Throughout the history of Major League Baseball, relief pitchers have played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of games with their prowess in closing out innings. This listicle delves into the careers of ten of the most iconic relief pitchers who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
From record-setting performances to Hall of Fame inductions, these athletes have defined excellence on the mound, showcasing the art and science of closing that is essential to America’s favorite pastime.
10. John Franco
John Franco, a seasoned pitcher, dominated the National League for over two decades. With stints at the Reds, Mets, and Astros, he made his mark with an astounding number of games pitched. His record stands as the highest in the National League and is only surpassed by three others in the entire Major League Baseball history.
Franco’s skill didn’t stop there; he also racked up an impressive number of saves. His career ERA, a testament to his consistent performance, remained below three. The Mets recognized his leadership, making him team captain in his final years. His career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the game.
9. Bruce Sutter
Mastering the art of the split-fingered fastball, Bruce Sutter carved out a remarkable career in Major League Baseball. His unique pitching style not only earned him the prestigious 1979 N.L. Cy Young Award but also helped him amass an impressive 300 saves. This achievement firmly places him in the top tier of the all-time saves list, tied for 30th place.
Sutter’s exceptional skill on the mound saw him lead the league in saves five times, earning him a spot in six All-Star games. His talent was showcased on the fields of the Cubs, Cardinals, and Braves from 1976 to 1988, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
8. Lee Smith
For nearly two decades, from 1980 to 1997, Lee Smith’s powerful pitching dominated Major League Baseball. He was a force to be reckoned with, leading the league in saves four times and earning a spot on the All-Star team seven times.
Smith’s impressive skill didn’t stop there; he held the record for the most saves in MLB history from 1993 to 2006, racking up a whopping 478 saves. His talent was recognized by eight different teams over his career, each eager to have him on their side. In 2019, Smith’s remarkable career was honored with an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
7. Goose Gossage
With a career spanning over two decades in Major League Baseball, Rich “Goose” Gossage was a force to be reckoned with on the pitcher’s mound. His fast pitches left batters in the dust, and his unique mustache became a signature look.
Gossage’s impressive record boasts hundreds of saves and over a thousand strikeouts. His exceptional skills earned him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.
6. Hoyt Wilhelm
“Old Sarge,” also known as Hoyt Wilhelm, revolutionized the role of the relief pitcher in baseball. He was the trailblazer who first racked up 200 saves and made appearances in a staggering 1,000 games.
Wilhelm hung up his cleats with an impressive 2.52 ERA, and still holds the record for the most wins as a relief pitcher, with a total of 124 victories to his name.
5. Billy Wagner
Billy Wagner, a baseball legend, boasted an exceptional career marked by a stellar 2.31 ERA. His prowess on the mound was unmatched, with a record-breaking 11.9 strikeouts per 9 innings – the highest for pitchers with over 900 innings under their belt.
Wagner’s skill and consistency led him to accumulate a whopping 422 career saves. His remarkable achievements were recognized in 2025 when he was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
4. Rollie Fingers
With a handlebar mustache as striking as his pitching prowess, Rollie Fingers dominated the mound as a relief pitcher for an impressive 17 years in Major League Baseball.
His skillful saves not only led the league on three separate occasions, but also earned him a spot on the All-Star team seven times. Fingers’ remarkable career, boasting hundreds of saves, culminated in a well-deserved induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
3. Dennis Eckersley
Eckersley, a master of the mound, carved out an illustrious career as a closer. His 1990 season was nothing short of spectacular, boasting an ERA of just 0.61. With a whopping 390 saves to his name, he holds a solid ninth place in the all-time MLB rankings.
His exceptional performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004.
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2. Trevor Hoffman
With a career spanning nearly two decades in Major League Baseball, Trevor Hoffman carved out a niche as a formidable closer. His skill in sealing victories for his team is unparalleled in the National League, where he holds the record for career saves.
Hoffman’s prowess on the mound saw him shatter records, becoming the first pitcher to notch up both 500 and 600 career saves. His exceptional contributions to the sport were recognized in 2018 when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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1. Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera, a standout player in Major League Baseball, holds an impressive record of the most career saves, a testament to his skill and tenacity. His exceptional performance in the postseason, marked by an incredibly low ERA, is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
With five World Series titles under his belt during his nearly two-decade-long career with the New York Yankees, Rivera’s contributions to the team and the sport are undeniable.
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