The Pirates Bullpen Has Been One of the Best in Baseball

Story by Yinzer Crazy Pirates Contributor Baron Dionis. Follow him on Twitter @BaronDionis

The Pirates have started this season better than anyone could have imagined. Some of this early success on the season has come from the Pirates bullpen. The production has increased significantly in comparison to previous seasons. The stats that the bullpen is putting up is among the top of the Major Leagues. Where are the Pirates bullpen ranked among other Major League bullpens?

So far this season the Pirates bullpen has posted a 3.56 earned run average. That is ranked seventh in the Major Leagues and second in the National League. They have also recorded 18 saves, which is sixth in the Majors and second in the National League. Their bullpen's WHIP is 1.29 which is fifth in the National League.

Who are the guys putting up these incredible league wide numbers?

The Pirates bullpen is headlined by closer David Bednar. The 2022 all-star has been elite in 2023, as he has recorded 13 saves in 24 innings with 30 strikeouts. That turns into a 33% strikeout rate. Along with that, Bednar has only walked one batter this season -- and only allowed 17 hits. His earned run average is 1.13 and his FIP is 1.45. Bednar is an elite closer and it is showing this season.

Colin Holderman has been very good as well after the team acquired him at last year's trade deadline in exchange for Daniel Vogelbach. Holderman has been the main setup man this year, and has done very well in that role. So far, he has 12 holds and 27 strikeouts in just 23 innings pitched. He has a 2.74 earned run average and a 2.85 FIP. These numbers are very strong, and Holderman will continue to work in his eighth inning setup role. 

Dauri Moreta was acquired for Kevin Newman in the offseason, and he was talked about not even making the opening day roster. Moreta in fact did make the roster and has done nothing but impress. He has struck out 38 batters in 27 innings. That evens out to a 36.2% strikeout rate. He also has a 1.67 earned run average and a 2.88 FIP. He has been such a big acquisition for this bullpen.

Yohan Ramirez is another pitcher that has had a great start to the season. He was a waiver pickup last season, and he took a big step to being a high leverage reliever this season. So far Ramirez has posted a 1.29 earned run average and has struck out 21 batters in 21 innings pitched. His FIP is at 3.47. Ramirez is taking steps in the right direction as a solid reliever in the Pirates pen.

Jose Hernandez was a Rule 5 draft pick, and has been steady as a rookie. The young lefty has done very well this year posting a 2.22 earned run average and has struck out 23 batters in 24.1 innings pitched. He has been the primary left-handed reliever in the Pirates pen this season as a rookie. 

Angel Perdomo has recently been added to the bullpen and has only made two appearances. In total he has thrown three scoreless innings and has only allowed one baserunner. 

The Pirates have a really solid bullpen this year and the stats have proven that they do. If they keep putting up these numbers for the rest of the season, then the Pirates might find their way into the playoffs. The Pirates may add an arm or two to replace guys like Chase De Jong or Rob Zastryzny to strengthen the bullpen even more as the season goes on. But as of now, you can't ask for much more.