January 28, 2026

Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu remains a high-end target for those in leagues that reward holds, but has seen his value increase as a high-end closer handcuff. In 2025, Houston's top closer, Josh Hader, missed time with a shoulder injury down the stretch, which allowed Abreu to emerge as a legit must-start RP1 in all formats. He would log 71 total innings to the tune of a 2.28 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. He would strike out 105 hitters (35.5% K%) and tally 25 holds, with a career-best seven saves, with most of them coming once Hader hit the shelf. This was Abreu's third-straight campaign hitting the 100-strikeout mark and tallying at least 24 holds. He generated a 75th percentile 3.43 xERA with a .211 xBA, suggesting he could face minor regression in 2026. However, the glaring concern in his profile is his command. He posted a hefty 10.5% walk rate, which placed him in the 16th percentile among qualified pitchers. This was the third time over his last four seasons in which he posted a double-digit walk rate. While this will keep his WHIP from being elite, his high-end strikeout totals provide him with a major advantage among relief pitchers. Slated to open the season as the primary setup man in Houston, Abreu possesses 30+ hold upside with the ability to see his value spike to high-end RP1 territory if Hader were to miss time again. He is a top target for those in saves+holds leagues at his 294.6 ADP in NFBC drafts. Managers in standard leagues should still consider using a late-round selection on Abreu to bolster their strikeout totals and to secure a high-end closer lottery ticket, given Hader's injury history.--Andy Smith