MLB best: Top 5 Bullpens in the Game on Paper Right Now

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 2: A view of the Oakland Athletics bullpen during the game against the Seattle Mariners at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum on September 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Mariners 8-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 18: Roberto Osuna #54 of the Houston Astros reacts at the end of the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Houston Astros

It’s hard not to include the Houston Astros on this list after they finished the 2018 season with by far the best bullpen in MLB.

Their bullpen ERA of 3.03 was over 30 points better than the second place team. They also struck out 586 batters in 499.2 innings, showing you just how dominant their bullpen arms can be.

I know a lot of people weren’t happy with what went down with Roberto Osuna in 2018, but the fact is, he’s a Houston Astros and he’s a great pitcher.

Overall last year he posted a 2.37 ERA in 38 innings pitched with 32 strikeouts, 21 saves, and a WHIP of 0.92.

Ryan Pressly is an arm they acquired during last season and he struck out 101 batters in 71 innings during the 2018 season with an ERA of 2.54.

Hector Rondon has always had a big arm but has struggled with consistency over his career. he put together a very solid season in Houston last year with a 3.20 ERA in 59 innings with 67 strikeouts.

Brad Peacock had a great 2018 striking out 96 batters in 65 innings with a 3.46 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

Chris Devenski had a down season in 2018, but I think it’s just because he was overworked the season before. I look for him to get back on track in 2019 as a guy who can go multiple innings.

Oh, and then they have veterans Joe Smith and Will Harris as well. No wonder this bullpen was so good last year. But could they be dethroned in 2019?

Home/MLB News