Closer Concerns: 2 Key Fantasy Baseball Updates on Cubs

For fantasy baseball managers heading into the crucial final weeks, the Chicago Cubs bullpen has transformed from a source of reliable saves into a vortex of anxiety. If you’ve been relying on a Cubs arm to lock down the ninth inning, you’re likely facing serious closer concerns. The situation is fluid, frustrating, and could be the difference between a championship title and a disappointing finish.

What was once a clear-cut situation with Hector Neris has devolved into a high-stakes guessing game. With the fantasy playoffs upon us, every save, strikeout, and blown opportunity is magnified. We’re diving deep into the two most significant updates coming out of Wrigleyville that every fantasy manager needs to monitor closely.

Hector Neris and the Growing Closer Concerns

For much of the season, Hector Neris was a stabilizing force after Adbert Alzolay went down with an injury. While he was never the most dominant closer in the league, he got the job done. However, the wheels have started to wobble, and now they’re threatening to come off entirely. Over his last five appearances, Neris has been a liability for both the Cubs and fantasy managers.

During this rough patch, Neris has recorded two blown saves and a loss, seeing his ERA for the second half balloon to over 5.50. The primary issue has been a sudden loss of command. His walk rate, which has always been a bit high, has spiked to an alarming 6.2 BB/9 over the past two weeks. These free passes have consistently put him in high-leverage jams that he’s been unable to escape.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell, known for his pragmatic and sometimes frustrating bullpen management, has been quick to notice. Last weekend, in a key divisional game, Counsell opted for Mark Leiter Jr. in a save situation against a righty-heavy part of the lineup, leaving Neris in the bullpen. This single decision spoke volumes and officially ignited the closer concerns that had been simmering for weeks.

For fantasy managers, this is a red alert. A closer who isn’t trusted by his own manager is a fantasy asset on the verge of collapse. While dropping Neris outright might be premature given his 20+ saves on the season, he can no longer be considered a “set and forget” option. His recent performance has firmly placed him on the hot seat and opened the door for other arms in the Chicago bullpen.

Adbert Alzolay’s Looming Return: A Solution or More Confusion?

Just as the Neris situation becomes untenable, a familiar face is nearing a return. Adbert Alzolay, the team’s opening-day closer, has been on the Injured List since early June with a forearm strain. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa last week, and the reports have been cautiously optimistic.

In his first two rehab appearances, Alzolay has tossed two scoreless innings, striking out three batters and showing a fastball velocity that is nearly back to his pre-injury levels. According to reports from MLB.com’s Cubs beat writer, he is on track to be activated as soon as this weekend. The big question for fantasy managers is: what will his role be?

Before the injury, Alzolay was effective, converting 15 of 18 save opportunities with excellent control. He was the unquestioned closer. However, returning from a significant arm injury directly into high-leverage ninth-inning work is a tall order. It is highly probable that Counsell will want to ease Alzolay back into the fold with lower-leverage outings to start.

This potential return adds another layer of complexity to the Cubs’ closer concerns. Does he immediately form a committee with Neris and Leiter Jr.? Can he ramp up quickly enough to reclaim the primary closer role for the final two weeks of the fantasy season? Stashing Alzolay if he is available on your waiver wire is a must, but expectations should be tempered. He is not a guaranteed savior but rather another variable in an increasingly chaotic equation.

Navigating the Cubs’ Closer Carousel: Your Fantasy Playbook

So, with Neris struggling and Alzolay’s role uncertain, what should a savvy fantasy manager do? Panic is not an option. A strategic approach is required to salvage the save category.

1. Hold Hector Neris (for now): Dropping a player with closer eligibility who is still on a contending team is a risky move. While his grip on the job is tenuous, he could still stumble into a few saves by default. However, he should be firmly planted on your bench until we see some sign of stability. Do not start him in your weekly lineup if you can avoid it.

2. Add Adbert Alzolay Immediately: If Alzolay is available in your league, he is the number one priority add this week. The potential upside is immense. He has the best stuff in that bullpen and the prior experience of success in the role. He represents the highest-upside ticket out of this messy situation. Even if he only gets 2-3 saves down the stretch, those could be championship-winning contributions.

3. Speculate on Mark Leiter Jr.: For those in deeper leagues or for managers who miss out on Alzolay, Mark Leiter Jr. is an intriguing speculative add. As mentioned, Counsell has already shown a willingness to use him in the ninth inning. Leiter has been the Cubs’ most reliable reliever for months, posting a sub-2.00 ERA and a stellar WHIP. He doesn’t have the “closer stuff” of a traditional flamethrower, but his effectiveness cannot be ignored. He is the most likely candidate to benefit if both Neris and Alzolay falter. You can check our latest waiver wire column for more bullpen ideas.

The Final Takeaway

The Chicago Cubs bullpen is a situation that must be monitored daily. The era of Hector Neris as a reliable closer appears to be over, creating significant closer concerns for the most important part of the fantasy season.

Your best course of action is to diversify your assets. Hold Neris but bench him, add Alzolay for his upside, and consider Leiter Jr. as a high-floor alternative. The manager who navigates this chaotic bullpen most effectively over the next few weeks will be in a prime position to make a strong push for a fantasy title. Stay vigilant, and don’t be afraid to make a proactive move.