RELIEVERS: Cubs, Tigers, Astros, Marlins, Giants, Rays, and Rangers

This column is similar to last week's column, except focused on Detroit, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Texas. There was also a request to look at the Chicago Cubs, so let's tackle that bullpen first.

The Cubs predictably started the season with Michael Fulmer (RHP, CHC) as the closer and just as the projected skills tell you, it didn't work out nearly as well as the Cubs had hoped. Fulmer has a 4.46 xERA and 1.84 WHIP the first few weeks, but the 29% K% and 19% K%-BB% are better than the projected 23% K% and 13% K%-BB%. The Cubs have better answers in-house, and are now using Brad Boxberger (RHP, CHC)--or at least they did for the most recent save chance. But look:

CHC                 Sv  IP  xERA WHIP  K% K%-BB% hr/9...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Checking in on the Twins, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and Athletics pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Checking in on the Nationals, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rockies pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
These relievers are the ones with the best chance at profit after the first 30 relievers are taken (and after the first 125 pitchers overall) in NFBC 15-team mixed leagues.
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am

Tools