PHOENIX – The most standout issue for the Arizona Diamondbacks for years has been the inability to find bullpen talent to bolster their pitching staff.
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Jul 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) talks to pitcher Jake Woodford (41) in the ninth inning during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
For the D-Backs, the path to playoff contention is often derailed not at the top of games, but long after by an erratic bullpen that has been a headache over multiple seasons. Through the 2025 campaign, Arizona’s bullpen is ranked 27th in the entire MLB, has an ERA of 4.93, a WHIP of 1.44, and just 31 saves, placing them near the bottom third in key metrics. (Credit: Screwball Stat Engine)
Arizona D-Backs players talk to right-hander John Curtiss (46) as he pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on June 30, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Depth issues compound performance woes. According to 2025 pitching usage, the club has deployed over 30 different relievers, reflecting frequent turnover, injuries, and experimentation. Such revolving-door usage undermines consistency, a vital trait for a late-game unit. Analytically, beyond ERA and WHIP, advanced metrics tell a tougher story. The bullpen ranks 25th in FIP and 27th in Win Probability Added (WPA), signaling ineffectiveness when the game is most on the line. (Credit: Jim McLennan | AZ Snake Pit)
Arizona D-Backs left-hander Jalen Beeks (68) hands the ball to manager Torey Lovullo as he is pulled from the game against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Saturday, June 28, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Strategically, this ongoing bullpen instability has tangible repercussions. The team’s inability to shut down tight contests hampers late-season momentum and dims playoff hopes even when batting and starting pitching are trending upward. The bullpen’s poor performance in high-leverage spots directly erodes win potential, turning winnable games into squandered opportunities.
D-Backs fans’ opinions on Arizona’s bullpen:
Berthiaume: There’s something about the Diamondback bullpen. 😂😂 #Dbacks pic.twitter.com/u1zKq2A1kp
— Jen (@AZTVChick) August 6, 2025
This @Dbacks bullpen has been WRETCHED and AWFUL all damn season; AAA-level 💩 pic.twitter.com/RtUa6coeRZ
— John (@AZCapsFan) August 6, 2025
It’s been a broken record for this D-Backs ball club. Whether it’s J.B. Wendelken and Sean Poppen with their 4.34 and 4.67 ERAs back in 2021, or not having enough talent in 2018 with players such as Matt Andriese and Jake Diekman, to even the most recent known heartbreak in 2023, when Paul Sewald was a major reason why the D-Backs couldn’t take home the World Series.
Jul 31, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona D-Backs pitcher Paul Sewald (38) is pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Addressing this issue cannot just be about patching this year’s weaknesses. Sending a message that the front office recognizes its past faults while intending to resolve the bullpen whether through acquisition or internal development, is essential for the D-Backs.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
