The top 5 free agent relief pitchers of 2015

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Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

If there’s one thing this postseason has shown us, it’s that you need a strong bullpen. The Royals didn’t have a single starter go six innings in the ALCS, but the won every game. It is no coincidence that the two bullpens with the best postseason ERAs will square off in the fall classic.

5. Luke Hochevar, RHP

It’s hard to think that the Royals bullpen could actually be better, but they were struck by injury before the season started.

Luke Hochevar was the Royals second best relief pitcher in 2013. He posted a 1.92 ERA in 70.1 innings. But during spring training, Hochevar suffered an elbow injury and had to undergo Tommy John Surgery.

He underwent successful surgery in March, meaning he could be ready to go by the time spring training rolls around.

He doesn’t have a big sweeping breaking ball, so once the velocity returns and the feel for the cutter comes back, Hochevar should be back to being one of the best arms in any bullpen.

He should be reasonably priced after coming off surgery, lots of bonuses and little guaranteed money.

Oct 15, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) pitches during the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants in game four of the 2014 NLCS playoff baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4. Pat Neshek, RHP

If you had asked Pat Neshek what kind of contract he wanted last year, he would have said any contract.

The Cardinals scooped up the unconventional hurler on a minor league contract only to have him outperform every young bullpen arm on the team. He had a 1.87 ERA with a K/BB ratio of 7.56 and a WHIP of 0.787.

He was awarded his first All-Star nomination, held down the eighth inning for most of the season and pitched admirably in the playoffs.

He got jumped for a pair of home runs against Matt Kemp and Mike Morse in the playoffs, but was one of the only pitchers to pitch a 1-2-3 inning in the series against the Giants.

According to Jenifer Langosch, the Cardinals are unlikely to bring Neshek back this offseason, so the righty will be hitting the open market after the best year of his career.

Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Miller throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the 7th inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

3. Andrew Miller, LHP

The Red Sox dealt one of baseballs top bullpen arms, Andrew Miller, at the deadline but not to any of the teams struggling for a late inning reliever. He proved that he can pitch in the playoffs, pitching 7.1 innings and allowing just two baserunners.

With the Cardinals featuring so many lefties, a bidding war in the National League could ensue for the most dominant lefty on the market.

The Dodgers may make him the most wealthy relief pitcher in the sport after getting burned by the Cardinals in back-to-back years.

Sep 25, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) pitches during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

2. Koji Uehara, RHP

At nearly 40 years old, Koji Uehara is still one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game. He posted a 2.52 ERA in 64.1 innings. He had just 26 saves, but that was a result of having just 32 chances.

His ERA doubled in his last eight outings, allowing 10 of his 18 earned runs. If you take out the last eight appearances, Uehara had 56.2 innings of a 1.27 ERA, nearly as good as he was in 2013.

This was probably due to his heavy work-load in the past few years. He pitched 88 innings last year especially if you include the playoffs.

Even though he dropped off at the end of the season, Uehara made his first All-Star game appearance in 2014.

Koji Uehara should have no problem finding a home for the 2015 season.

Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson (30) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. David Robertson, RHP

Robertson is set to become the successor of the greatest closer in the history of the sport, if he so chooses.

David Robertson has been one of the best relievers in baseball since 2010. He has posted five consecutive 60+ inning seasons, posted a combined ERA of 2.51 and even posted a season which garnered Cy Young and MVP votes.

Robertson seems content to go to free agency. In the middle of the season, he said the Yankees had their chance to keep him for less but that ship seems to have sailed.

The Yankees will likely extend him a qualifying offer and Robertson may be the first player to accept it, but if he does not receive a qualifying offer he could become one of the highest paid bullpen arms in the sport.

The Cardinals had some questions with Trevor Rosenthal and the Tigers, despite reports that they may be sticking with Joe Nathan, may decide to go in the direction of an upgrade in the closer spot.

Even Anaheim could be a landing spot for Robertson as the Los Angeles Angels may want another arm to compliment Huston Street.

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