Bellozo spent the past two seasons with the Marlins. The Fish acquired him from the Astros in an early season trade for an infielder Jacob Amaya in 2024. Bellozo earned a major league look a few months later, making 13 starts as a rookie. He posted a 3.67 earned run average despite a 15% strikeout rate and significant home run problems. He made five starts early last season before moving to the bullpen, where he usually worked multiple innings in low-leverage spots.
The 26-year-old Bellozo achieved decent results during the All-Star Break. His peripherals caught up to him in the second half, when he allowed a 6.46 ERA on 10 home runs over his final 30 2/3 innings. He finished the year with 4.65 earned runs per nine over 81 1/3 frames. He struck out 15.5% of opponents for a walk rate of 6.6%.
Bellozo has more control, but is around 90 MPH with his four-seamer. More often than not, he leaned on a mid-80s cutter as he engaged and changed a sweeper. He’s a fly-ball pitcher with sub-par stuff. That’s a tough approach to make work at Coors Field, but there are plenty of opportunities to return to the majors. He could even claim an Opening Day rotation spot with a strong camp.
Kyle Vrijland, Michael Lorenzen And Chase Dollander are the only three pitchers who appear assured of a season-opening rotation spot. Ryan Feltner, Gabriel Hughes, Tanner Gordon, McCade Brown and recent trade withdrawal Pierson Ohl are on the 40-man roster and would have two rotation spots up for grabs among them. Bellozo could work or join that mix Antonio Senzatela in long relief when he wins a job.
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