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MLB: Ranking the top 5 bullpens going into the 2023 season

By Seth Carlson

Mar 9, 2023; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Seranthony Dominguez (58) throws a pitch in the fifth inning at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2023; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Seranthony Dominguez (58) throws a pitch in the fifth inning at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) pitches in the ninth inn against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) pitches in the ninth inn against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. San Diego Padres

This ranking assumes that Josh Hader will return to the elite form that saw him elevate to being one of the best closers in baseball after a drop-off in performance after a midseason trade from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Behind Hader, the Padres have an entourage of relievers with devastating stuff including Robert Suarez, Luis Garcia, Steven Wilson and Nabil Crismatt. Tim Hill and Drew Pomeranz (when healthy) can provide some stability from the left side. This unit has a good balance of power stuff and guys that can locate, complementing a good rotation and a great lineup.

Late in games, San Diego will not lack in options.

3. Seattle Mariners

Out of all the bullpens on this list, the Mariners may have the least amount of “star” power, but don’t let that fool you: Seattle boasts an impressive crop of relievers.

Manager Scott Servais will likely deploy a closer by committee consisting of the gritty Paul Sewald and the fireballing Andres Munoz, but it’s the setup and middle relief that really takes this unit to the next level.

Matt Brash, one of those Seattle setup men, has a ridiculous slider that he was able to weaponize following a move to the bullpen from the starting rotation.

Diego Castillo, another electric arm, can be counted on as a late-inning option for the Mariners, while Penn Murfee and Chris Flexen are the long men.

All the more impressive about Seattle’s bullpen? They dealt breakout reliever Erik Swanson to the Toronto Blue Jays for Teoscar Hernandez, and it doesn’t appear the team will miss a beat.

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