Daniel Bard achieved a great comeback to Major League Baseball in 2020. The veteran righty was a quality reliever for the Boston Red Sox from 2009-11. However, he began to experience major control issues in 2012, as his ERA ballooned to 6.22. Bard could not regain his command and played only two games with Boston in 2013. The veteran reliever spent several years in the minor leagues before retiring in 2017. After a few years as a player mentor, Bard returned in 2020 with the Colorado Rockies and went 21-16 with a 3.83 ERA and 223 strikeouts to 120 walks in 197 games over four seasons with Colorado. After missing all of 2024 due to surgery on his right flexor tendon, the veteran reliever is attempting another comeback in 2025.
Veteran Reliever Daniel Bard Attempting Comeback in 2025
Potential Landing Spots
Colorado Rockies
Bard is entering free agency at 39 years old, coming off his season-ending injury. The good news is there is always a great need for relievers across MLB. Bard was set to be the closer for Colorado in 2024 before his injury. While promising young right-hander Victor Vodnik showed potential in 2024 to fill that role moving forward, Bard could be brought back as a quality setup reliever alongside a fellow veteran, left-hander Tyler Kinley.
NEWS: Daniel Bard has elected free agency. The former Rockies closer had a peerless season in 2022, posting a 1.79 ERA with 34 saves. pic.twitter.com/GaiXoUdMzm
— Rockies Now (@Rockies_Now) November 2, 2024
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Bard struggled mightily with his control in 2023. He posted a 4.56 ERA with 49 walks to 47 strikeouts in 50 games. However, he had a stellar 2022 as the Rockies closer with a 1.79 ERA and 69 strikeouts to 25 walks over 57 games. Relievers’ performances vary greatly from year to year, and Bard showed in 2022 that he can pitch effectively at Coors Field. Relievers that can do that are few and far between, so the Rockies may be willing to bring back someone who has shown he can for a low cost in 2025.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies bullpen is great on paper. But it imploded in the postseason, as they lost 3-1 to the New York Mets in the National League Division Series. Elite righty relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez are both free agents. While Bard would not be expected to replace their production, he could be a solid depth option. There is little risk in signing Bard to a short-term deal. At 39 and coming off a long-term injury, Bard would be a cheap option with high reward.
If he again struggles with his control in 2025, the Phillies could easily release him without any financial worries. But if Bard reclaims the excellent form he showed in 2022, he could be a gem for the Phillies. The veteran reliever also brings nine years of major league experience with him and will not be phased by the pressure to succeed on the East Coast, having spent four seasons in Boston.
Houston Astros
The Astros were another team that fell short in the 2024 postseason. Houston lost in the American League Wild Card 2-0 against the Detroit Tigers. They currently have a solid back end of the bullpen in LHP Josh Hader and RHP Ronel Blanco. However, veteran righties Ryan Pressly and Hector Neris are both free agents, leaving the Astros in need of relief depth. After missing all of 2024, Bard will be flying under the radar. If the Astros decide not to bring back Pressly or Neris, Bard could be a solid option for a lower price. The veteran reliever is a Houston native and might be interested in pitching for his hometown team and competing for a World Series in the twilight of his career.
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