StonesJournal

The Angels might have a surprise waiting in the latter innings for their AL West foes. What’s to be expected from the current bullpen made up of Angels behind the outfield?

Written By: AJ Stone (1/3/26)

The Angels enter 2026 with a current bullpen that consists of high-upside, yet unproven, talent. A makeup that could lead to unexpected highs or the lowest of lows. Although it may be natural to be displeased with how the Angels have gone about their business as of late, their bullpen has the potential to be a real weapon in 2026. In this article, I’ll explore what this current bullpen does well, what they might need to work on, another addition that could fit right in, and how the Angels can expect to find success in this upcoming season.

The current projected bullpen includes:

• Robert Stephenson (RHP)
• Kirby Yates (RHP)
• Drew Pomeranz (LHP)
• Brock Burke (LHP)
• Jordan Romano (RHP)
• Ryan Zeferjahn (RHP)
• Chase Silseth (RHP)
• José Fermin (RHP)
• Ben Joyce (RHP, Injured List)

WHAT THEY DO WELL:

The best trait of this current Angels bullpen is via the strikeout. The Halos actively employ 5 pitchers who had a K/9 above 10 (nearly six with Jordan Romano at 9.91) in 2025. This is a clear direction for 2026 and a real tone setter. Los Angeles wants strikeouts, and they’re gonna get them. They also have a fair amount of experience at the back end of their bullpen after the additions of some veteran relievers and the readmission of Robert Stephenson after an injury-riddled 2025. Stephenson should take on the role of closer unless the Angels decide to add someone with more of a pedigree for the ninth inning. Even though he struggled with injuries, his numbers ended up in a good spot (negating the small sample size).  His Baseball Savant page speaks to his intrinsic greatness on the mound as he ranks well above average in nearly every advanced statistic (even though he didn’t qualify for 2025). The rest of the Angels’ bullpen is jam-packed with strikeouts and whiffs. Brock Burke and Drew Pomeranz look to be in line to neutralize the lefties in late-game scenarios. Burke is one of the few bullpen arms the Angels possess that doesn’t rack up strikeouts like Drake does radio hits. His game is born and dies with the groundball. Lefty-lefty spots should demand the usage of Burke and Pomeranz, where Burke may come in for more of a double-play spot. Pomeranz could fill a nullifier role with his invisicurve and high whiff rates that conquer even the mightiest of left-handed foes. 

WHAT THEY NEED TO WORK ON:

The Los Angeles bullpen finds itself struggling to command the strike zone at times. They have good stuff, which is relevant in the strikeout numbers across the board, and sometimes that’s enough to make up for the walks. Unfortunately, over the length of an entire season, free bases catch up to you. José Fermin might have the biggest opportunity to take a leap in 2026. The taunting right-hander throws extremely hard and had an expected batting average against of only .191 in 2025. If Fermin can locate a bit better and live low in the zone, his stuff should allow him to rack up strikeouts at a high clip while also providing quality innings late in the game. Ryan Zeferjahn is another name on my radar. Zeferjahn owns a fastball that sits in the high 90s and an arsenal to back it up. He complements his fastball with a sweeper, cutter, slider, slurve, and sinker. The key for the young rocket-armed right-hander is simple: challenge hitters. Zeferjahn walks too many batters, and because he lacks consistency in the zone, it impedes his ability to induce chase. I expect big things from the 27-year-old in 2026.

RECENT ADDITION:

Kirby Yates has been added on a one-year deal to the Halos after a rather disappointing 2025 season with the cross-town Dodgers. Yates adds a veteran presence to the back end of the Angels’ bullpen that they desperately needed. His ability to create whiffs and rack up strikeouts (11.3 K/9 in 2025) directly aligns with the Angels’ bullpen makeup. Yates struggled with ball-four in 2025, which likely contributed to an increase in the quality of contact. It’s rational to believe that when hitters know they aren’t likely to be challenged, they can pick one pitch and sit on it, leading to much better, consistent contact. The one-year aspect of Yates’ deal creates flexibility and allows Los Angeles to not overcommit to him in a backend role. I would expect Yates to bounce back in 2026 as his stuff is as good as ever; he may just need a few adjustments in pitch selection and mechanics to keep him in the zone and stay deceptive.

POTENTIAL ADDITION:

A potential reclamation project to pair with the likes of Alek Manoah and Grayson Rodriguez on the pitching staff is Evan Phillips. At one point in time, Phillips was one of the top closers in the game of baseball. Injuries have held him back from being at peak performance the last couple of years, and now that he’s a free agent, why not take a chance? If Phillips does not pan out, Los Angeles could easily DFA him and move on to another young arm in his place. Moves like this should be no-brainers for organizations that are in the midst of a rebuild.

CONCLUSION:

The Angels have quietly positioned themselves very well for the later innings in 2026. Raw statistics paint a picture of a flawed group that’s past its prime, while analytics hint towards untapped potential and serious upside. Nothing is set in stone, and just because potential is present, it doesn’t mean that everything will work in the Angels’ favor. All that you need to know is that there is a clear plan, and as a fan, it should be exciting to see the Angels finally have a direction.