Who Is The Astros Closer? Fantasy Baseball Saves Outlooks

Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Houston Astros bullpen did not seem like a crew that needed a massive overhaul. While Hector Neris, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek hit free agency, the steady hand of closer Ryan Pressly and the breakout of 26-year-old reliever Bryan Abreu meant that only low-end additions were likely.

But the Astros shocked the baseball world by signing superstar closer Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract. Now armed with two of the game's best closers, Houston's bullpen situation draws heavy intrigue and concern from fantasy baseball managers.

With Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly being two of the most reliable and popular fantasy relief pitcher picks in past years, where should the allegiances of fantasy managers lie this season?

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Josh Hader vs. Ryan Pressly

In a bout between Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly, it will get close, but the winner is clear.

Hader turned in another incredible season in 2023, with a 1.28 ERA, 2.69 FIP, 36.8% strikeout rate, 33 saves out of 38 opportunities, and 61 appearances with the San Diego Padres.

Pressly wasn't quite as spectacular but still racked up an impressive 31 saves out of 37 opportunities. His 3.58 ERA, 3.36 FIP, and 27.6% strikeout rate were some of his worst marks in recent history.

While Hader's 3.52 xFIP may be a sign of weakness for the seemingly invulnerable closer, he is still likely to take the edge over 35-year-old Pressly. Hader, currently ranked sixth in RotoBaller's mixed-league rankings for relief pitchers, should be prioritized in drafts over Pressly, who is ranked 23rd among relief pitchers in RotoBaller's 2024 rankings.

Alternative Options

If Pressly or Hader falter or have an injured list spell, the first player to look to should be reliever Bryan Abreu. The 26-year-old wowed down the stretch last season, allowing no runs with three saves and five holds in his last 27 appearances of the regular season.

With a 1.75 ERA across 72 appearances in 2023, Abreu seemed like the heir apparent in Houston. Regardless, the 26-year-old looks to be a premier bullpen arm and should be of value in deeper leagues.

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