The San Francisco Giants enter Spring Training with one of the most unsettled bullpens in the National League, making relief pitching the most intriguing positional battle heading into the 2026 season.
Significant offseason turnover has left the group light on established late-inning options, creating opportunities for both returning arms and new faces to carve out meaningful roles.
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San Francisco’s bullpen picture changed dramatically after the club traded away Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers, two fixtures in high-leverage situations in recent seasons.
The loss was compounded by Randy RodrÃguez undergoing Tommy John surgery, sidelining one of the organization’s most promising power arms for the year. As a result, the Giants will rely heavily on internal competition and depth to shape their Opening Day relief corps.
Ryan Walker remains the longest-tenured reliever among the projected options, though his role is far from secure. Coming off a down season, Walker will need a strong showing this spring to reestablish himself as a reliable late-inning presence and potential closer.
Erik Miller, José Buttó, and Spencer Bivens all return after contributing last season and appear to be among the safer bets to make the Opening Day roster due to familiarity and versatility.
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The Giants also added left-hander Sam Hentges on a one-year, $1.4 million deal, a move that gives the bullpen a proven matchup option against left-handed hitters.
Hentges’ experience should allow him to slide into a situational role, though he could see more consistent usage given the lack of an established hierarchy.
Beyond the holdovers, several pitchers will be competing for the remaining bullpen spots. Hayden Birdsong and Joel Peguero bring upside and swing-and-miss potential, while JT Brubaker offers rotation experience that could translate into a multi-inning relief role.
Their ability to provide length could be especially valuable for a Giants rotation that may rely on bullpen support early in the season.
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Non-roster invitees will also be worth monitoring throughout camp. Veterans Michael Fulmer and Gregory Santos both have major-league experience and could push their way onto the roster with strong spring performances.
Additional depth options such as Tristan Beck, Reiver Sanmartin, Matt Gage, Carson Seymour, and Keaton Winn give the Giants flexibility, though each faces an uphill battle to secure a spot.
Overall, the Giants’ bullpen lacks defined roles entering the spring, but that uncertainty also presents opportunity.
How this group emerges, particularly at the back end, could play a major role in shaping San Francisco’s early-season success.
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