The Struggles of Elite Bullpens in the 2024 MLB Playoffs
This year's Major League Baseball postseason has not been kind to some of the league’s most reliable relief pitchers. The trend of top-tier closers and set-up men surrendering game-changing hits is becoming a striking pattern, highlighting the unpredictable drama synonymous with October baseball.
One of the most surprising moments came when Atlanta Braves’ ace closer, Raisel Iglesias, allowed a pivotal home run to New York Mets’ outfielder Brandon Nimmo on September 30. This was a shock, considering Iglesias’ impeccable regular season form, where he posted a 1.72 ERA over 68 innings, giving up just three home runs overall.
Similarly, in the same contest, Edwin Díaz of the Mets was rocked by a crucial three-RBI double off the bat of Ozzie Albies, again underscoring the vulnerability of typically reliable relief arms under the postseason microscope. The Braves capitalized on further bullpen struggles when Francisco Lindor delivered a late-game two-run homer, underscoring Atlanta’s resilient offensive firepower despite the Mets' solid regular-season efforts.
Over in the American League, the Cleveland Guardians found themselves on the receiving end of the New York Yankees' power surge. During Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, Hunter Gaddis and Emmanuel Clase, who had allowed a mere two home runs throughout the regular season, were unable to stave off the Yankees’ barrage. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, synonymous with postseason heroics, launched back-to-back home runs, further illustrating the postseason's propensity for the unexpected.
The Yankees themselves were not immune to bullpen woes. In the late innings of a tightly contested matchup, Luke Weaver fell victim to a ninth-inning homer by Jhonkensy Noel. The climax came when Clay Holmes was defeated by a walk-off home run courtesy of David Fry, sending shockwaves through the Bronx faithful.
Yet another example unfolded in the National League's Wild Card Series when the Milwaukee Brewers' closer, Devin Williams, uncharacteristically yielded a three-run homer to Pete Alonso, which swung Game 3's momentum in the favor of the opposition.
The Philadelphia Phillies, armed with a deep bullpen, have not been spared in this parade of relief pitcher woes. Phil Maton surrendered crucial home runs to both Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell. Meanwhile, relievers Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm experienced their share of playoff turbulence, allowing significant hits at inopportune moments.
As the postseason progressed, José Buttó found himself in the crosshairs, serving up home runs to Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick. Similarly, Yankees' pitcher Kris Bubic could not quell the power of Giancarlo Stanton in Game 3 of the ALDS, further contributing to his team’s pitching headaches.
A dramatic crescendo was reached when Carlos Estévez, another formidable relief presence, watched Francisco Lindor go yard with a grand slam in Game 4 of the NLDS, underscoring the relentless potency of high-stakes playoff batting line-ups.
These episodes brought the total of game-tying or go-ahead home runs in the eighth inning or later to ten, tying a postseason record. Such occurrences highlight not only the pressure and unpredictability of October baseball but serve as a reminder of the daunting task facing even the most skilled and seasoned pitchers. Despite impeccable regular-season performances, the playoffs offer a different intensity—a crucible where the extraordinary becomes routine, and the improbable, possible.
This postseason’s revelations have left many baseball aficionados and analysts scratching their heads, pondering the unique dynamics that reduce seemingly impenetrable bullpens to vulnerable targets. Whether it's a testament to the hitter-centric strategies developed as the playoffs progress or the sheer wear and tear on arms over a mountainous season, one truth remains evident—the only guarantee in October is unpredictability.