Major League Baseball Bullpen Strategies Shift for 2024

In 2024, the Baltimore Orioles faced challenges in their bullpen without Félix Bautista, who was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, leading to a 4.22 ERA. The Orioles replaced Craig Kimbrel, who struggled in the second half of the season, and are focusing on Bautista and Yennier Cano for late-game roles in 2025. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are also addressing their bullpen needs as key late-inning relievers, including Kirby Yates, face free agency, with Yates having an exceptional 1.17 ERA season. The St. Louis Cardinals successfully revamped their bullpen from a 4.47 ERA in 2023 to 3.64 in 2024, bolstered by strategic acquisitions. The Cardinals’ management emphasized building depth and developing cost-effective talent, while the Rangers face a potential rebuild in their bullpen. The ongoing MLB playoffs highlighted the pitfalls of 'bullpenning' strategies, as traditional starters outperformed teams relying on multiple relievers.