Closer reports: AL West | AL EAST| AL Central | NL East | NL West
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs signed Jose Veras to a one-year, $4 million deal to take over the ninth-inning duties. Veras is a perfectly serviceable option who saved 21 games for the Astros last season. However, the Cubs aren’t expected to be contenders this season and Veras, who is on a one-year deal, will be a candidate to get traded at the deadline. Whoever acquires Veras would likely use him in a setup role. Just last year, he was traded from Houston to Detroit in July and lost his fantasy value. Also, Pedro Strop has closer-type stuff and could push for the job immediately if Veras struggles.
Closer: Jose Veras
Status: Shaky
Sleeper: Pedro Strop
Cincinnati Reds
Aroldis Chapman underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair fractures to his face. The Cuban lefty was hit by a comebacker in Cactus League play and will miss the first 6-8 weeks of the season. With Jonathan Broxton also out with a forearm injury, it appears J.J. Hoover will get the first shot at the ninth-inning role until Chapman returns. Chapman is an elite option when healthy and fantasy owners are hoping for a quick recovery.
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Status: Out for 6-8 weeks
Sleeper: J.J. Hoover, Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek and Manny Parra
Milwaukee Brewers
It scares me from a fantasy perspective when a veteran with closer experience backs up a mediocre closer. While Jim Henderson was obviously better than “mediocre” in 2013, Francisco Rodriguez is lurking in the bullpen. K-Rod has proven capable in high-pressure situations and Henderson will feel the heat if he doesn’t get off to a nice start this season. Henderson’s career numbers are great, with a 120/37 K/BB ratio and 31 saves over two seasons, but K-Rod’s presence is enough to scare me away.
Closer: Jim Henderson
Status: Serviceable
Sleeper: Francisco Rodriguez
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jason Grilli has been great the past three seasons in Pittsburgh, posting a 2.74 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 201/50 K/BB ratio over 141.1 innings. Grilli is also 37 years old and has battled elbow issues since the end of last season. Mark Melancon is among the most necessary handcuffs in the league. It would be extremely wise to draft Melancon in the late rounds if you’re counting on Grilli for saves. You have yourself a nice little combo if you own both pitchers.
Closer: Jason Grilli
Status: Solid but aged
Sleeper: Mark Melancon
St. Louis Cardinals
Trevor Rosenthal had a coming-out party during the 2013 playoffs. The flamethrower threw 11.2 shutout innings with four saves and an 18/3 K/BB ratio while holding opponents to a .108 average. He enters 2014 as the Cardinals’ closer and has the tools to be an elite fantasy option.
Closer: Trevor Rosenthal
Status: On the verge of elite
Sleeper: Carlos Martinez
Questions? Hit me on Twitter @briansflood
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