Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Robertson Acquisition, But More Help May Be Needed
Philadelphia, PA – The Phillies have added a significant arm to their bullpen with the signing of David Robertson to a two-month, $6 million deal. Though, this move may only be the beginning of their pursuit for relief help, as the team’s bullpen continues to struggle.
The Phillies’ bullpen currently ranks 22nd in ERA (4.27) and 25th in WPA (0.4). No other contending team is performing as poorly in both categories. Given President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski’s history of making impactful bullpen upgrades at the trade deadline,Robertson’s arrival could signal further moves to strengthen the relief corps.
Tigers’ Bullpen Woes Continue, Seeking Late-Inning Firepower
Detroit, MI – The Detroit Tigers‘ bullpen has seen a steady decline in performance throughout the season. Their ERA has climbed from 2.90 in April to 3.87 in May, 4.44 in june, and a concerning 6.10 in July. A particular weakness for the Tigers heading into the playoffs is their lack of late-inning arms with high strikeout potential, as evidenced by their AL-low strikeout rate.
The Tigers may look to acquire a high-end,team-controlled reliever to build their bullpen for the future. However, this pursuit is intricate by the fact that several top relief prospects are with division rivals Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians.
Dodgers Eye october Impact with Bullpen Reinforcements
Los Angeles, CA – Despite recent losses, the Los Angeles Dodgers are assured of a playoff spot and are strategically seeking bullpen help with an eye toward October success, rather than just regular-season depth. With ample financial resources and prospect capital, the dodgers are expected to target prominent relief pitchers.
Even with the potential return of injured relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Michael Kopech for the playoffs, the Dodgers’ decision to pursue additional high-end relief help is a prudent one. this proactive approach is crucial given the strength of their overall roster and the risk of late-inning struggles derailing their title defense.
Rays Seek Bullpen resurgence after Decade of Dominance
St.Petersburg, FL – The Tampa Bay Rays, historically known for their strong bullpens, are experiencing a diffrent reality this season. While their relievers’ 3.93 ERA ranks in the middle of the pack, it represents their highest team ERA since 2016.Furthermore, their -1.8 WPA, placing them 27th in MLB, is their worst mark since 2007.
The Rays are likely to target an under-the-radar reliever with the aim of developing them into a reliable high-leverage option. However, the innovative Rays front office could also make a significant splash by pursuing one of the most sought-after names on the reliever market.
Honorable Mentions:
Toronto Blue Jays
Seattle Mariners
* New York Mets
