MLB · 3 months ago

7 Underrated MLB Relief Pitchers Still on the Free Agent Market Right Now

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson’s contributions often flew under the radar with the Boston Red Sox, but the results were real. As part of one of baseball’s best bullpens in 2025, Wilson provided steady left-handed relief across 61 appearances.

He paired a mid-3.00 ERA with strong swing-and-miss numbers, ranking among the team’s best relievers in whiff rate. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters remains a calling card.

Still a free agent, Wilson stands out as a low-risk option for teams looking to deepen bullpen depth without sacrificing effectiveness.
Hidden Bullpen Value: 7 MLB Relievers Still Available
Bullpen help doesn’t always come with headlines — and that’s usually where the value lives. While marquee free agents dominate offseason conversations, contending teams often separate themselves by uncovering relief arms who can stabilize late innings without blowing up payrolls.

As the market thins out, these relievers remain available and could quietly swing leverage situations in 2026. Some are bounce-back candidates, others are steady veterans, but each brings a skill set that fits a specific bullpen need.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
Jakob Junis
Jakob Junis quietly became a stabilizing force in the Cleveland Guardians' bullpen during a turbulent 2025 season. Thrust into a larger role after midseason chaos, Junis responded with one of the most consistent relief performances on the roster.

He finished with an ERA under 3.00 while logging more than 65 innings — a clear sign of managerial trust. His ability to suppress barrels and neutralize hitters with his changeup made him a reliable option in high-traffic situations.

Approaching a decade in the majors, Junis profiles as a versatile bullpen piece capable of bridging innings for teams valuing reliability over flash.

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Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech’s 2025 season never got off the runway, but the flashes were impossible to ignore. Limited to just 11 innings due to injuries, Kopech still showed why teams remain intrigued by his upside as a late-inning weapon.

He punched out 12 hitters while posting a 2.45 ERA, and more importantly, he avoided damaging contact entirely — no barrels and a sub-40% hard-hit rate. The red flag, as always, was command. Kopech’s walk rate ballooned north of 24%, keeping him from pitching deeper into leverage.

For teams willing to gamble on health and minor control adjustments, Kopech represents a classic upside play. If the walks come down and the velocity holds, he has the raw stuff to outperform his contract in a hurry.
Taylor Rogers
Taylor Rogers’ 2025 season was anything but stable — two trades, multiple roles, and constant adjustments — yet the production remained steady. Now entering his mid-30s, Rogers profiles as a dependable depth piece for bullpens needing left-handed innings.

He logged over 50 innings with a 3.38 ERA and leaned on experience rather than velocity. His sweeper remained effective, limiting damage even as his raw stuff continues to taper.

Rogers isn’t a shutdown arm anymore, but he still offers value as a matchup reliever and innings stabilizer — especially at a manageable price point.
Tyler Kinley
Sometimes a change of scenery changes everything. Tyler Kinley’s struggles with the Colorado Rockies followed him for years, but once he left Coors Field behind, the results flipped dramatically.

In 2025, Kinley set career highs across the board, including innings pitched, while posting a sub-4.00 ERA and a WHIP below 1.20. The biggest improvement came in contact quality, as hitters struggled to square him up all season.

Kinley’s breakout may still fly under the radar, but contenders looking for sneaky bullpen upside could see him as one of the offseason’s smartest adds.
Pierce Johnson
Availability matters — and Pierce Johnson delivers it. One of just 43 right-handers to appear in 65-plus games in 2025, Johnson proved once again he can be trusted whenever the bullpen phone rings.

The results backed it up. Johnson logged 59 strikeouts in 59 innings with an ERA just north of 3.00 and a steady 1.20 WHIP. His curveball remains the foundation of his success, generating weak contact and keeping hitters off balance despite heavy usage.

Now two straight seasons of consistent production with the Atlanta Braves have cemented Johnson as a dependable middle-to-late-inning option. Teams seeking reliability over volatility will have him firmly on their radar.
Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson’s contributions often flew under the radar with the Boston Red Sox, but the results were real. As part of one of baseball’s best bullpens in 2025, Wilson provided steady left-handed relief across 61 appearances.

He paired a mid-3.00 ERA with strong swing-and-miss numbers, ranking among the team’s best relievers in whiff rate. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters remains a calling card.

Still a free agent, Wilson stands out as a low-risk option for teams looking to deepen bullpen depth without sacrificing effectiveness.
Hidden Bullpen Value: 7 MLB Relievers Still Available
Bullpen help doesn’t always come with headlines — and that’s usually where the value lives. While marquee free agents dominate offseason conversations, contending teams often separate themselves by uncovering relief arms who can stabilize late innings without blowing up payrolls.

As the market thins out, these relievers remain available and could quietly swing leverage situations in 2026. Some are bounce-back candidates, others are steady veterans, but each brings a skill set that fits a specific bullpen need.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

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7 Underrated MLB Relief Pitchers Still on the Free Agent Market Right Now

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