Matt Brash states the obvious with hot take about Mariners bullpen mate

It took a few months, but the Mariners really got their bullpen into solid shape towards the end of the regular season. From September through to the final game, Mariners relievers combined for a 3.12 ERA (6th in MLB) and a 2.88 FIP (2nd in MLB). It was a point of weakness that the organization seemingly failed to cover at the trade deadline, but based on their recent performance, it seems like the front office knew best all along.

One might assume that much of this success is due to marquee names like Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash, but other arms have stepped up in big ways this season. Eduard Bazardo stands in a league of his own with his outstanding effectiveness and longevity and there's a name who, after spending three years on the team, has finally shown the Mariners what he's truly capable of.

Matt Brash has lofty praise for fellow reliever Gabe Speier

In a recent conversation with Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Brash was explicit about his feelings towards the team's only full-time lefty pitcher, Gabe Speier.

"[He’s the] best lefty reliever in big leagues right now, I would say. He’s doing his thing, and we’ve leaned on him a lot through a lot this year. And I’m glad he gets to show it."

Matt Brash

There's a good amount of statistical evidence to back up his claims. Of all qualified southpaw relievers this season, here's how Speier's numbers stacked up.

With numbers similar to those of Aroldis Chapman and Adrián Morejón, Speier already has a very strong case for being one of the best at what he does. However, what's even more important is the role that he plays in Seattle specifically.

As mentioned earlier, Speier is the only lefty pitcher who has been able to pitch for the team all season. Given Tayler Saucedo's struggles, deadline acquisition Caleb Ferguson ended up with second-most innings (22.0). So while Chapman had the support of Brennan Bernardino and Justin Wilson and Morejón could defer to Wandy Peralta and Yuki Matsui, Speier was Dan Wilson's only option.

Even in the face of elevated responsibility and an increased workload, he did more than meet expectations — he had the best year of his career. Heading into spring training this year, there were some questions about whether he'd regain the velocity had had apparently lost in 2024. Injury struggles led to an average velocity of just 93 mph and a lack of secondary offerings, but he came back healthy and with a far more effective sinker, driving his strikeout rate up to 33.7 and his walk rate all the way down to just 4.5.

Speier has been an integral piece of the Mariners' bullpen and he continues to uphold his end of the bargain in the postseason. He has already had some big moments and now that Seattle is starting to find their playoff stride, he likely has even more in his future.