2025 MLB AL Central Bullpen Update

Mar 26, 2025

Mike Clevinger: He has generated buzz in the high-stakes fantasy market recently, climbing draft boards. He tossed six shutout innings this spring, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out eight. His fastball averaged over 95.0 mph—its highest mark since 2020—and he increased his cutter usage in March. Chicago’s coaching staff hints he’s in the save mix, but for a team projected to win under 55 games, banking on him as a closer carries risk and a low ceiling in saves. A strong start could make him a midseason trade candidate.
Jordan Leasure: Despite a solid spring (four runs, seven baserunners, one home run in eight innings, with 11 strikeouts), the high-stakes market has cooled on Leasure as a closer option. He leaned more on changeups in March, flashing fantasy-friendly velocity on his fastball (96.4 mph).

Emmanuel Clase, Closer: With 133 saves over the past three years and a 42-save floor, Clase remains a top closer, though some 2025 high-stakes drafters have favored other options. His spring was unremarkable (four runs, 12 baserunners, 11 strikeouts in 6.1 innings), and his cutter—thrown over 80% of the time in March—dipped to 98.3 mph, down about 1 mph. Strikeouts remain his weak spot compared to the best closers.
Cade Smith: Smith struggled in six spring outings, surrendering five runs and 12 baserunners in six innings while striking out 10. His slider showed a velocity uptick this March.

Beau Brieske: After a late-2024 surge, Brieske has emerged as a sleeper closer pick in March high-stakes drafts. His spring was shaky (seven runs, 10 baserunners, three home runs in 7.2 innings, with seven strikeouts), and his command raises doubts about ninth-inning duties. His fastball hovers around 96.0 mph, complemented by a strong changeup.
Jason Foley: Foley’s 28 saves in 2024 haven’t sparked much fantasy interest this year. His fastball dropped to 95.4 mph (down over 1.5 mph), but a new split-finger pitch added this spring could boost whiffs. He allowed five runs and 10 baserunners in 7.1 innings, with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
Tyler Holton: A high-volume reliever the past two seasons, Holton’s left-handed arm and softer fastball limit his closer upside. He gave up five runs, 12 baserunners, and two home runs in 6.2 innings, with five strikeouts.

Carlos Estévez, Closer: A mid-March back issue curbed Estévez’s spring workload. In four appearances, he allowed one run and six baserunners in four innings, with two strikeouts. His fastball (93.3 mph) and secondary pitches dropped over 3.5 mph in limited action, raising concerns.
Lucas Erceg: Erceg could snag early save chances if Estévez’s velocity lags. He showed closing potential in 2024, but his spring was uneven (six runs, 16 baserunners in nine innings, with 12 strikeouts).

Jhoan Duran, Closer: Fantasy players still await Duran’s leap to elite closer status. His triple-digit fastball remains a weapon, and he’s added a slider this spring. He allowed three runs and 10 baserunners in 8.1 innings, with nine strikeouts in spring training.
Griffin Jax: Jax proved his late-game chops in 2024, and his spring was electric: no runs, five hits, one walk, and 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings. His fastball jumped to 97.6 mph, signaling a strong setup role—or more—if needed.

High Stakes Fantasy Baseball/Football Analyst