When it comes to building a winning bullpen in MLB The Show 25, most players flock to the highest-rated closers and setup men. But seasoned fans of the series know that sometimes it’s the underrated relief pitchers who quietly carry your team through tight extra-inning battles or clutch late-game situations. Here’s a look at 15 lesser-known arms you should keep an eye on, especially if you’re trying to stretch your budget or just want to add some unique depth to your roster.

1. Jonathan Loáisiga
While not always mentioned among the elite, Loáisiga has a nasty sinker-slider combo that makes him a sneaky weapon against aggressive hitters.

2. Ryan Helsley
Known more for his velocity than fame, Helsley’s fastball can overpower hitters, and his splitter keeps them guessing.

3. John Brebbia
Brebbia’s cutter and slider work well in tight spots, making him ideal for late-inning matchups when you can’t afford mistakes.

4. Tyler Rogers
This sidearmer brings an unusual delivery angle that often disrupts opponent timing—perfect for throwing off anyone sitting fastball.

5. Jake Diekman
With a deceptive delivery and sharp slider, Diekman can neutralize left-handed batters, even if his overall rating isn’t the highest.

6. Collin McHugh
McHugh relies on control and a sharp curveball rather than heat, which can catch opponents off guard during longer stints.

7. Matt Strahm
Versatile and reliable, Strahm mixes pitches well and can step into a spot start if needed.

8. Pierce Johnson
Don’t overlook Johnson’s curve—it’s surprisingly effective at generating swings and misses late in games.

9. Trevor Stephan
A solid choice for middle relief, Stephan has enough velocity to challenge hitters and just enough break to avoid barrels.

10. Brusdar Graterol
With elite velocity and a sinker that bores in on hitters, Graterol often performs better in-game than his card suggests.

11. Reynaldo López
A former starter turned reliever, López brings starter-level stamina and multiple pitch types to your bullpen.

12. Phil Maton
Maton’s fastball-slider combo doesn’t look flashy, but his control makes him effective in critical situations.

13. Yency Almonte
Almonte’s slider and sinker help induce ground balls when you’re looking to escape a jam.

14. Scott Barlow
Another underrated option with a reliable curveball that can frustrate even the most patient hitters.

15. Dylan Floro
Not the fastest arm out there, but Floro’s movement and control make him a dependable choice in high-pressure innings.

When trying to build out a bullpen with these underrated gems, remember you don’t always need the flashiest cards. Sometimes, investing smartly is better than spending big right away. For players on a budget, it helps to buy mlb the show 25 stubs carefully and watch out for cheap mlb the show 25 stubs for sale to stretch your resources. Platforms like U4N are well-known among players looking for budget-friendly ways to strengthen their squad without overspending.

In the end, these underrated relief pitchers won’t always show up on highlight reels, but they can be the difference between an average bullpen and a championship-caliber one. Try them out, mix them into your roster, and see how much more stable those late innings can feel.