Apr 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest (19) pitches in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
These are the top 10 bullpens in MLB entering the week:
10. Toronto Blue Jays
Mar 30, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Jays pen has jumped into the top 10 in terms of bullpen ERA.
9. Chicago Cubs
May 31, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) reacts after the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Closer Daniel Palencia has helped to solidfy the back end of the pen.
8. Minnesota Twins
May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) celebrates his teams win against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Twins have a solid bullpen, and their closer Jhoan Duran is a big part of the reason why.
7. Kansas City Royals
Apr 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (53) reacts after striking out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9)in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
The Royals entire pitching staff is great, but their bullpen has been excellent, mostly thanks to Carlos Estevez, who has been a rock in save situations.
6. Detroit Tigers
Apr 30, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tommy Kahnle (43) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Despite not having an official closer, both Kahnle and Vest have been solid for the Tigers.
5. Houston Astros
Mar 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Led by Josh Hader, the Astros have one of the best bullpens in baseball.
4. Tampa Bay Rays
Apr 6, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Peter Fairbanks (29) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
They have a bullpen ERA in the mid-3s and have a solid mix of lefties and righties to use in certain situations.
3. San Diego Padres
Apr 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Jason Adam (40) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The bullpen is great, especially Jason Adam and Robert Suarez.
2. New York Mets
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 18: Edwin Díaz #39 of the New York Mets pitches during a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Mets have a top 3 bullpen ERA and a great closer.
1. San Francisco Giants
Apr 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval (75) throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
They have one of the lowest strikeout totals among bullpens in the league, but they have an elite ERA, WHIP, and two guys who can close out games in Doval and Walker.
