2025 was not the season that Joel Payamps was hoping for. Coming off of back-to-back seasons as a high-leverage relief arm in Milwaukee during which he posted ERAs of 2.55 and 3.05 while making more than 68 appearances in each campaign, Payamps looked destined for another year of success in 2025. Not only that, but with Payamps becoming a free agent following the 2026 season, two strong years in '25 and '26 would have netted the right-hander a sizable contract next winter.
However, Payamps got off to a rough start in 2025 and failed to redeem himself before the end of the season.