Porter Hodge DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge was called upon to hold a one-run lead during Sunday's game against the New York Yankees. The right-hander has been outstanding in a high-leverage role for the Cubs this season. He tossed a scoreless ninth inning on Sunday to earn his fourth save of the season. Hodge currently has a 14-inning scoreless streak where he's allowed only four hits and struck out 20 batters during that time. He figures to be the primary closing option for the Cubs down the stretch of the season with Jorge Lopez (groin) on the injured list. Fantasy managers who are seeking saves should check the waiver wire to see if Hodge is available.