Why Danny Coulombe Could Be A Fantastic Addition For A Playoff Team
One of the most underrated relievers in Major League Baseball could be a sneaky splash for a contender
I have seen a lot of news about potential big relievers being moved at the trade deadline, and while I think some could happen, the chances are extremely low. While the Guardians are most likely going to be sellers, Emmanuel Clase has team control until 2028, and targets like Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran have team control until 2027. All three of these names also play in a division where it is a lot easier to be competitive; therefore, selling big pieces doesn’t make as much sense (especially controllable ones).
I wanted to instead focus on a name that would be a rental and could potentially secure an extension with a team after the 2025 season, given that he would be a free agent in 2026. That name would be Danny Coulombe. He has the lowest ERA among relievers since 2023 (min.100 IP) at 2.05, while having the 8th lowest FIP at 2.61. However, let’s take a look at why he is so effective.
Coulombe has a deep mix for an RP and thrives due to his offerings moving unexpectedly compared to MLB averages.
-cut ride FF (15.4 iVB, 0.4 HB)
-sinker with good shape from a high slot
-depthy sweeper (-5.4 iVB, 12 HB)
- ideal cutter shape (3.3 iVB, 5 HB)
-close to death ball CB shape
Danny also performs well against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, which is extremely valuable for teams with playoff hopes this season.
Career splits against both:
vs LHB: 133.1 IP, 121 K, .230 BA, .290 OBP, .301 SLG, .264 wOBA
vs RHP: 165.2 IP, 175 K, .222 AVG, .298 OBP, .390 SLG, .298 wOBA
In 2025, Coulombe has been one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball. Among relievers with 20 innings pitched, he has the second-lowest qualified ERA at 0.37. Other notables include his 91.3% left on base%, 2.79 xERA, 1.78 FIP, and 3.18 xFIP. His expected numbers and FIP suggest that his performance does not deviate significantly from potential regression.
2024 Video Credit: PitchingNinja on X (follow him if you aren’t already)
Coulombe, aside from his deep arsenal and his unique arm angle, does many things well to be effective.
2025 numbers:
-86.7 MPH AVG EV
-40.9% Chase%
-Above average K% (27.6%), Whiff% (27.8%), while also limiting free passes (7.1% BB%)
-A 1.6% barrel% would be in the top 2% in Major League Baseball if qualified.
In terms of his year-to-year profile, he has made several improvements despite losing velocity over the years.
AVG EV: 90.3 MPH--86.7 MPH
Barrel%: 5.7%--1.6%
Hard-Hit%: 47.1%--39.1%
Whiff%: 24.0%--27.8%
Performances on all pitch types this season:
Danny has adjusted his pitch mix this season, throwing his Sweeper and Knuckle Curve over 7% less than last year. In their place, he's increased his usage of the Cutter and Sinker, along with a slight uptick in Four-Seam Fastballs.
In terms of the movement profiles from his 2024 season, everything is playing more vertically in 2025 (Four-seam, Cutter, Sinker). However, this shift might have also allowed him to have a better bridge in terms of tunneling and his overall FF, FC, and ST profile.
Danny Coulombe continues to quietly be one of the most dominant and effective relievers in baseball. Since 2023, he has a 2.05 ERA and 2.61 FIP across over 100 innings, the best ERA among all qualified relievers in that span. His unique pitch shapes and deceptive arm angle make him a nightmare for hitters from both sides of the plate. In 2025, he refined his approach by reducing the usage of his Sweeper and Knuckle Curve by over 7%, instead relying more on a vertically playing Cutter, Sinker, and Four-Seamer that tunnel exceptionally well. His elite chase and whiff rates, minimal hard contact, and ability to neutralize both lefties and righties make him one of the most appealing and realistic rental bullpen options available at the deadline.