As the MLB offseason progresses, the closer landscape remains unpredictable. Last season's standout closers, Lucas Erceg and Porter Hodge, have emerged, but recent signings have muddied the waters. While the closer committee trend has lessened, roles are still not as settled as expected. Fantasy managers are urged to adapt by securing reliable, albeit non-elite, closers early and looking for cheaper options to complement their roster, especially in deeper leagues.

In traditional leagues, it’s advisable to wait until later rounds to pick closers unless the draft format prioritizes saves-plus-holds. For those in saves-plus-holds formats, it’s less risky to stock up on multiple options at the end of the draft. Engaging with your roster throughout the season is crucial, ensuring that you’re not left with dead weight after the draft.

The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move in their pursuit of a competitive roster for the upcoming season by acquiring two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. Pressly, who was pivotal during the Astros' recent World Series triumph, returns to a closer role after previously losing it to Josh Hader. The Cubs' offseason goal has been to strengthen their bullpen, and securing Pressly is a major step in that direction. The Astros were hesitant to part with Pressly, primarily due to his substantial $14 million salary, which pushed them above the luxury tax threshold.

Last season, Pressly recorded a 3.49 ERA, but this figure was skewed by a rough start to the year; his performance greatly improved with a remarkable 1.99 ERA over his final 32 appearances. Notably, Pressly has an impressive playoff record, boasting 14 career playoff saves and a postseason ERA of 2.78, with only one blown save to his name. This postseason experience makes him a valuable addition for the Cubs as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Following Pressly's acquisition, the Cubs have opted to transition young pitcher Porter Hodge into a setup role, allowing him to continue developing after a solid, albeit brief, stint as a closer last season. The Cubs traded pitching prospect Juan Bello to the Astros in this deal; Bello, an international signing in 2022, has shown promise in the minors with a 3.66 ERA over three seasons. This strategic move underscores the Cubs' commitment to building a formidable bullpen as they target postseason success.

The Washington Nationals face scrutiny for parting ways with former closer Kyle Finnegan, who remains a free agent. Predictably, he has drawn interest from teams like the Chicago Cubs, a franchise looking to revamp its roster and solidify its bullpen. Finnegan had a stellar first half of the previous season, posting a 2.45 ERA with 25 saves, leading to an All-Star selection. However, his performance faltered in the second half, resulting in a 5.79 ERA, prompting the Nationals to non-tender him.

As the Cubs consider adding Finnegan, they currently rely on rookie Porter Hodge as their closer, who performed admirably last season. However, bringing in the experienced Finnegan could provide stability, allowing Hodge to further develop without the pressure of being a full-time closer. Meanwhile, the Nationals have found a possible replacement in Jorge Lopez, who had a rough start in New York but bounced back with solid performances in Chicago.

As the fantasy baseball season approaches in 2025, early drafters are encouraged to identify under-the-radar players before their average draft positions (ADP) rise. This article highlights several promising pitchers who could become valuable assets in the upcoming season. These prospects have shown potential but may not yet have extensive statistics to back them up.

Roki Sasaki, a top international prospect, has gained attention for his impressive performance in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and the 2023 World Baseball Classic. With a fastball that can reach triple digits and a devastating splitter, Sasaki is expected to be a front-of-the-rotation starter in MLB after being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. His current ADP of 108 is likely to increase as more managers become aware of his talent.

Porter Hodge of the Chicago Cubs has emerged as a potential closer following a strong debut season in the majors. With an ADP of 181, Hodge's mid-90s fastball and effective sweeper make him a player to watch, especially with the Cubs contending for the division title.

Jackson Jobe, selected third overall in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers, has battled injuries but remains a highly-regarded prospect. His strong strikeout rates and command make him a valuable addition to fantasy rosters, despite a limited innings history.

Kumar Rocker, now with the Texas Rangers, has shown promise after recovering from Tommy John surgery. With an ADP of 334, Rocker possesses significant strikeout potential and could be a worthwhile pick as he aims to establish himself in the majors.

The Chicago Cubs are making significant moves this offseason after yet another disappointing playoff miss in 2024. With a promising young roster, the Cubs are viewed as a team on the brink of contention in the National League. A key acquisition this winter was the trade for Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, a deal that is expected to bolster both the Cubs' offense and defense heading into the 2025 season.

Despite these improvements, the Cubs still face critical challenges, particularly in their bullpen. ESPN's David Schoenfield highlighted the Cubs' -1.44 win probability added by their bullpen, ranking them a concerning 25th in the league. This marks a decline from previous seasons, showcasing a persistent issue for the team under the leadership of Jed Hoyer. The hope was that manager Craig Counsell could rectify this trend, yet the bullpen continued to falter, leading to underperformance relative to their Pythagorean record.

The Cubs' starting rotation remains strong, but their relievers have struggled to secure leads and close out games effectively. To address this, the team has brought in Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians among other offseason moves. Additionally, young relief pitcher Porter Hodge, who had a stellar debut season with a 1.88 ERA and nine saves, is expected to play a crucial role in high-leverage situations moving forward. With Tucker on a one-year deal, the Cubs must prioritize strengthening their bullpen to ensure a competitive season in 2025.