Relief pitchers are in high demand around MLB's trade deadline, as teams prepare for October. In 2025, the New York Yankees acquired David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird to improve their struggling bullpen. They debuted against the Miami Marlins, where the bullpen's poor performance led to a 13-12 loss, with Doval particularly struggling. Other teams like the Mets, Tigers, and Cubs also targeted relievers, but the volatility of relief pitching raises questions about the effectiveness of such deadline trades.
The New York Yankees added a trio of relievers to help a bullpen that had posted a 4.89 ERA over the previous two months. The newcomers debuted in a game against the Miami Marlins where they combined to allow nine runs, leading to a disastrous 13-12 loss. Doval blew a save, and an error from new acquisition Jose Caballero contributed to the team's downfall. Loading up on relievers at the deadline carries risks, as they can be volatile and may not deliver consistent performance in high-leverage situations.
The relief pitching landscape was active around the trade deadline as many teams sought to bolster their bullpens. The Mets, Tigers, Cubs, and others made significant trades for a variety of relievers. Though these acquisitions are intended to strengthen teams for a postseason push, their effectiveness can be inconsistent. Relievers often pitch limited innings, and poor performances in critical moments can diminish overall contributions.
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