The Power of a Reliable Closer

As Major League Baseball approaches the critical stretch run and postseason, the significance of a strong bullpen, particularly a dependable closer, cannot be overstated. During high-pressure situations in October, teams must rely on their late-inning relievers to secure victories. This past trade deadline highlighted their value, as contenders invested heavily in top talents such as Jhoan Durán (PHI), Mason Miller (SD), David Bednar (NYY), and others.

Current Closer Rankings

In this article, we assess and rank every team's closer, taking into account players currently filling the role while excluding injured or demoted individuals. Let’s delve into which closer is primed for success as the season winds down.

30. Victor Vodnik, Colorado Rockies

Stats: 35 G, 2/6 SV, 4.01 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, .264 BAAVodnik finds himself as the Rockies' de facto closer in a turbulent season, but save opportunities have been rare.

29. Sean Newcomb, Athletics

Stats: 36 G, 0/3 SV, 3.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, .278 BAANewcomb has made strides since joining the Athletics, but remains a lesser option for close games.

28. Andrew Saalfrank, Arizona Diamondbacks

Stats: 12 G, 0/1 SV, 0.69 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, .208 BAAWith a bullpen lacking experience, Saalfrank is yet to register a career save.

27. Jose A. Ferrer, Washington Nationals

Stats: 54 G, 1/3 SV, 4.79 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, .274 BAAThe importance of a proven closer is evident as the Nationals navigate the absence of Kyle Finnegan.

26. Justin Topa, Minnesota Twins

Stats: 44 G, 1/3 SV, 3.70 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, .269 BAATopa is adjusting to his new role after significant trades reshaped the Twins' bullpen.

25. Keegan Akin, Baltimore Orioles

Stats: 45 G, 2/6 SV, 3.56 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, .247 BAAAn injury to Félix Bautista opens up late-inning opportunities for Akin, who has been effective.

24. Calvin Faucher, Miami Marlins

Stats: 48 G, 11/16 SV, 3.40 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, .235 BAAFaucher has been reliable, though the team is exploring potential future options.

23. Grant Taylor, Chicago White Sox

Stats: 21 G, 4/5 SV, 3.75 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 11.6 K/9, .238 BAAThe young pitcher is making strides in his new role after bouncing back from injury.

22. JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals

Stats: 46 G, 3/3 SV, 1.98 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, .231 BAARomero's strong performance has made him a bright spot in an otherwise tough Cardinals season.

21. Dennis Santana, Pittsburgh Pirates

Stats: 50 G, 7/9 SV, 2.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, .196 BAAThe right-hander has thrived since joining the Pirates and looks to continue in the closer role.

20. Phil Maton, Texas Rangers

Stats: 45 G, 3/5 SV, 2.28 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, .200 BAAMaton has exceeded expectations and stands as a key piece of the Rangers’ relief strategy.

19. Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves

Stats: 50 G, 16/21 SV, 4.34 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, .238 BAAThe experienced closer must find his form as the Braves gear up for October challenges.

18. Kyle Finnegan, Detroit Tigers

Stats: 44 G, 23/29 SV, 3.95 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, .234 BAAThe Tigers hope Finnegan can solidify their ninth-inning presence following his trade.

17. Jeff Hoffman, Toronto Blue Jays

Stats: 50 G, 26/31 SV, 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, .215 BAAHoffman is finding his groove, showing why he’s valuable in the late game.

16. Alex Vesia, Los Angeles Dodgers

Stats: 55 G, 4/6 SV, 2.61 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 12.3 K/9, .188 BAADespite injuries in the bullpen, Vesia has remained a consistent presence for the Dodgers.

15. Carlos Estévez, Kansas City Royals

Stats: 52 G, 30/36 SV, 2.81 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, .211 BAALeading the AL in saves, Estévez's reliability has been underlined by his consistency this year.

14. David Bednar, New York Yankees

Stats: 47 G, 18/20 SV, 2.40 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 12.6 K/9, .220 BAABednar has quickly become the best option in the Yankees' bullpen, newly acquired at the deadline.

13. Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays

Stats: 45 G, 20/24 SV, 2.64 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, .195 BAAConsistency highlights Fairbanks’ season, but trade considerations loom for the Rays.

12. Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians

Stats: 53 G, 5/8 SV, 2.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 12.6 K/9, .208 BAASmith has burgeoning potential, stepping up as the top choice amid team changes.

11. Bryan Abreu, Houston Astros

Stats: 53 G, 0/4 SV, 1.67 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 13.2 K/9, .163 BAAWith a high strikeout rate, Abreu is now under the spotlight as the Astros' closer.

10. Randy Rodríguez, San Francisco Giants

Stats: 47 G, 3/6 SV, 1.51 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 12.1 K/9, .178 BAARodríguez has excelled in relief and now finds himself in a pivotal role for the Giants.

9. Daniel Palencia, Chicago Cubs

Stats: 40 G, 15/17 SV, 1.73 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, .189 BAAPalencia brings heat and effectiveness in the Cubs' bullpen, solidifying the closer position.

8. Trevor Megill, Milwaukee Brewers

Stats: 44 G, 28/31 SV, 2.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, .197 BAAThe Brewers' successful transition of closers continues as Megill rises to the top.

7. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Angels

Stats: 47 G, 22/23 SV, 2.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, .195 BAAWith a wealth of experience, Jansen seeks to join the elite saves club as he approaches a milestone.

6. Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds

Stats: 50 G, 25/28 SV, 2.92 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 10.4 K/9, .161 BAAPagán's dominance has established him as a cornerstone of the Reds' bullpen.

5. Robert Suárez, San Diego Padres

Stats: 52 G, 33/38 SV, 3.22 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, .206 BAAAfter an impressive season, Suárez is maintaining his status as a top closer in the MLB.

4. Jhoan Durán, Philadelphia Phillies

Stats: 53 G, 20/22 SV, 1.86 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, .209 BAADurán looks to be the reliable option the Phillies need, boasting an overpowering arsenal.

3. Andrés Muñoz, Seattle Mariners

Stats: 47 G, 27/33 SV, 1.37 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 11.5 K/9, .147 BAAWith remarkable strikeout ability, Muñoz is making his case among the best in the game.

2. Edwin Díaz, New York Mets

Stats: 45 G, 23/25 SV, 1.60 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 13.4 K/9, .163 BAADíaz is showcasing his elite form, proving himself crucial as the season winds down.

1. Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox

Stats: 50 G, 21/23 SV, 1.18 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 12.8 K/9, .134 BAAChapman's impressive turnaround places him at the top of our closer rankings, bringing elite performance back to the mound.