Early in the baseball offseason, the reliever market has already seen a flurry of activity, with several notable bullpen pitchers securing new contracts or joining new teams even before free agency fully heats up. The Cubs made a strategic move signing right-hander Phil Maton to a two-year, $14.5 million deal, addressing their bullpen needs and anticipating his strong 2025 performance. Meanwhile, relievers with mixed inning experience but significant injury histories have found new homes, such as former Tigers closer Alex Lange joining Kansas City and lefty Sam Hentges signing with San Francisco after impressive seasons in Cleveland.
As December neared, Baltimore locked down Ryan Helsley as their closer on a two-year, $28 million contract, despite mixed performances following a trade to New York. The Mets then signed Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal, showing faith in his rebound potential. In Cincinnati, Emilio Pagán agreed to stay on for two years and $20 million, while Raisel Iglesias committed to a one-year, $16 million deal with Atlanta, exemplifying closers opting for stability this winter.
With the relief pitching market active and poised for more movement at the upcoming Winter Meetings, several top free agents remain available. Edwin Díaz, 32, is a dominant closer with a powerful fastball-slider combo who opted out of his contract to seek a deal possibly similar to his previous record-setting $102 million, five-year agreement. Teams like the may shy away from such expensive, long-term commitments, while the Mets remain a logical suitor given their willingness to invest in bolstering their bullpen and recent moves to revamp their roster.
Robert Suarez, who debuted late in MLB after success in Japan, posted an MLB-leading 76 saves for the Padres over the past two seasons but declined a $8 million player option to pursue a bigger multi-year deal despite being in his mid-30s. His strong fastball and changeup make him a sought-after asset, though his age raises questions about longevity. Potential suitors include the and Blue Jays, both aggressive in improving their pitching staffs.
Luke Weaver reinvented himself in 2024 as a reliable relief pitcher after an unremarkable start as a starter. Though he struggled post-injury in 2025, his consistent strike-throwing and good whiff rates make him appealing as both a closer and setup man. A team like the Giants, needing bullpen help and playing home games in a pitcher-friendly park, might be a fitting next destination.
Brad Keller, the youngest among the discussed relievers at 30, has shown promise with improved velocity and pitch control, becoming a useful bullpen piece for the Cubs in 2024. With his versatility and potential to start or relieve, Keller is a wildcard free agent who could attract multiple teams, including the Rangers, who are looking to fill bullpen innings.
Pete Fairbanks, unexpectedly released by Tampa Bay via declining his $11 million option, has proven durability and experience as a closer with 27 saves in 2025 despite dips in strikeout rates and velocity. Teams like Arizona and Detroit could benefit from Fairbanks’ veteran presence, whether he continues as a closer or transitions to a setup role.
Fan Take: This early flurry of reliever signings is crucial for teams aiming to shore up their late-inning pitching, often a decisive factor in playoff success. Watching how these bullpen stalwarts land and perform could reshape team dynamics and strategies, making the 2025 season especially exciting for fans who appreciate the art of relief pitching.
