Felix Bautista

Bautista is expected to miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October. Prior to the injury, which he suffered in late-August, "The Mountain" had arguably emerged as MLB's top closer. Bautista compiled a 1.48 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 110:26 K:BB ratio over 61 innings to go along with 33 saves. This mark was still good for 3rd in the American League despite Bautista missing the last month and change of the season. His 46.4% strikeout percentage was tops among qualified relievers, while his 4.45 WPA and 2.03 gmLI were 2nd and 5th, respectively. Assuming Bautista avoids any setbacks in his recovery, look for him to return for spring training in 2025.

After pitching at three levels of the Orioles' minor league system in 2021, Bautista made the Opening Day roster last season. The rookie showcased his big arm by throwing the seventh-most pitches (203) at 100 mph or greater. Control has always been an issue for Bautista, but he was able to harness it enough (3.2 BB/9) to quickly ascend Baltimore's high leverage ladder. The 6-foot-5 hurler was dominant in a setup role before the O's midseason trade of Jorge Lopez created a vacancy at closer. "The Mountain" made the decision easy for Brandon Hyde and finished 2022 with 15 saves, 14 holds and a 34.8% strikeout rate good for ninth among qualified relievers. Bautista's splitter generated a 53.3% whiff rate that was second best in the league on that pitch. He doesn't use his slider often (12% usage), but has a similarly good whiff rate (42.5%) should he decide to throw it more. There's some risk for 2023, but Bautista's upside should make him one of the top 10 closers off the board.