Carlos Estevez looked like Kansas City's lock for the ninth inning after leading the majors in saves last year, but velocity problems and a strained rotator cuff have sidelined him for three weeks. Manager Matt Quatraro has turned to Lucas Erceg, who has been excellent with 10 saves and no earned runs across eight outings. The Royals have found a stopgap, but the bullpen carousel across baseball has been relentless this season.

Through Sunday, 118 relievers had registered saves, and seven relievers have combined for the Minnesota Twins' eight saves alone. Edwin Diaz posted a 10.50 ERA before elbow surgery ended his season. Josh Hader hasn't pitched for Houston. Emilio Pagan left Cincinnati with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Jeff Hoffman gave up a tying home run to Miguel Rojas in Game 7 of last year's World Series, and a 10.13 ERA got Jordan Romano cut by the Angels. "It's a mess out there," one executive said.

The 2019 Nationals offer a blueprint. After a disastrous April bullpen, GM Mike Rizzo acquired Daniel Hudson before the trade deadline, and Hudson threw the last pitch of Washington's World Series win over Houston. Some general managers may pursue similar moves before the Aug. 3 deadline, while others promote prospects or wait for injured arms like Diaz and Estevez to return. The only certainty in MLB bullpens in 2026 is volatility.