Diamondbacks’ inconsistent bullpen remains Arizona’s weakest link

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)

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)

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:

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.

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.