PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel believes the bullpen will be a huge part of the team's success this year — especially with the talent that has arrived for Spring Training.
May 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona , USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kevin Ginkel against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One of the D-Backs' major storylines coming out of the 2025 season was how they would address the bullpen. After once having a stable and consistent pitching staff in 2023 that helped lead them to the World Series, the next two years were different.
The club ranked near the bottom of the league in relief pitching. They finished with one of the five worst ERAs in MLB at 4.82 and had 29 blown saves. Last year, the bullpen was hit with injuries throughout its depth — including to Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk , who were seen as anchors among the relievers. However, this year, many new faces are joining Arizona for a chance to compete for a roster spot.
Ginkel says this year feels different from the last few years.
Feb 10, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers Merrill Kelly (29) (left) and Ryan Thompson (81) (right) throw in sync during workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
"I know it's kinda the cliche coming into a Spring Training, but I love our bullpen right now," Ginkel said during Wednesday's Playmakers Classic. "I'm excited to see some guys get into games, the young guys we have that I know are going to help contribute to some wins this year."
It isn't just new faces joining the organization, but also the emergence of an old and familiar face in the desert. Earlier this month, former Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald re-signed with the club and will also be looking for a different type of year than 2025.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After the 2024 season, Sewald moved on from the Valley, signing with the Cleveland Guardians before being traded to the Detroit Tigers at the 2025 trade deadline. While his season consisted of a 4.58 ERA through 19.2 innings, Ginkel believes a bounce-back and his veteran presence will be difference-makers this season.
"I feel like with Sewald back, from a leadership perspective and him holding guys accountable, is going to be a great spot for him to be," he said. "I think he's hungry to come back and have the year that he wants to have."
As Spring Training progresses and each pitcher has the chance to showcase what they can do to be part of the Arizona bullpen, Ginkel is confident the group has the depth necessary to make this year different.
"I'm excited," the D-Backs reliever said. "I think our pitching and our defense are gonna be a huge piece of our team and our success this year."
The Diamondbacks begin their Spring Training schedule against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, Feb. 20, at 1:10 p.m.
