The Orioles 2020 bullpen was a patchwork unit that was effective despite its faults. The group never truly found its closer. Three of its more experienced arms were traded away during the season. And arguably the most promising talent of the bunch landed on the injured list (again), tossing just 8.2 innings total. The relief corps should be more settled entering 2021, but roles remain up in the air.
Most major league bullpens are built around a closer, established or not. The Orioles don’t exactly have one of those, and it’s unclear if they ever will.
A season ago, 30-year-old rookie Cole Sulser opened the summer as Brandon Hyde’s ninth-inning option.