Breaking Down the Best Bullpens in Baseball

4 June 2025

When it comes to baseball, the spotlight often shines on the starting pitchers and the heavy hitters. But let’s not forget the unsung heroes who take over when the game is hanging in the balance—the bullpen. A strong bullpen can be the difference between a playoff contender and a team watching from home in October. In fact, some teams are built around their bullpen, counting on them to close the door when the starters run out of gas.

But what exactly makes a bullpen great? Is it the flamethrowers who can blow hitters away with 100-mph heat? Or is it the crafty veterans who can outthink batters with pinpoint control? The truth is, it’s often a mix of both. A well-rounded bullpen has a variety of arms, each offering something different to keep opposing hitters off balance.

Let’s dive into the world of baseball bullpens and break down what makes them tick and which ones are dominating the game today.

What Defines a Great Bullpen?

Before we get into the specifics of the best bullpens in baseball, it's important to understand what separates an average bullpen from a truly elite one. There are a few key characteristics that define a top-tier bullpen.

Depth of Talent

It’s not enough to just have one or two solid relievers. A great bullpen has depth, meaning that even the middle relievers can be counted on to get key outs. Teams that rely on just one closer or setup man often find themselves in trouble when those arms are overworked. Depth allows managers to mix and match, playing favorable matchups and keeping the entire staff fresh.

Versatility

A good bullpen is versatile. It’s not just about having a closer who can lock down the ninth inning—though that’s super important too. A successful bullpen is filled with pitchers who can handle a variety of roles. Some might be specialists brought in to face just one batter, while others can go multiple innings in a high-leverage situation. The more options a manager has, the better.

Consistency

No one likes watching a bullpen implode late in the game. The best bullpens are consistent, meaning they can be trusted to hold leads and keep the game close. It’s not about pitching perfect every time but avoiding those catastrophic meltdowns that can swing the momentum in a heartbeat.

Strikeout Ability

In today’s game, strikeouts are king. The fewer balls put in play, the less chance there is for something to go wrong—simple as that. A bullpen filled with pitchers who can miss bats will always have an edge over one that relies heavily on contact and fielding.

Experience Under Pressure

If you’ve ever watched a playoff game, you know how much pressure gets dialed up in the later innings. A bullpen that’s been there before and can stay calm under pressure is invaluable. Veterans who have pitched in big games bring a certain calmness to the mound that can trickle down to the rest of the staff.

The Best Bullpens in Baseball Right Now

Now that we’ve defined what makes a bullpen great, let’s take a closer look at some of the best bullpens in Major League Baseball today. These teams have mastered the art of shutting down opponents in the later innings and are stacked with talent from top to bottom.

1. New York Yankees

The Yankees have long been known for their bullpen strength, and 2023 is no different. With arms like Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Wandy Peralta, this bullpen is as deep as it gets. Holmes has emerged as the Yankees’ closer, armed with a sinker that’s nearly unhittable when it’s on. Loáisiga, meanwhile, has a devastating combination of a 100-mph fastball and a wipeout slider. Peralta offers a left-handed option with pinpoint command, making him a valuable tool in late-inning matchups.

What makes the Yankees’ bullpen stand out is its flexibility. Manager Aaron Boone isn’t afraid to mix and match, using different guys depending on the situation. That kind of versatility is crucial when you’re facing high-octane offenses in the American League East.

2. Houston Astros

The defending champions boast one of the best bullpens in the game, anchored by closer Ryan Pressly. Pressly is as reliable as they come, with a nasty curveball and a fastball that he can locate to both sides of the plate. But he’s not the only weapon the Astros have.

Bryan Abreu and Rafael Montero are two other key pieces who can come in and dominate in high-leverage spots. Abreu, in particular, has been a revelation, with a fastball-slider combo that generates tons of swings and misses. The Astros’ bullpen has a reputation for coming up big in the postseason, and with these arms, they’ll be a tough team to beat once again.

3. Atlanta Braves

The Braves have quietly put together one of the most fearsome bullpens in baseball. Closer Raisel Iglesias, acquired from the Angels, has been lights-out since joining the team. With a fastball that touches the high 90s and a vicious slider, Iglesias has the tools to shut down any lineup.

But the Braves’ bullpen isn’t just about Iglesias. A.J. Minter is one of the top left-handed relievers in the game, and Kirby Yates, though coming off injury, has looked sharp in his return. Add in the flame-throwing Collin McHugh, and you’ve got a bullpen that can match up with anyone, especially in those tight playoff games.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers’ bullpen is anchored by arguably the best reliever in baseball, Devin Williams. Williams’ changeup, nicknamed “The Airbender,” is practically unhittable, and he’s been a dominant force since taking over as closer. His ability to generate strikeouts in key situations is a game-changer, and the Brewers rely heavily on him to shut things down late.

Behind Williams, the Brewers have a solid group of relievers like Peter Strzelecki and Hoby Milner, who provide depth and versatility. What makes Milwaukee’s bullpen so dangerous is its ability to shorten games. If the Brewers have a lead after six innings, it’s basically game over for the opposition.

5. Tampa Bay Rays

It wouldn’t be a bullpen discussion without mentioning the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays have a knack for developing relievers and using them in creative ways. Closer Pete Fairbanks has turned into an elite arm, regularly hitting triple digits on the radar gun with a wipeout slider to boot.

But Tampa’s bullpen is more than just Fairbanks. Jason Adam, Colin Poche, and Shawn Armstrong are all capable of handling high-leverage innings. The Rays’ bullpen is a key reason why they’re always in the playoff mix, and their ability to produce quality relievers seemingly out of nowhere is nothing short of remarkable.

Why Bullpens Matter More Than Ever

In today’s MLB, bullpens are more important than ever. Gone are the days when starters routinely pitched into the ninth inning. With pitch counts, injuries, and the increasing emphasis on matchups, teams are turning to their bullpens earlier and more often.

In fact, many teams now view the bullpen as just as important, if not more important, than the starting rotation. The thinking is simple: A dominant bullpen can cover for a lot of deficiencies elsewhere. If your bullpen can lock down the last four or five innings of a game, it takes pressure off your starters and gives your offense more time to do its thing.

And let’s not forget the playoffs. In October, every pitch is magnified, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Teams with elite bullpens have a huge advantage because they can neutralize opposing lineups late in games. It’s no coincidence that many recent World Series champions—like the 2021 Braves and 2022 Astros—had dominant bullpens.

The Future of Bullpens

As baseball continues to evolve, so will the role of the bullpen. We’re already seeing trends like “bullpen games,” where teams don’t even bother with a traditional starter, instead opting to use a series of relievers to cover all nine innings. This strategy allows teams to play matchups from the first pitch and keeps opposing hitters from getting too comfortable.

Another trend is the rise of multi-inning relievers. These are guys who can pitch two or even three innings at a time, bridging the gap between the starter and the closer. With pitch counts becoming more restrictive, having a bullpen full of versatile arms is becoming essential.

Looking ahead, expect teams to continue prioritizing bullpen depth. The days of relying on just one dominant closer are over. Instead, teams will build bullpens with multiple high-leverage arms, giving them the flexibility to navigate the increasingly complex world of modern baseball strategy.

Conclusion

Bullpens are no longer an afterthought—they’re front and center in today’s game. The best bullpens in baseball have depth, versatility, consistency, and the ability to miss bats in key moments. Teams like the Yankees, Astros, and Brewers have built their success around elite bullpens, and it’s no surprise that they’re always in the mix come playoff time. So next time you’re watching a close game in the seventh inning, don’t overlook the bullpen—it just might be the most important part of the game.