With the 2024 Major League Baseball Opening Day just days away, the Philadelphia Phillies emerged as the team with the best bullpen per MLB.com’s rankings. Thanks to a relief rotation with Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, and Gregory Soto, the Phillies are projected to have 4.8 wins above replacement (WAR). Seranthony Dominguez, and Matt Strahm.
Meanwhile, Orion Kerkering jumped from Single-A to the majors last season. The Phillies also have Connor Brogdon and Yunior Marte. However, injuries and inconsistencies could be their most significant concern in fulfilling this prediction.
The Atlanta Braves are in second place with a bullpen featuring Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Joe Jimenez, and Pierce Johnson. They also traded for Aaron Bummer, while Tyler Matzek is returning from Tommy John surgery. Daysbel Hernandez and Dylan Lee complete their rotation. MLB.com predicts their WAR at 4.2, which they could sustain if they all remain healthy.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in third place with a projected 3.7 WAR. National League saves leader David Bednar, and setup guy Colin Holderman leads the pack. They also have 2020 first-round pick Carmen Mlodzinski and Ryan Borucki. The Pirates added bullpen depth by signing Aroldis Chapman and Josh Fleming. Unfortunately, Dauri Moreta won’t play this season due to an elbow tear.
Coming in at fourth is the Houston Astros, who added three-time Reliever of the Year Josh Hader to their rotation. Their bullpen has overwhelming star power with Ryan Pressly, Bryan Abreu, and Rafael Montero. Their WAR projection is a 3.7.
The Tampa Bay Rays complete the top five. This team has been fantastic in building its bullpen over the years. This season, they will have closer Pete Fairbanks, Shawn Armstrong, Jason Adam, and Colin Poche. Acquiring Phil Maton also adds to their depth.
Here’s the complete list of the MLB’s top bullpens for 2024.
These bullpens hold it down better than anyone pic.twitter.com/acu8OqRAhT
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 25, 2024
-Lance Fernandez