Josh Hader is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to fantasy baseball closers in recent years in MLB. However, his fantasy prospects ahead of the 2026 season aren’t the best. In fact, there are so many unknowns around Hader that a scenario in which he doesn’t operate as the closer any time soon can’t be ruled out (as unlikely as it sounds).
The one thing that’s a reality is that Hader won’t be available to pitch for the Houston Astros on Opening Day. The star reliever developed left biceps inflammation before reporting to Astros camp, though he recently progressed to throwing bullpen sessions. As if that wasn’t enough, Hader also missed the final seven-plus weeks of the 2025 campaign due to a left shoulder strain.
That means he hasn’t pitched in a game since early August, although he was his dominant self when available. Hader posted a 2.05 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP while going 28-for-29 in saves across 48 appearances in 2025. He won’t open the year as the Astros’ closer in 2026, but he should return to his regular role later in the season, whenever that happens.
What to Expect from Josh Hader in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
Since Hader hasn’t pitched in a game since early August of last year, he likely won’t have enough time to ramp up and open the season as the Astros’ closer. That means Bryan Abreu will serve as the Astros’ early-season closer, but that should change as soon as Hader is available. The preseason expectations suggest Hader should return to the mound closer to mid-April as long as he doesn’t have any setbacks in the upcoming weeks of his recovery.
When healthy, though, Hader should take over as the closer. He’s been one of the most effective relievers in the majors regardless of where he’s pitched, and he’s posted an ERA of 2.05 or lower in three of the last five seasons.
However, that group also includes two seasons with an ERA of 3.80 or higher, including a 5.22 ERA in 2022. The value is there even if the ERA isn’t eye-popping, as only Emmanuel Clase has more saves than Hader over the past five seasons among active closers.
When it comes to drafting Hader, you have to know that you’d be acquiring him knowing he won’t be able to contribute in the opening weeks of the campaign. Thus, if you’re looking to draft Hader, who has an ADP of around 100, you’d be wise to target another closer just as a placeholder in the meantime. Drafting Abreu, who has an ADP around 241, could be a smart choice.
That said, the injury shouldn’t represent a big downgrade for Hader’s fantasy upside. If he proves to be healthy, Hader has all the tools to be one of the best closers in the majors once again.
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