Porter Hodge DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs reliever Porter Hodge punched out two batters during his one inning of work in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hodge hadn't been summoned to pitch since last Tuesday, but he was excellent -- firing 11-of-14 pitches for strikes and snagging his fifth hold of 2025. The 24-year-old holds a strong 2.25 ERA with 11 strikeouts and three walks over his first eight innings of work. He was superb for the Cubs in his first big-league action last year and has improved overall in the early going of this season. The righty is fanning 33.3% of the batters he's faced, and his fastball is garnering a whiff 35.5% of the time. He should be a strong source of ERA and WHIP and would project to step into the closer role if teammate Ryan Pressly ever missed time.

According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge could still see save opportunities. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs acquired longtime closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, who is expected to be the team's top closer. However, manager Craig Counsell noted that Hodge and Pressly could form a "dynamic duo" in the late innings. Hodge became Chicago's closer down the stretch last season and was quite effective in this role. Across his final 13 2/3 innings last season, the 23-year-old tallied eight saves and held a strong 1.32 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP. He struck out 18 batters and served up seven free passes. While Pressly should be the option to target for saves in this bullpen, fantasy managers in deeper formats should consider drafting Hodge in the final rounds of their draft, as he could find a path to seeing double-digit save opportunities.

According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Chicago Cubs pitcher Porter Hodge will likely move to the setup role due to the Cubs acquiring Ryan Pressly. Bastian noted that acquiring the longtime Houston closer "offers a solution to their Opening Day closing duties." As a result, fantasy managers should expect Hodge to operate primarily in the eighth inning. Last season, Hodge took over closing duties in the back half of the 2024 season. During the final month of the season, Hodge tallied six saves and held a 2.25 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP. Across 43 total innings, the 23-year-old posted a strong 1.88 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. He struck out 52 batters but struggled with his command as he posted a hefty 11.8 percent walk rate. Fantasy managers should only target Hodge in deeper standard formats but should push him up your board in leagues that score holds as he should typically be the top setup man for Pressly.