RELIEVERS: Spring training questions—Answered?

This week, this column looks at how well spring training answered some of our February closer questions for CHC, CIN, DET, HOU, LAA, NYM and OAK.

The Cubs want to trade Carlos Marmol (RHP, CHC) and everyone knows it. But it hasn't happened yet, and by letting everyone know it, the Cubs have wiped out a lot of their leverage. Marmol has to pitch well to make this happen—time will tell if he can, or he will be too wild once again. (The early returns are not good.) The Cubs have brought in a backup plan for the closer role too. Kyuji Fujikawa (RHP, CHC) is a Japanese import with a nice track record of relief success. Current projections:

CHC                IP   Dom  Cmd HR/9   G/F  xERA BPV
==============    ==== ==== ==== ==== ======...

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

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
Here are your high skills relievers projected to come at a discount and earn a profit, per LIMA grades.
Feb 22 2026 3:04am
These five pens are going to figure out roles during Spring Training. Kevin Ginkel appears to be the favorite in Arizona, but let's look at the known options from a skills perspective.
Feb 15 2026 3:07am
An early February run through closers by NFBC ADP.
Feb 6 2026 3:04am

Tools