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2025 Bullpen
If the rotation sets the tone for a pitching-first organization, then the bullpen is where our identity sharpens into a weapon. As a GM who values elite stuff, above-average movement, and relentless late-inning pressure, this group is central to how we close games, protect leads, and choke off rallies.
What we’ve assembled for 2025 is a bullpen that reflects our philosophy perfectly: power arms, groundball machines, and strikeout threats who can shorten games to six innings.
Here is the official preseason bullpen preview.
CL: Kenley Jansen – The Anchor of the Halo
Every great bullpen starts with an unquestionable closer, and our veteran anchor remains one of the most reliable late-inning weapons in the league.
Stuff: 55
Movement: 50
Control: 50
Velocity: 93–95
Arsenal: Cutter / Slider / Sinker
Usage: 9th inning or later
Even at his age, the profile is elite for our purposes: strong stuff, a cutter that still saws bats, and command that stabilizes the late innings. The extreme flyball tendency requires attention, but our emphasis on defense positions us to handle it.
He is the hammer—the bullpen is built around him.
SU: Ben Joyce – The Fire-Breathing Setup Man
If Jansen is the anchor, Joyce is the flamethrower who terrifies hitters before the 9th.
Stuff: 55
Movement: 55
Control: 45
Velocity: 100+ mph
Usage: 8th inning
Joyce embodies everything we want: elite velocity, elite stuff, above-average movement, and just enough control to unleash chaos without losing structure.
Expect him to lead the team in holds and, on days when Jansen rests, earn a handful of saves.
He is our future closer in waiting.
SU/MR: Brock Burke – The Left-Handed Neutralizer
Burke brings a balanced profile that fits perfectly into late-inning matchups.
Stuff: 50
Movement: 55
Control: 50
Velocity: 96–98
A lefty with mid-90s heat and above-average movement is invaluable. He’ll function as a 7th-inning bridge while also taking high-pressure spots against tough left-handed pockets.
Dependable, durable, and efficient—Burke is a bullpen chess piece with quiet importance.
MR: José Quijada – The High-Octane Wild Card
Quijada is a classic high-stuff reliever—volatile, explosive, and dangerous when the control cooperates.
Stuff: 55
Movement: 55
Control: 45
Velocity: 94–96
He checks our boxes for stuff and movement, and while control may waver, he doesn't need to be perfect—just overpowering. His stuff vs lefties is particularly strong, making him an ideal mid-inning matchup arm.
We will use him more often to maximize that value.
MR/LR: Kyle Hendricks – The Control Specialist
Hendricks is the exception that proves our rule: low stuff, but elite control and groundball efficiency.
Stuff: 35
Movement: 45
Control: 55
Velocity: 87–89
Role: Long Relief / Emergency SP
In a bullpen filled with power and chaos, Hendricks offers a stabilizing contrast. He’ll absorb innings, control the strike zone, and function as the emergency rotation option if injuries strike.
Not flashy—but essential.
LR: Ian Anderson – The Comeback Arm
Anderson is a buy-low potential success story.
Stuff: 40
Movement: 45
Control: 50
Velocity: 93–95
His balanced ratings give him a chance to out-pitch expectations. The command is returning, the velocity is steady, and his long-relief role gives him room to rebuild confidence.
If he finds his form, he could push for higher leverage innings by midseason.
LR: Chase Silseth – The Developmental Power Arm
Silseth fits the organizational mold but remains a work in progress.
Stuff: 45
Movement: 50
Control: 45
Velocity: 93–95
Role: Long Relief / Emergency SP
He brings a power mix with developing command. Long relief gives him meaningful innings without overexposing him. If his control bumps up even slightly, he could become a dangerous middle-inning weapon.
He’s exactly the type of pitcher we aim to grow from within.
LOOGY: Garrett McDaniels – The Lefty Specialist
A true specialist with a clear job description.
Stuff: 45
Movement: 55
Control: 45
Velocity: 92–94
Usage: vs Left-Handed Hitters
McDaniels’ movement and stuff vs lefties make him a matchup nightmare. He’ll be deployed surgically—late-inning lefty-on-lefty battles where one swing can change the game.
Bullpen Identity for 2025
This bullpen is everything we envisioned:
✔ High to elite Stuff
Joyce, Quijada, Burke, Jansen
✔ Above-average Movement across the unit
Key to suppressing home runs in tight games
✔ Control acceptable for power roles
Hendricks and Anderson provide balance
✔ Velocity everywhere
Even lefties touch mid-90s
✔ Clear Roles
Jansen: Closer
Joyce: 8th inning
Burke: 7th inning / LH bridge
Quijada: Matchup middle relief
McDaniels: LH specialist
Anderson / Silseth / Hendricks: Long relief & emergency starts
This bullpen is built exactly to our design—power, pressure, and tactical flexibility. It’s the type of group that can slam doors on opponents and transform one-run leads into wins.
And as the season begins, this unit will be critical to our identity as a pitching-first organization.
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