Rays 2025 outlook: 77-85, but Edwin Uceta's late-season surge reshapes the bullpen narrative. He finished 10-3 with a 3.70 ERA and 103 Ks in 76 innings, logging a 1.70 ERA over his final 30 appearances with a 36.7% strikeout rate and 21 holds. That late-flare made him one of only a handful of Rays relievers ever to post 10+ wins, 100+ strikeouts and 20 holds in a season, a testament to the bullpen’s hidden upside.

With Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Chandler Simpson providing youth, and Ryan Pepiot, Drew Rasmussen, Ian Seymour, and Shane Baz anchoring a rising rotation, Tampa Bay head toward the offseason with momentum. Griffin Jax could anchor the bullpen if he recaptures his Twins form, while Uceta’s finish offers a blueprint for a stronger 2026 season.

As the Washington Nationals gear up for the upcoming spring training, they have secured left-handed relief pitcher Colin Poche on a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp. Poche, a former Tampa Bay Rays player, debuted in the MLB in 2019 and has shown a solid track record with a career ERA of 3.63 across 225 appearances, striking out 230 batters in over 208 innings.

His addition comes as the Nationals seek to strengthen their left-handed pitching options, having a scarcity in that area. With Konnor Pilkington and Jose A. Ferrer being the only other lefties in the fray, Poche has a significant chance to make an impact this spring if he can maintain his performance levels.

The Atlanta Braves are facing a significant challenge in their bullpen as right-hander Joe Jiménez is sidelined due to surgery and lefty A.J. Minter is reportedly heading to the New York Mets. Despite signing several pitchers to minor league contracts this offseason, the Braves have yet to make a significant addition to their bullpen. With the offseason clock ticking, they are exploring affordable relief pitcher options for potential Major League contracts.

Colin Poche, a left-handed pitcher formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays, is on the market after posting a 3.86 ERA in 43 appearances in 2024, although he had previously achieved a 2.23 ERA when healthy. Lucas Sims, once a Brave, had a mixed year with the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, finishing with a 3.57 ERA but showing promise in September after recovering from injury.

Other candidates include Matt Moore, who had a successful stint before regressing in 2024, and Kyle Finnegan, a 2024 All-Star with the Nationals. The Braves are looking for low-risk, high-reward signings to bolster their bullpen as the new season approaches.