As the 2023 MLB season approaches, the time has come for pre-season predictions.
Now is the time when teams are compared with one another and we ultimately see who has the edge in certain areas.
Bullpens are an important part of any contending team.
Sometimes a game is decided based on how well the bullpen performs, especially in the postseason.
Each bullpen usually is headed up by a dominant closer and a few other powerful arms.
On Twitter, MLB posted a graphic which featured their list of the top 10 bullpens in all of baseball.
Teams such as the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres appear on the list.
Closing time. 🔥
These are the top ten bullpens in 2023 as ranked by https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39. pic.twitter.com/pcyVLHG4Tk
— MLB (@MLB) March 28, 2023
The Astros find themselves at the top.
With powerful arms such as Ryan Pressly, Phil Maton, Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu, and Ryne Stanek, the bullpen appears to be a major strength for the defending World Series champs.
The Padres, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, and Seattle Mariners round out the top five in that order.
San Diego has Josh Hader, Robert Suarez, Nick Martinez, and Seth Lugo that they can use in high-leverage spots.
Cleveland has Emmanuel Clase, who boasts an electric fastball and provides a steady presence at the back end of their bullpen.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis Cardinals, and Yankees round out the list.
These bullpens were strong last season and appear to be prepared for more of the same in 2023.
Opening Day is on Thursday, and these teams will look for more production out of their relievers.
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