HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 18: Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros reacts to the win over Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park on August 18, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images)
These are the MLB bullpen rankings entering the week:
10. Boston Red Sox
Apr 4, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Aroldis Chapman has been great, and the Red Sox bullpen has also been surprisingly good.
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 solidify the back end of the pen.
8. Texas Rangers
Apr 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Robert Garcia (62) celebrates after he retires the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Rangers bullpen has been great lately, moving into the top 5 in bullpen ERA.
7. New York Yankees
TAMPA, FL – FEBRUARY 26: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees pitches during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Williams has settled in finally, and Luke Weaver is back from the IL.
6. 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.
5. New York Mets
May 26, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after recording a strike out to end the top of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Mets have a top closer and plenty of flame throwers.
4. San Diego Padres
Mar 27, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) reacts after pitching during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The bullpen is great, especially Jason Adam and Robert Suarez.
3. 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 low-3s and have a solid mix of lefties and righties to use in certain situations.
2. 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.
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.
