The Philadelphia Phillies signed right-handed reliever Brad Keller to a two-year, $22 million contract to strengthen their bullpen, adding a key setup man with a breakout season behind him, aiming to improve their late-inning options and overall pitching depth.
The Cleveland Guardians and pitcher Connor Brogdon have agreed to a major league contract worth $900K for the upcoming season, with the team seeing potential in his velocity and past performance despite recent struggles. Brogdon, who has a history of effective relief pitching, will compete for a spot in the Guardians' bullpen, adding depth to their relief corps.
Devin Williams, despite a challenging season with a high ERA and some pitching inconsistencies, signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the New York Mets, with underlying metrics suggesting he could rebound strongly in 2026, and his departure from the Yankees prompts a reevaluation of how reliever value is assessed beyond traditional stats like ERA.
The Miami Marlins are interested in acquiring Devin Williams, a talented reliever with a strong track record, as they aim to improve their bullpen and contend more seriously in the upcoming season. Williams, who struggled with the Yankees after a successful stint with the Brewers, could be a bargain due to his recent performance, and Miami's need for a closer makes him an attractive option. However, competition from other teams and Williams's openness to staying with the Yankees could influence the outcome.
Roki Sasaki, a young pitcher for the Dodgers, has emerged as a key postseason reliever, delivering outstanding performances in the NLDS after overcoming injury and regaining his confidence and velocity, positioning himself as a future ace for the team.
Roki Sasaki, initially struggling with injuries and mechanical issues after joining the Dodgers, transformed into a dominant 100 mph reliever through strategic mechanical adjustments and trust in the Dodgers' coaching staff, playing a crucial role in their playoff success.
The Houston Astros are set to sign Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract after his release from a minor league deal with Texas, aiming to bolster their struggling bullpen with his strikeout ability and experience, especially with postseason eligibility approaching.
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is undergoing tests for shoulder discomfort after not pitching in recent games, raising concerns about a potential injury that could impact the team's bullpen and AL West standings. Hader, who has been effective this season with a 2.05 ERA, experienced some soreness after a high-pitch outing, but the team has depth to cover for him if needed.
Mariano Rivera plans to speak with struggling Yankees reliever Devin Williams to offer advice and boost his confidence amid a rough patch, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-belief in overcoming adversity in baseball.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone controversially stuck with struggling reliever Devin Williams in a crucial game, despite recent poor performances, which backfired as Williams allowed two runs and contributed to a fifth straight loss. Boone's decision was influenced by matchups and strategic considerations, but Williams' ongoing struggles continue to impact the team's bullpen performance.
The Dodgers are trading outfielder James Outman to Minnesota in exchange for reliever Brock Stewart, who is returning to the team where he started his career. Stewart, a 33-year-old pitcher with a strong recent performance but injury concerns, is expected to bolster the Dodgers' struggling bullpen. The trade reflects the Dodgers' efforts to improve their relief corps ahead of the postseason, while Outman, who has faced recent struggles at the plate, is moving to Minnesota.
The Detroit Tigers are finalizing a trade to acquire Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan in an effort to strengthen their bullpen for a potential World Series run, trading two minor leaguers in the process, while Finnegan, an All-Star with a 4.38 ERA and 20 saves this season, is expected to bolster the Tigers' relief corps.
The Detroit Tigers acquired pitcher Paul Sewald from the Cleveland Guardians, taking on his remaining contract and adding a veteran reliever to their bullpen, which could provide a boost despite Sewald's recent injury struggles and middling performance.
The Mets acquired reliever Tyler Rogers from the Giants in a trade that included prospects Blade Tidwell and Drew Gilbert, aiming to bolster their injury-ravaged bullpen for the playoff push, while the Giants added depth with Tidwell and Gilbert to their roster.
The Phillies are interested in acquiring Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox to bolster their lineup but remain primarily focused on adding a high-end relief pitcher, despite signing David Robertson. They are exploring multiple options for bullpen help, considering the risks associated with Robertson's age and recent performance, and are also contemplating alternative relievers and potential trades for impactful bats if top relievers' prices are too high.