The hot stove has been bubbling this winter, mostly thanks to Jerry Dipoto. Bullpen arms tend not to rank all that high in offseason coverage, so I cobbled together the notable moves for your reading pleasure. I know, I know, you’re thinking seriously ‘Wan, I’m not anywhere near the state of mind you need to think about the saves chase. There’s no rest for the closing wicked when it comes to the bullpen landscape, I’m afraid.
Bullpen additions:
- Cody Allen inked a one year deal with the Angels. Presumably, he intends to show he can still close effectively and cash in next winter. It’s a decent landing spot for him.
- Edwin Diaz moves to Citifield, and that does nothing to change his outlook as the RP1.
- One confusing spot for me is Andrew Miller signing with the Cardinals. They were in clear need of a go-to option in the ninth, but they’ve also employed plenty of closer-by-committee this past season. Miller’s value as a fireman muddy’s the water as to how he’ll be used.
- The Phillies become an even harder bullpen to project with the addition of David Robertson. He profiles as a closer, but he’s been willing to pitch anywhere in the back end of games. Gabe Kapler is the new Mike Scioscia.
- Seattle has continued their makeover with a trade for Anthony Swarzak and then signing Hunter Strickland. My gut says the free agent Strickland is their guy for the ninth.
- The White Sox have added two veteran relievers because they’re that close… Kelvin Herrera has the better stuff, but his health is a question mark sometimes. Alex Colome is stuck in column B until that time.
- The Yankees signed both Zach Britton and Adam Ottavino. It’s only fitting that they continue to undermine our hopes of Dellin Betances being a clear go to for the period of time Aroldis Chapman has a sore shoulder.
- Joe Kelly brings his psycho ass to the Dodgers. He needs to be on your radar as Kenley Jansen has to show the heart issue is under control and that he hasn’t lost any more velo.
- The Nationals scooped up a couple flamethrowers with closing experience in Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough. The Bearclaw intrigues me. The Marlins frequently overtaxed him with back to back to back usage. I’m curious if he can be a lights out setup man with less strain.
- Brad Brach goes to the Cubs in a move that rates meh on the interest meter. He can close in a pinch and they have a murky back end. His underlying numbers got shaky towards the end of last season, though.
Two non-transaction notes:
- The Rangers haven’t added any arms to the pen, much to the relief of my fellow Jose Leclerc fanboys. That bodes well for his upside in 2019.
- Who knows what the hell Cleveland is doing? Actual question. Does anyone know? They’re moving young guys, old guys, not signing any needs. Sure they have one of the leagues best rotations and two of the most dynamic infielders playings the game, but you don’t want it to look like you’re trying too hard to win.
