A bullpen is the core of what teams build to gain success, whether its to clean up messes on the bases or to give starters another day of rest, relievers are the unsung heroes of many baseball teams. Many relievers that went under the radar last year that were very successful include: Robert Stephenson, Joel Payamps and Ian Hamilton. While there were many more, those relievers are just an example of who I would like to set a preference toward for this article. Here are some relievers that are top on the wish lists of many teams willing to spend some money on free agency.
Andre Jackson (PIT) Andre Jackson showed great sparks last year with Pittsburgh playing a long reliever role with seven starts in twelve games. What is intriguing about Jackson is his improvement from his time with LA to his time with Pittsburgh. Jackson posted below league average stats in LA but when he appeared in Pittsburgh, he implemented himself into the bullpen just like his teammate Dauri Moreta. Jackson showed promise in his 12 game stint in Pittsburgh last year escaping jams and being a reliable innings eater who shows great stuff and I believe he could be a sneaky good reliever in 2024.
Phil Bickford (NYM) Phil Bickford was a highlight under the radar reliever for the Dodgers in 2021 posting a 2.50 ERA in 56 games for the club. But since then Bickford’s reputation hasn’t been so strong for LA, with Bickford being DFA’d, then traded to the New York Mets for cash. Bickford’s role on the mets was to be a middle inning reliever, who didn’t have to deal with much pressure due to the club’s record and play in 2023. Bickford’s tenure with the Mets was one of mixed results, in August, Bickford posted a 7.36 ERA with the club in 13 games, but in September Bickford’s ERA was 0.84 in 12 games. Bickford can be a solid middle of the pack/ semi-setup man who could seal the club with maybe 2 to 5 saves next year.
Chris Martin (BOS) Chris Martin has been a journeyman through the MLB playing for 7 different teams throughout his career, but I believe he has found his stride for the Red Sox. Chris Martin had an outstanding season for the Red Sox in 2023 posting nearly a sub-one ERA throughout 51 innings. Chris Martin definitely showed in 2023 that age for him is not a factor. Chris Martin, surprisingly, came 12th in AL Cy Young voting and was for sure one of the best relievers in baseball this year. Chris Martin showed a huge outburst in 2023 and I believe he will become the closer for the Red Sox if Kenley Jansen regresses or falls to injury and I fully expect Andrew Bailey to take advantage of this special reliever in their hands due to his ability to shut down threats while not allowing many runners.