RELIEVERS: Hodge podge of trade, hidden value and needs

As we head into the trade deadline, the relief pitcher market started out as virtually non-existent. Presumably, teams were saying that the impact of a reliever or two on the pennant races themselves are not worth spending trade chips. That calculus changed some on Monday (and Tuesday, though this was filed before the Papelbon/Washington deal), as playoff-ready teams recognized the value of higher leverage innings, as both the Royals and Giants showed last postseason.

Miami sent Steve Cishek (RHP, STL) to the Cardinals. This has ramifications for both teams, but changes the closer situation for neither. Here is a look at the impact on Miami:

MIA                IP   Dom  Cmd HR/9 xERA BPV Clean/App  LI   LI'
=============     ==== ====...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Using projections for skills and early-season usage patterns, we look at five more bullpens.
Apr 12 2026 3:05am
We are a week into the 2026 season and can start to look for usage patterns in fluid bullpens. Griffin Jax's season so has left managers screaming.
Apr 5 2026 3:06am
Every week brings changes to bullpens. One game does not give us much, but it gives us something, like a Jordan Romano (RHP, LAA) save.
Mar 29 2026 3:06am
Checking in on the Twins, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and Athletics pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Checking in on the Nationals, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rockies pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:09am

Tools