As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating the performance of their favorite teams.
One of the most critical aspects of any successful ballclub is its bullpen. Ranking the top 10 bullpens before the season starts is a challenging task due to the inherent volatility of relief pitchers.
However, CBS Sports has taken on this daunting task, providing a comprehensive analysis of the best bullpens entering the 2025 season.
Let’s delve into their findings and see which teams are poised to dominate the late innings this year.
The Unpredictable Nature of Bullpens
Relievers are the most volatile players in baseball, often expected to perform near perfection in small samples on a regular basis.
One bad outing can ruin a stat line for weeks, if not the entire season. With pitchers frequently moving in and out of bullpens, ranking these units becomes even more complicated.
Despite these challenges, CBS Sports has identified the top 10 bullpens for the 2025 season, highlighting the key players and potential X-factors for each team.
Honorable Mentions
Before diving into the top 10, it’s worth noting the bullpens that just missed the cut.
The Astros, Giants, Padres, Cardinals, and Red Sox all have promising relief corps but didn’t quite make it into the top tier. These teams have the potential to surprise, especially if their key relievers perform at their best.
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Top 10 Bullpens for the 2025 Season
10. New York Mets
The Mets’ bullpen is anchored by elite closer Edwin DÃaz, who has the potential to be the best reliever in baseball.
The addition of lefty A.J. Minter and the return of Ryne Stanek bolster the group. José Buttó and Redd Garrett add depth, while Tylor Megill could be an X-factor if he transitions to a full-time bullpen role.
9. Atlanta Braves
Despite some turnover, the Braves’ bullpen remains strong with closer Raisel Iglesias and setup men Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, and Dylan Lee.
The losses of A.J. Minter and Jesse Chavez to free agency, along with Joe Jiménez‘s knee surgery, could impact depth. However, Daysbel Hernández and Grant Holmes provide promising options.
8. Baltimore Orioles
The return of 6-foot-8 closer Félix Bautista from Tommy John surgery is a significant boost for the Orioles.
New acquisition Andrew Kittredge and reliable relievers Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano add depth. If Cionel Pérez, Seranthony DomÃnguez, and Gregory Soto can rebound from disappointing seasons, this bullpen could be formidable.
7. New York Yankees
The Yankees have an elite closer in Devin Williams and a strong setup duo in Ian Hamilton and Tim Hill.
The key to their success could be harnessing the talent of Fernando Cruz, who struck out 109 batters in 66 ⅔ innings last season. Injuries to Jake Cousins, Scott Effross, and Jonathan Loáisiga could test their depth.
6. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies’ bullpen is anchored by closer Jordan Romano and setup man José Alvarado.
Both have the potential to be elite, with Romano looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024. Matt Strahm and young Orion Kerkering provide reliable options, while José Ruiz, Tanner Banks, and Joe Ross add quality depth.
5. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have a knack for getting the most out of their pitchers, as evidenced by their second-place finish in relief pitcher ERA last season.
Closer Trevor Megill leads a group that includes Jared Koenig, Joel Payamps, and Bryan Hudson. Despite losing Devin Williams to the Yankees, the Brewers’ bullpen remains strong.
4. Minnesota Twins
Closer Jhoan Durán has the stuff to be the best pitcher in baseball, supported by impressive setup men Griffin Jax and Cole Sands.
The depth isn’t as strong, but arms like Jorge Alcalá and Danny Coulombe provide interesting options. The Twins’ bullpen has the potential to be the best 7-8-9 combination in the majors this season.
3. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers’ bullpen was a key factor in their success last season, ranking fifth in ERA while leading the majors in innings pitched.
Key relievers Jason Foley, Tyler Holton, Will Vest, and Beau Brieske all return, joined by new addition Tommy Kahnle. A deeper rotation should reduce the stress on the bullpen, making this group even more effective.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers’ bullpen ranked fourth in ERA last season and has only improved with the additions of Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates.
Returning relievers Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda add depth, while the rotation’s strength could spill over into the bullpen. The Dodgers’ bullpen is loaded and ready to dominate.
1. Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians’ bullpen was a major reason for their ALCS run last season, posting a 2.57 ERA. Closer Emmanuel Clase was arguably the best reliever in baseball.
He was supported by top-tier setup men Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin. The addition of Paul Sewald could give the Guardians five relief aces, making them the best bullpen in baseball entering the 2025 season.
For a more detailed breakdown of each bullpen, check out the full analysis on CBS Sports’ MLB Power Rankings: Picking Baseball’s Top 10 Bullpens Entering the 2025 Season.
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