In the race for the 2025 MLB postseason, contending teams are grappling with bullpen woes that could derail their ambitions. Injuries, suspensions, and plain old underperformance are making relief pitching a headache across the league.
Teams like the Diamondbacks, Phillies, Braves, and Yankees are hunting desperately for some kind of stability in their bullpen. Maybe the trade deadline holds the key to reshaping their playoff chances, but right now, the situation feels pretty dire. Let’s dig into the bullpen messes plaguing a few top contenders and toss around some names who might actually help.
Which MLB Teams Are Facing Major Bullpen Issues?
As we get deeper into the season, a bunch of playoff hopefuls are still scrambling for steady relief pitching. Some division leaders and wild-card chasers just can’t seem to find consistency or keep their bullpen arms healthy, and it’s showing up in those late-game meltdowns.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Help Needed After Burnes Injury
The Arizona Diamondbacks have put together a strong 2025 campaign, but Corbin Burnes’ injury really threw a wrench in their plans. Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks have held it down so far, but the depth behind them just isn’t enough for October.
Arizona’s front office has to find fresh arms before the trade deadline. Otherwise, it’s hard to see them hanging tough through the postseason grind.
Philadelphia Phillies: Suspension and Struggles Expose Weakness
The Phillies are dealing with bullpen chaos thanks to José Alvarado’s PED suspension and Jordan Romano’s shaky outings. Without a reliable closer, Philadelphia keeps blowing leads and letting games slip away in crunch time.
They need a fix, fast, if they want to make any noise in October.
Other Teams With Bullpen Concerns
Philadelphia and Arizona aren’t the only ones sweating. There’s a handful of other contenders with bullpen headaches that could wreck their postseason dreams if they don’t do something soon.
Milwaukee Brewers: Heavy Reliance and Diminishing Effectiveness
The Brewers keep leaning on the same handful of trusted relievers, but it’s catching up to them. Their bullpen ERA sits at a miserable 23rd in the league.
Overuse and lack of depth are real problems, and Milwaukee needs to act before the wheels fall off down the stretch.
New York Yankees: Injuries and Inconsistency
The Yankees have a couple dependable arms, but inconsistency from Devin Williams and injuries elsewhere are making fans nervous. This franchise expects more, and honestly, they’ll need steadier bullpen work if they want to hang onto their title hopes.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Underperforming and Depleted
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a mess, with injuries and underwhelming performances dragging them down. This team always seems to make moves at the deadline, and I’d be shocked if they didn’t go looking for help again.
Trade Market Relievers: Potential Solutions
With so many teams desperate for bullpen help, the trade market for relievers is getting wild. A few names keep popping up—guys who could actually tilt the balance for a contender.
Top trade targets for contending teams include:
- Pete Fairbanks: Brings heat and doesn’t blink in high-leverage spots.
- Ryan Helsley: Young, electric, and already proven under pressure.
- Félix Bautista: Flat-out dominant closer—every team wants one like him.
- Aroldis Chapman: Veteran with a postseason track record, even if he’s not what he once was.
- David Bednar: Reliable, steady, and just gets the job done.
- Kyle Finnegan: Not a household name, but there’s upside here.
- Kenley Jansen: Playoff-tested, and somehow still hanging tough.
- Emilio Pagán: Versatile enough to pitch wherever you need him.
- Jake Bird: Young guy with breakout vibes—could surprise people.
Final Thoughts: Bullpen Success Is Key to October Glory
The 2025 MLB season looks like it’ll test every contender’s bullpen depth. Injuries and inconsistency are already forcing teams to make tough choices.
Should they stick with what they have, or go all-in and make a splashy trade? Adding a steady arm like Pete Fairbanks or Félix Bautista might tip the scales.
Honestly, the trade deadline could get wild. One or two moves could totally change a team’s October story.
Here is the source article for this story: Which contenders could use bullpen help at Deadline?
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