Top 10 MLB Bullpens To Watch In 2025

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 37 views

Hey baseball fans! The 2025 MLB season is just around the corner, and you know what that means – time to start thinking about the teams that are going to dominate the league! One of the most critical aspects of a team's success is their bullpen. A strong bullpen can shut down rallies, protect leads, and ultimately win games. So, today, we're diving deep into the top 10 bullpens that we predict will be the best in baseball for the 2025 season. This list is based on a mix of current performance, projected player development, potential acquisitions, and overall team strategy. We'll break down the key players, the strengths of each bullpen, and why they're poised to be successful. Get ready to learn about the relief pitchers who will be slamming the door on opposing offenses! Keep in mind, baseball is unpredictable, and things can change quickly, but this is our best guess as of right now.

1. New York Yankees

When we think about dominating bullpens in the MLB, the New York Yankees are usually near the top of the list. In 2025, we predict they will be the best. The Yankees are known for investing in both starting pitching and relief arms, and their commitment to building a top-tier bullpen is unwavering. They've consistently targeted high-leverage relievers, and they usually know how to use them. The team has a knack for identifying and developing talent, and their scouting department is top-notch. They are always on the lookout for the next great closer or setup man. This proactive approach ensures that they're always a threat. This bullpen will likely be anchored by a mix of established veterans and rising stars. The Yankees usually have a closer who can consistently shut down the ninth inning. They also need a solid setup man who can bridge the gap from the starters to the closer, and a few guys who can come in and hold a lead in the seventh or eighth innings. The bullpen's success is not just about the closer. It's about having a deep roster with guys who can get both righties and lefties out. If you're looking for a bullpen that's built to win, the Yankees are always a safe bet.

Key Players

Closer: [Insert projected closer, e.g., Jonathan Loaisiga or a potential acquisition]
Setup: [Insert projected setup man, e.g., Clay Holmes or a similar role player]
Middle Relievers: [Several names of high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Yankees' bullpen is built on a foundation of high-velocity fastballs, devastating breaking pitches, and the ability to throw strikes consistently. Their ability to acquire top-tier talent is a major advantage. Furthermore, the team usually has strong defensive support. This reduces the pressure on the pitchers. Their coaching staff is excellent at managing the bullpen, and they know how to get the most out of their pitchers. Their willingness to use relievers in various roles and situations is also a key strength. The Yankees' focus on analytics helps them make informed decisions about matchups and pitcher usage. This data-driven approach allows them to maximize the effectiveness of their bullpen. The bullpen's depth allows for flexibility and the ability to withstand injuries or slumps. It also allows them to rest pitchers when needed. The combination of talent, coaching, and a data-driven approach makes the Yankees a perennial contender.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are always a force to be reckoned with, and their bullpen in 2025 should be no exception. They have a history of developing and acquiring top-tier relief pitchers. Their commitment to building a strong bullpen is a key factor in their consistent success. Their front office is always looking for ways to improve the team, and they usually find a way to land the best talent available. The Dodgers have a strong focus on analytics and data-driven decision-making. This helps them make smart moves and get the most out of their players. The Dodgers' bullpen is built around a mix of hard-throwing relievers and crafty veterans who can get both righties and lefties out. Their ability to keep their pitchers fresh is crucial throughout the long season. The team also knows how to use its relievers effectively in high-leverage situations.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Dodgers have a knack for acquiring and developing relief pitchers with high-velocity fastballs and sharp breaking pitches. The team's coaching staff is usually skilled at helping pitchers improve their command and control. Their ability to handle different roles and adapt to various game situations is another key factor. The team's depth allows them to withstand injuries and slumps. The focus on analytics and data-driven decision-making helps them make informed decisions about matchups and pitcher usage. Their strong team culture promotes a winning environment. The Dodgers' consistent success is a testament to their commitment to building a strong team. They have the resources and the know-how to stay at the top. The Dodgers are always a contender. They will always be tough to beat.

3. Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have built a strong team culture that extends to their bullpen. They have consistently identified and developed quality relievers. The Braves' ability to acquire and develop relief pitching talent has been key to their success. They usually build their bullpens with hard-throwing relievers who can consistently hit the strike zone. Their focus on the development of young pitchers has allowed them to replenish their bullpen. Their commitment to analytics and data-driven decision-making helps them make informed decisions about matchups and pitcher usage. They know how to get the most out of their pitchers. The Braves' bullpen has a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. The Braves' pitching staff is always one of the best in the league.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

One of the main strengths of the Braves' bullpen is their ability to identify and develop young, talented relievers. They know how to spot pitchers with great potential. The team's coaching staff is excellent at helping pitchers improve their command and control. Their emphasis on a strong team culture promotes a winning environment. Their ability to adapt to different game situations and utilize pitchers effectively is a significant advantage. The Braves' bullpen is built for long-term success. They are always in contention. They have a knack for developing relievers. They can always compete for a championship.

4. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros have established themselves as a perennial contender. Their bullpen, in 2025, should be another formidable group. The Astros are known for their data-driven approach to player development and their ability to maximize the talent of their players. Their bullpen is built around a mix of hard-throwing relievers and crafty veterans who can get both righties and lefties out. The Astros have a strong track record of identifying and acquiring effective relief pitchers. Their ability to adapt to different game situations is a key strength. The Astros' coaching staff is well-known for its ability to help pitchers improve their command and control.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Astros' bullpen benefits from the team's data-driven approach to player development and their ability to make smart decisions. Their coaching staff is excellent at optimizing pitcher performance. Their ability to use relievers effectively in high-leverage situations is also a key factor. The Astros' track record of acquiring and developing effective relief pitchers is a testament to their scouting and player development. The Astros are always a tough team to face. They know how to win. Their bullpen is always a strength.

5. San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have made significant investments in their bullpen in recent years. They have a collection of high-quality relievers capable of shutting down opposing offenses. The Padres' bullpen will be a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to acquire and develop top-tier relief pitching talent has been key to their success. They've consistently targeted high-leverage relievers. The team has a knack for identifying and developing talent. They are always on the lookout for the next great closer or setup man. The Padres' bullpen is built around a mix of hard-throwing relievers and crafty veterans who can get both righties and lefties out.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Padres' bullpen is built on a foundation of high-velocity fastballs, devastating breaking pitches, and the ability to throw strikes consistently. Their ability to acquire top-tier talent is a major advantage. Their coaching staff is excellent at managing the bullpen. They know how to get the most out of their pitchers. Their willingness to use relievers in various roles and situations is also a key strength. The Padres' focus on analytics helps them make informed decisions about matchups and pitcher usage. The bullpen's depth allows for flexibility and the ability to withstand injuries or slumps. The Padres are always a threat.

6. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have a bullpen that is always competitive. They have built a strong team that extends to their bullpen. The Phillies have consistently identified and developed quality relievers. They know how to spot pitchers with great potential. The Phillies' bullpen has a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. The Phillies' pitching staff is always one of the best in the league.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

One of the main strengths of the Phillies' bullpen is their ability to identify and develop young, talented relievers. They know how to spot pitchers with great potential. The team's coaching staff is excellent at helping pitchers improve their command and control. Their emphasis on a strong team culture promotes a winning environment. Their ability to adapt to different game situations and utilize pitchers effectively is a significant advantage. The Phillies' bullpen is built for long-term success. They are always in contention.

7. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen is on the rise. They have built a strong team that extends to their bullpen. The Blue Jays have consistently identified and developed quality relievers. They know how to spot pitchers with great potential. The Blue Jays' bullpen has a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. The Blue Jays' pitching staff is always one of the best in the league.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

One of the main strengths of the Blue Jays' bullpen is their ability to identify and develop young, talented relievers. They know how to spot pitchers with great potential. The team's coaching staff is excellent at helping pitchers improve their command and control. Their emphasis on a strong team culture promotes a winning environment. Their ability to adapt to different game situations and utilize pitchers effectively is a significant advantage. The Blue Jays' bullpen is built for long-term success. They are always in contention.

8. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are known for their innovative approach to team building. Their bullpen is no exception. The Rays use a mix of young talent and veteran pitchers to form a very effective bullpen. They are always looking for ways to gain an edge. They use analytics and data to optimize their player usage. Their ability to develop talent and identify undervalued players is a major asset. The Rays' bullpen usually has a mix of pitchers who can throw hard, get ground balls, and strike out hitters.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Rays' strengths include their use of analytics, player development, and their innovative strategies. They are always trying to find a competitive advantage. Their coaching staff is excellent at managing the bullpen. They know how to get the most out of their pitchers. Their ability to use relievers in various roles and situations is also a key strength. The Rays are always a threat.

9. St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals always seem to find a way to compete. Their bullpen is an important part of their team. They always prioritize a strong pitching staff. The Cardinals have built a strong bullpen. Their ability to acquire and develop quality relief pitchers has been key to their success. They've consistently targeted high-leverage relievers. The team has a knack for identifying and developing talent. They are always on the lookout for the next great closer or setup man. The Cardinals' bullpen is built around a mix of hard-throwing relievers and crafty veterans who can get both righties and lefties out.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Cardinals' bullpen is built on a foundation of high-velocity fastballs, devastating breaking pitches, and the ability to throw strikes consistently. Their ability to acquire top-tier talent is a major advantage. Their coaching staff is excellent at managing the bullpen. They know how to get the most out of their pitchers. Their willingness to use relievers in various roles and situations is also a key strength. The Cardinals are always a threat.

10. Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are always a tough team to play. Their bullpen has always been a key component of their success. They have a knack for identifying and developing quality relievers. The Brewers' ability to acquire and develop relief pitching talent has been key to their success. They've consistently targeted high-leverage relievers. The team has a knack for identifying and developing talent. They are always on the lookout for the next great closer or setup man. The Brewers' bullpen is built around a mix of hard-throwing relievers and crafty veterans who can get both righties and lefties out.

Key Players

Closer: [Projected closer]
Setup: [Projected setup man]
Middle Relievers: [Several high-leverage middle relievers]

Strengths

The Brewers' bullpen is built on a foundation of high-velocity fastballs, devastating breaking pitches, and the ability to throw strikes consistently. Their ability to acquire top-tier talent is a major advantage. Their coaching staff is excellent at managing the bullpen. They know how to get the most out of their pitchers. Their willingness to use relievers in various roles and situations is also a key strength. The Brewers are always a threat.

And that's our look at the top 10 bullpens to watch in the 2025 MLB season! Remember, this is just a prediction, and things can change quickly in baseball. However, these teams have all the ingredients for a successful bullpen: talent, coaching, and a commitment to winning. So, keep an eye on these teams, and get ready for some exciting baseball in 2025!