What was expected to be a showdown of stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani turned into a bullpen showcase in this year’s World Series. With innings dominated by lesser-known but essential players like Mark Leiter Jr., Luke Weaver, and Alex Vesia, the Fall Classic underscored one clear truth: a powerful bullpen is critical to postseason success. Yet, amid the applause, many — including superagent Scott Boras and Players Association head Tony Clark — are questioning the heavy toll this approach takes on pitchers’ arms.

A New Age for Bullpens

Since the pandemic, bullpen reliance has increased. Teams need more pitchers ready for high-pressure moments, and a World Series rotation proves no different. Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian describes the need as both for “quality arms, quality strikes” and sheer “quantity.” But as arms are pushed to their limits, some ask: is the demand sustainable?

While bullpens rarely grab fans’ attention, these “middlemen” are the backbone of championship teams. This year, the Dodgers leaned heavily on Vesia, Anthony Banda, Michael Kopech, and others, who collectively delivered a 2.93 ERA over 15 innings. It’s impressive work from players who earn a fraction of their superstar teammates’ salaries — an indicator that in bullpen building, scouting and development often outweigh cash.

A Double-Edged Sword

Veteran relievers, while experienced, are prone to injuries. Blake Treinen is a prime example: a former All-Star with a history of success, he’s battled career-threatening shoulder injuries yet managed an impressive comeback in 2024. For GMs, it’s a balancing act: rely on seasoned but fragile arms, or risk developing young pitchers in high-stakes roles?

Meanwhile, Scott Boras argues that postseason usage is pushing young arms to breaking points. Pitchers like Clay Holmes appeared in every World Series game, and as pitch speeds rise — average fastballs are now 95.5 mph — so do injuries, nearly doubling from 2014. Still, for teams with limited budgets, assembling a bullpen means relying on “art and science,” as Erik Neander from the Tampa Bay Rays puts it.

The Challenge Ahead

Building a bullpen that can endure October’s intensity may seem like chasing lightning in a bottle. It’s about finding players who can handle the grind and adapt. Houston Astros GM Dana Brown believes the modern game, with endless film and data analysis, means relievers must stay nimble. “The guys who aren’t willing to adjust… they get lost in the sauce,” he says.