The A's Must Rebuild Their Relief Roles

Justin Sterner is likely the most reliable arm in the A's bullpen right now. He pitched two innings against the Yankees on Tuesday, allowing two hits and striking out one.

He posted a 3.18 ERA last season (3.33 xERA), while having chase and whiff percentages in the high 80th percentile. This season, he holds a 1.50 ERA (2.27 xERA), low expected batting average numbers, and a high ground ball rate.

Sterner has had moments at the MLB level where he has looked un-hittable. One stretch in particular was last season when he started the 2025 season, pitching 18 2/3 innings before he allowed his first earned run. Sterner should be the A's closer going forward, as he is their best option and has the numbers to back it up.

However, if the A's deem Sterner as their closer, as they should, then who could be the late-game high-leverage arm that they turn to?

The A's New Set-Up Man: Hogan Harris

Hogan Harris is in the conversation with Sterner for the best arm in the A's bullpen. The only reason Sterner gets the nod in my eyes is because of his higher chase and whiff rates. Harris is a former starter who can give the A's some length late in games.

There could be a situation where Kotsay deploys him in the seventh inning and gives him the eighth, as a bridge to Sterner. Kotsay has shown no hesitation in having Harris pitch against both lefties and righties, making the southpaw a prime candidate for this role.

Harris, both last season and this season, has posted low hard-hit and barrel percentages. His ability to limit home runs and extra base hits should be attractive to Kotsay as a late-inning option. The only "knock" against Harris is that he is an average strikeout pitcher and has posted high walk rates, but Harris has been able to work around those flaws in his game and still perform at a high level.

The Rest of The Bullpen

The remaining pitchers in the A's bullpen have unique qualities that could make them attractive in specific situations. Luis Medina and Elvis Alvarado both hold 95th percentile fastball velocity and Medina can provide multiple inning length when needed.

Despite his horrid start, Leiter throws the coveted split-finger that can be effective when used correctly. Scott Barlow and Michael Kelly are veteran pitchers that can produce quality results. New addition Joel Kuhnel provides an interesting pitch mix, and after last night's win, is tied for the team lead in saves with one .

As it stands now, the A's bullpen hierarchy seems clear. Sterner should be the closer, with Harris as the primary set-up man. Kelly, Medina, and/or Alvarado can be interesting options in the set-up role based on matchups or if Harris is on a rest day.

This would leave Leiter, Barlow, and Kuhnel as the first pitchers out of the bullpen until they start producing quality innings. Kuhnel's showing could have him moving quickly into the late-inning mix. This way, if they do turn in poor results, the A's offense can have as much time as possible to take the lead back.

J.T. Ginn could end up in a role where he is the A's fifth starter heading into the weekend, with Luis Morales being optioned. That said, the A's are also calling up Jack Perkins, who could also turn out to be the team's fifth starter, or they could tag team the Mets this weekend.

Minor League Options

If the A's decide to truly shake up their bullpen, there are options down in the farm. Jack "Beef" Perkins is first on that list, as he posted really good numbers in 38.2 innings last season with the A's.

He has late-inning, high-leverage experience earning three saves last season. Many assumed Perkins would have a role to start the season with the A's, but he was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after Spring Training.

Another option for the A's to consider is right-hander Eduarniel Núñez, whom the A's acquired in the Miller trade with San Diego. Núñez pitched eight innings for the A's last season before being optioned back to Triple-A. So far this season, he has pitched five innings, walked six, but has struck out six batters and posted a 0.00 ERA.

Right now the A's are rolling with Perkins as their new addition to the roster, but how that move plays out has not been settled just yet. He could end up starting, or he could work his way into a key role in the bullpen with some solid outings.