The latest MLB power rankings from around the web highlight the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen as one of the best, and it’s pretty clear why. With Emmanuel Clase’s impressive stats (0.61 ERA, 47 saves) and a well-rounded, experienced relief crew, Stephen Vogt is stepping into a situation with a solid team ready to finish games strong.
The offseason signing of Paul Sewald makes their bullpen look even tougher. As the 2025 season gets underway, the question is whether they can maintain their top-notch reputation or if other teams will find ways to break through.
Stephen Vogt Gains a Bullpen Loaded With Elite Arms for the 2025 Season
Emmanuel Clase is the backbone of Cleveland’s bullpen. His 2024 season was outstanding. He strongly argues that he is the best reliever in the game, with an amazing 0.61 ERA and a WHIP of 0.66, converting 47 of 50 save opportunities.
His fastball, which can hit triple digits, along with a nasty slider, makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters, often leading to games that last just eight innings.
Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin back up Clase in the bullpen, and they’ve been key to the team’s success. Smith has an impressive 1.91 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 75 ⅓ innings, with 103 strikeouts to boot.
Gaddis and Herrin are no slouches either, with ERAs of 1.57 and 1.92, respectively, helping to ensure a smooth transition to the ninth inning.
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The Guardians were active this offseason, ensuring they didn’t just kick back. They added veteran Paul Sewald to their bullpen, a player known for his strikeout ability and closing out close games. This gives manager Stephen Vogt another strong asset on an already powerful team.
Cleveland Guardians Bullpen Excellence in 2024 Was No Fluke After Years of Planning
The 2024 season was a good one for the Guardians’ bullpen. They played a huge role in pushing the team to the American League Championship Series, posting a solid 2.57 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.
What really set them apart was their psychological advantage — opponents knew that if they were trailing after six innings, it was pretty much game over.
The Guardians have always put a premium on building a solid bullpen because they — like every other team — know how crucial dependable relief pitching is for long-term success in today’s game. They’re just able to execute better.
With the 2025 season just around the corner, the buzz around the Guardians’ bullpen is palpable. Sure, some wonder if they can repeat or even improve on last year’s success, but many experts still expect Cleveland’s relief pitching to remain one of the best in the league, even if there’s some slight regression.
One reason for that is the depth they’ve got. With so many reliable arms, manager Stephen Vogt has the luxury of managing their workloads, which should help keep them fresh throughout the season.
Of course, the reality of bullpen performance is that it can be unpredictable. Relievers can look unbeatable one season and fall off the next. Plus, you know teams are going to spend the entire season breaking down the Guardians’ pitchers, looking for any weaknesses to exploit.
To stay on top, the bullpen will need to keep evolving, trying out new strategies, and fine-tuning their stuff. It’s all about staying one step ahead.
