Bullpens have become an extremely important part of the game over the past few years. A major reason for this is because teams are trying to replicate the success the Royals have had because of how dominant their bullpen has been.
Unfortunately, the Rays do not have the luxury of signing big name pitchers in free agency because of their limited cap space/payroll. This makes it very challenging for the Rays to construct a bullpen that will be effective year in and year out.
Heading into the 2016 season, the Rays bullpen probably doesn’t have the personnel or assets to blossom into a top 5 bullpen in the American League, and it sure doesn’t help that closer Brad Boxberger will miss at least eight weeks following abdominal muscle surgery.