Adbert Alzolay and his ICU Friends

[Centerfield]

Do you guys remember signing him? Stearns signed him to a two year minor league deal in January. Alzolay missed all of 2025 rehabbing from Tommy John, but should be good to go in 2026. Alzolay is a failed starter. Injuries and ineffectiveness ultimately resulted in him going to the pen. But he had a good season as the Cubs' closer in 2023. (22 saves, 2.67 ERA, 1.016 WHIP). He took a step back in 2024 (4.67 ERA in 18 G), but was hurt and ultimately needed the surgery. Mid 90's fastball, good slider. Definitely has some upside if healthy. I think he has the potential to be next year's Brooks Raley.

Alzolay is one of a few potential bullpen arms coming back from major injuries. Drew Smith (TJ Surgery) should be healthy. AJ Minter (lat surgery) expects to have a somewhat normal spring training (assuming he opts into his contract). Even Danny Young has a chance to be back late next year. They also have rookie Dylan Ross, who was called up but I don't think actually made it into a game.

Our bullpen so far:

1. Closer: TBD

2. LHRP: AJ Minter

3. LHRP: Brooks Raley

4. RHRP: Drew Smith

5. RHRP: Huascar Brazoban

6. RHRP: Adbert Alzolay

7. RHRP: Dylan Ross

Certainly, none of these guys are locks, and so Stearns will have to build in some duplicity, but maybe the bullpen doesn't have to be entirely rebuilt, like we thought going in. It seems like Stearns has some potentially useful pieces to start with.

[Edgy MD]

[Centerfield]

1. Closer: TBD

2. LHRP: AJ Minter

3. LHRP: Brooks Raley

4. [CROSSOUT]RHRP: Drew Smith[/CROSSOUT]

5. RHRP: Huascar Brazoban

6. RHRP: Adbert Alzolay

7. RHRP: Dylan Ross