When it comes to Major League Baseball, few roles carry the pressure and prestige of the closer. Tasked with slamming the door shut in the ninth inning, these pitchers are specialists in high-stakes situations, turning tight games into victories.
Over the decades, some have risen above the rest, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Here’s our ranking of the 15 best closers in MLB history.
15. Brad Lidge
A two-time All-Star and World Series champion, Lidge’s 2008 season with the Phillies was one for the ages. He converted all 41 save opportunities in the regular season and added seven more in the playoffs, including the final out of the World Series.
14. Brian Fuentes
While he may not be as celebrated as others on this list, Fuentes was a four-time All-Star who racked up 204 career saves, excelling during stints with the Rockies and Angels.
13. Joe Nathan
Nathan quietly became one of the most consistent closers of his era. With 377 career saves and six All-Star appearances, he’s a cornerstone of modern bullpen dominance.
12. Kent Tekulve
Known for his submarine delivery, Tekulve was a force in the late innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates, including a key role in their 1979 World Series title.
11. Robb Nen
Nen was lights-out for the Florida Marlins and San Francisco Giants, compiling 314 career saves and a 2.98 career ERA. His devastating slider made him one of the toughest pitchers to face in the ninth inning.
10. Rollie Fingers
One of the pioneers of modern relief pitching, Fingers was the first reliever to win both the Cy Young and MVP in the same season (1981). His handlebar mustache was as iconic as his ability to close out games.
9. Bruce Sutter
Sutter revolutionized the game with his split-finger fastball, a pitch that earned him a Cy Young Award in 1979. His 300 career saves set a benchmark for future closers.
8. Francisco Rodríguez (K-Rod)
K-Rod burst onto the scene with the Angels in 2002 and became a dominant closer, recording 437 career saves, including a record-setting 62 in 2008.
7. John Franco
Franco’s longevity and consistency made him a legend, especially with the New York Mets. With 424 career saves, he remains one of the most prolific left-handed closers in history.
6. Trevor Hoffman
The first pitcher to reach 600 career saves, Hoffman’s changeup baffled hitters for nearly two decades. A seven-time All-Star, he finished his career with 601 saves.
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5. Dennis Eckersley
Eckersley transitioned from a solid starting pitcher to one of the best closers ever. He became the first reliever to record 50 saves in a season and earned both the Cy Young and MVP in 1992.
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4. Billy Wagner
Wagner’s blazing fastball and remarkable consistency earned him 422 career saves and a 2.31 ERA. A seven-time All-Star, he was one of the most intimidating left-handers to ever take the mound.
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3. Goose Gossage
Before the closer role was strictly a one-inning job, Gossage dominated hitters over multiple innings. His 310 career saves and nine All-Star appearances cement his legacy.
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2. Lee Smith
Smith’s 478 career saves stood as the all-time record for over a decade. A seven-time All-Star, his combination of power and control defined the closer role for an era.
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1. Mariano Rivera
The gold standard for closers, Rivera’s 652 career saves are the most in MLB history. Armed with his devastating cutter, he dominated the postseason with a 0.70 ERA across 96 appearances, helping the Yankees to five World Series titles. Rivera was the first player unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame, and his consistency under pressure remains unmatched.
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