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5 hours ago
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With mass injuries to the pitching staff and the underperformance of Tanner Scott weighing heavily on the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying the bullpen is a clear priority.
The question that now faces them is who should they target? Would the Red Sox part with Aroldis Chapman since they aren’t yet out of contention?
Would the Orioles part with Félix Bautista with three years left on his contract? Would the Cardinals deal Ryan Helsley now that they’re above .500? There are a lot of question marks surrounding the relief market, but among many quality options that may or may not be up for grabs, there is one option that comes with no question marks attached.
On pace to make history for all the wrong reasons, the Colorado Rockies are undoubtedly sellers. This means bullpen arm Jake Bird will be available. Bird comes from obscurity, having struggled in the majors for the first three years of his career.
Jun 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jake Bird (59) pitches in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
However, Bird has broken out in 2025, posting what might be the best numbers of any option on the market. In an article on MLB.com entitled, “9 trade candidates for reliever-needy contenders,” writer Theo DeRosa had this to say about Bird:
“Bird’s breakout season has made him a major trade chip for a Rockies team in a distant fifth place in the NL West," DeRosa wrote. "After posting a 4.53 ERA across his first three MLB seasons, the 29-year-old has been excellent in 2025 with a 1.49 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings. With just one career save, Bird -- under club control through 2028 -- isn’t likely to take over a closer role for a contender, but he can be an effective arm out of anyone’s bullpen.”
In addition, his 1.49 ERA comes amid pitching in the most pitcher-hostile environment known as Denver. Given his stellar numbers and four years of control, Bird may be the top reliever on the market. A trade to the Dodgers would bring Los Angeles a reliable arm who could have an immediate impact.
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