is projected for 3.0 innings with a 1.50 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and over a save, establishing him as an elite relief option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
