As fantasy baseball draft season approaches Opening Day, finding the right closers and potential handcuffs behind them could be the difference between dominating the save category or fighting on the waiver wire. There are several inconsistent bullpens in the American League West, and players like Andrs Muoz, Josh Hader, and emerging relievers like Bryan Abreu could shape the fantasy landscape in 2026.
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Hogan Harris has been the A’s best reliever this spring (one run, five runners, 10 strikeouts in six innings). Over the past two seasons, he’s posted a winning ERA (3.02), but his high walk rate (4.3) has created too many dramatic innings and a high WHIP (1.350). Harris may get his first save in this bullpen, but he’ll have to throw more strikes to keep the job. His average fastball velocity increased by more than 1.5 mph in March (95.2 mph), which is another plus for his fly ball.
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Most fantasy sites have Justin Sterner as the A’s top closing option after a stellar performance in the 28-year-old’s first full season in the majors (3.18 ERA, 1.046 WHIP, 70 strikeouts in 65.0 innings). Unfortunately, he hit 10 home runs in the majors and never earned a save. In five seasons in the minor leagues, he had a low arm value (4.08 ERA and 1.254 WHIP) while recording just 15 saves in 209.2 innings. Sterner has a high strikeout rate (11.8). I don’t believe he’s a last resort option due to inexperience and home run issues. He also struggled this spring (four runs, seven runners, seven strikeouts in five innings).
Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins (50) throws out a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. | Matt Crohn-Iman Images
Top handcuffs: Jack Perkins is my dark horse with the Athletics, but it might take some time to land the job. He injured his arm in three starts in spring training (4 runs, 6 hits, 1 home run and 5 walk-offs, 4 strikeouts in 5.1 innings). He pitched his final 122.0 innings in AA and AAA with stellar results (2.88 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts), displaying a higher ceiling arm that could be greatly improved in the bullpen. His command (4.2 hits per nine with the Athletics, 3.9 hits per nine in his minor league career) will likely improve as the rotation shortens.
Los Angeles Angels
Kirby Yates had a season-saving comeback in 2024 (33 for 34), but lost his bearings last season due to nine home runs and injuries (5.23 ERA, 1.331 WHIP, 52 strikeouts in 41.1 innings). He should be able to make inside saves this season. On the downside, his fastball (92.0 mph) was at a career low in March. The Angels gave him three innings (one run, five base runners and a strikeout) this spring.
Top handcuffs: Matt Joyce will make his first appearance on the injured list this year, while Robert Stephenson has also missed this spring with a shoulder injury. Jordan Romano has been great so far in spring training (three scoreless innings, one hit and three strikeouts). He has 113 career saves but has had two disaster seasons (7.83 ERA, 1.456 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 56.1 innings).
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houston astros
Josh Hader will start the year on the injured list as he slowly recovers from a biceps injury after missing the offseason with a strained left shoulder. His last pitch in a game was on August 8th. Hader pitched well last year (6-2, 2.05 ERA, .854 WHIP, 76 strikeouts, 28 saves in 52.2 innings). Tempting, but his return timeline looks vague and success is not guaranteed, making him difficult to gauge in the draft.
Top handcuffs: Bryan Abreu is a rising star in this March’s draft who has a chance to make fantasy teams out for saves and possesses high-level skills in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. If Josh Hader suffers a setback or struggles, he could be a life-saving homer at a reasonable price. In three innings in March, Abreu allowed one run, three runners and no strikeouts. He has 308 strikeouts in his last 221.1 innings with a 2.40 ERA and 1.120 WHIP.
seattle mariners
Andres Munoz is having his best season yet (1.73 ERA, 1.027 WHIP, 83 strikeouts, 38 saves in 62.1 innings). His walk rate (4.0) remains a liability, and his innings the past three years have been short (49.0, 59.1 and 62.1). He was the third final option taken in March (ADP – 43 in the NFBC 12-team format). In two appearances in March, Munoz allowed one run and two hits in two innings, striking out three.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Andres Munoz (75) pitches during the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first round of the 2025 ALCS playoffs at Rogers Center. | John E. Sokolowski – Image
Top handcuffs: Matt Brash has been outstanding in 53 games (2.47 ERA, 1.246 WHIP, 58 strikeouts in 47.1 innings), considering he recovered quickly from TJ surgery. His arm should be better this year. He made just one appearance in March (one run and one hit in two-thirds of an inning).
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Texas Rangers
I expect the Rangers’ closer to be in flux for much of the first half of 2026 unless they come to a deal on the closer. Robert Garcia pitched well last year (2.95 ERA, 1.250 WHIP, 68 strikeouts in 64.0 innings), but he only collected nine saves and had none on his major league resume last season. I don’t believe he’s the long-term solution for Texas’ offense, but he might be the best option come April. Garcia allowed two runs and three hits in his first 2.1 innings this spring and struck out three.
Top handcuffs: Chris Martin will attract shutout flyers in fantasy leagues due to the lack of viable shutout arms in the Rangers bullpen. Over the past three seasons, he has a 2.41 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 139 strikeouts in 138.0 innings with seven saves and eight blown saves.
Luis Curvelo struggled in his first year at Texas (5.68 ERA, 1.421 OPS, 20 strikeouts in 19.0 innings) due to home runs (1.4 per 9 innings) and command issues (4.7 per 9 innings). In seven seasons in the minor leagues, he compiled a 24-11 record with a 3.54 ERA, 1.148 WHIP, 375 strikeouts and 12 saves in 335.1 innings. Curvelo brings a super fastball (95.6 mph) and a popular spring training resume (two runs, four hits and seven strikeouts in five innings). Players to watch at the start of the year.
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This article originally appeared on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy By Josh Hader, Andres Munoz ranks among the top fantasy closers in the American League West.
