Adbert Alzolay DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (elbow) is signing a minor-league contract with the New York Mets. This deal is a two-year contract, as Alzolay underwent Tommy John surgery last season and is not expected to pitch during the 2025 campaign. After operating as the Cubs closer during the 2023 season and performing quite well, tallying 22 saves with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP; the right-hander took a significant step back in 2024. Last summer, Alzolay posted a hefty 4.67 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP before undergoing the operation. Under the hood, he generated a hefty 6.79 xERA and a .292 xBA, which were among the highest marks in the sport. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Alzolay's progression but should not expect him to return to the mound until 2026.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Chicago Cubs have non-tendered relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay, which will send him to free agency. Alzolay opened the 2024 season as the Cubs closer but struggled as he posted a 4.67 ERA and 1.44 WHIP and tallied only four saves while blowing five opportunities. He was then optioned to Triple-A Iowa and eventually had to undergo Tommy John surgery. His recovery process will keep him sidelined through all of the 2025 campaign. As a result, fantasy managers in keeper and dynasty formats do not need to hold the 29-year-old on their roster, as he is at least an entire season away from returning to the mound. In addition, given his unstable production as a closer, he may only find a middle-relief role with a potential suitor in 2026.

The Chicago Cubs are likely to designate former closer Adbert Alzolay (elbow) for assignment on Tuesday, according to a source. Alzolay underwent Tommy John surgery in August and won't put again until late 2025, at the earliest. The 29-year-old Venezuelan right-hander had a career-high 22 saves in 2023 and entered the 2024 campaign as the favorite for saves in Chicago, but he certainly didn't have the year the Cubs were hoping for. Before his season-ending elbow injury, Alzolay had a rough 4.67 ERA (7.38 FIP), a 1.44 WHIP, four saves, 13 strikeouts and six walks in 17 1/3 innings over 18 appearances out of the bullpen. If another club doesn't claim Alzolay on waivers, there's a chance the Cubs could work out a trade to send him elsewhere. Obviously, Alzolay will be off the fantasy radar in 2025 as he recovers from elbow surgery.