The 2025 fantasy baseball season is primed for action, with teams shaking up their bullpens ahead of spring training. Notably, Emmanuel Clase is projected to lead the saves chart with 41, flanked by elite arms like Josh Hader and Raisel Iglesias, both with 36. The American League features exciting closer situations, particularly in Oakland with Mason Miller, who showcases an impressive 101 mph fastball and a staggering strikeout rate that could redefine the closer role. In Baltimore, Félix Bautista returns from injury, hoping to reclaim the top closer spot after a stellar 2023, while the Red Sox juggle a mix of veterans and upstarts vying for save opportunities.

As teams finalize their rosters, keep an eye on potential waiver wire gems. For instance, the Royals’ Carlos Estévez might reclaim closing duties, while in Detroit, Jason Foley's lower strikeout rate raises concerns about his job security. The fantasy landscape is shifting rapidly, and savvy managers will track these developments closely to optimize their rosters ahead of the draft.

Josh Hader's 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, with home run issues plaguing his performance. After a tough April, he struggled in July and September, allowing significant runs mostly due to homers. Despite a career-high in wins and strikeouts, fantasy owners are hoping for more saves from the Astros' arm. Hader's fastball speed aligns with last year, but his heavy reliance on the sinker and slider has created vulnerabilities against right-handed hitters.

Bryan Abreu, Hader's handcuff, has shown talent with an impressive ERA and WHIP, but inconsistencies against lefties jeopardize his path to the closer role. Rostered together, Hader offers potential saves while Abreu stands as a safeguard. The combined prospects for fantasy owners look promising yet require careful monitoring.

The Houston Astros enter spring training with high expectations despite significant offseason changes. The loss of stars like Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander creates openings, particularly in the corner infield, which Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes will look to fill. The team faces several pressing questions, starting with whether José Altuve will transition to left field, a move that could provide lineup flexibility as he ages. Manager Joe Espada is keen to assess Altuve's adaptability during workouts.

Additionally, the bullpen remains uncertain following the trade of Ryan Pressly, leading to competition among candidates like Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu. The Astros hope the return of Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia bolsters their rotation, but both are recovering from injuries.

With a talented farm system, prospects could challenge for roster spots, especially given the team's injury history last season. The possibility of further moves looms, especially concerning Alex Bregman, who remains a free agent. These dynamics will shape Houston's quest to extend their playoff streak.

As fantasy baseball draft season approaches, strategies around drafting closers and securing saves become increasingly critical. The volatility of closer performances emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in your draft strategy. In 2024, only eight closers achieved over 30 saves, showing the importance of hitting on your initial closer. Research indicates that about half of saves go to the primary closer, making it a gamble. Monitoring player stats, particularly K% and injury history, is crucial. Targeting high-leverage pitchers and understanding your league's scoring system can provide opportunities to capitalize on saves and holds effectively.

Knowing your league's format can lead to strategic advantages. In leagues counting only saves, drafting multiple potential closers early is advisable, while deeper leagues may necessitate targeting emerging players or relievers likely to get save opportunities. The historical performance of your league mates also plays a role in determining how aggressively to pursue closers. Overall, the landscape of fantasy baseball saves requires an astute approach and continuous monitoring of player situations leading up to the draft.

The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move by acquiring right-hander Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, along with cash, in exchange for minor league pitcher Juan Bello. This trade is a strategic effort for the Cubs, who aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Pressly, who is likely to assume the closer role, had a solid 3.49 ERA over 59 appearances last season as a setup man for Josh Hader.

In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated right-hander Matt Festa for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Pressly.