The SF Giants bullpen has been average in terms of ERA in recent years, but things have taken a positive turn—they currently rank second in the league with an impressive 1.75 ERA this season.
Key area of SF Giants roster could be strength in 2025 after promising start
It’s worth noting that ERA is no longer the sole metric for evaluating a bullpen’s performance. While the Giants’ bullpen ranked 14th in MLB with a 3.94 ERA from 2023 to 2024, they placed fourth in FIP at 3.77—indicating their actual performance was stronger than the ERA suggests. Still, preventing runs remains the top priority for any bullpen.
One major change this season is how the bullpen is being used. Unlike the past two years, the Giants are deploying relievers in more conventional roles instead of relying on openers and bullpen games, which were often born out of necessity. Thanks to improved rotation depth, the team may not need to use those strategies as often—though a few emergencies over a long season are inevitable.
This deeper rotation should also help prevent overworking the bullpen, which pitched more innings than any other team the past two years. However, that stat includes bulk innings from starters following openers, which skews the total a bit.
Another difference this year is the bullpen’s length. While it may not be especially deep—since there aren’t many backup options beyond the current MLB relievers—it does have solid structure. The 40-man roster skews toward starting pitchers.
Ryan Walker has emerged as a reliable closer, converting 13 straight save opportunities since being given the role last August. When a team has a trustworthy closer, the rest of the bullpen tends to fall into place—though that’s not a guarantee.
The Giants have a clear plan for getting the ball to Walker. Tyler Rogers plays a key role with his durability and consistency, and Erik Miller is the go-to lefty—though the team could use another left-handed option.
Randy Rodríguez has quickly become one of the top high-leverage arms and could overtake Camilo Doval, who’s struggled lately following a down 2024 season. Still, the team remains confident in Doval’s abilities.
Lou Trivino is finally healthy and has a solid track record as a middle reliever. Manager Bob Melvin trusts him and will likely use him in pressure situations.
Rounding out the bullpen are Hayden Birdsong and Spencer Bivens. Birdsong is expected to shift to the rotation when needed. Bivens has had a rough start, but the Giants appreciate his ability to throw strikes. While he lacks overpowering stuff, he fills an important multi-inning role in low-leverage situations—innings that might not be glamorous but are necessary over the course of the season.
Overall, the Giants have a solid core of relievers in Walker, Rogers, Miller, and Rodríguez. Birdsong could be an effective short-term piece, but the group as a whole has the potential to become a strength for the team—and they’re off to an encouraging start.
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