MLB · 1 year ago

Best MLB Relievers: Ranking Top 14 Bullpen Stars on Playoff Contenders

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1. Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Guardians
2024 Stats: 69.1 IP, 46 SV, 0.65 ERA, 2.41 xERA, 25.0% K%, 3.2% BB%, 2.2 fWAR

Emmanuel Clase has been the gold standard for MLB relievers in 2024. His incredible 0.65 ERA leads all qualified relievers, and his 46 saves are among the highest in the league. Clase has a devastating combination of velocity, control, and movement, which has allowed him to dominate hitters and close games for the Guardians. He has been the most consistent closer in baseball over the past few years, and his dominance this season solidifies him as the best reliever heading into the postseason.

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14. Lucas Erceg – Kansas City Royals
2024 Stats: 57.0 IP, 11 SV, 3.47 ERA, 3.18 xERA, 28.1% K%, 6.4% BB%, 1.4 fWAR

Lucas Erceg has emerged as a reliable late-inning arm for the Kansas City Royals. His ability to handle high-leverage situations has been a key factor for a Royals team making a push for the postseason. While his stats don’t match some of the elite names on this list, Erceg’s steady improvement has been a highlight for Kansas City, though their bullpen remains one of the weaker among contenders.

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13. Tyler Holton – Detroit Tigers
2024 Stats: 87.0 IP, 8 SV, 2.17 ERA, 2.91 xERA, 20.7% K%, 4.6% BB%, 1.4 fWAR

Tyler Holton has quietly been one of the best relievers in the American League over the last two seasons. He has proven to be a crucial piece for the Tigers, especially with his ability to limit walks and induce ground balls. While not overpowering, Holton’s precision and control have led to his impressive ERA and fWAR.
12. Evan Phillips – Los Angeles Dodgers
2024 Stats: 50.0 IP, 18 SV, 3.78 ERA, 3.40 xERA, 27.6% K%, 7.6% BB%, 0.7 fWAR

Evan Phillips has been the Dodgers’ go-to reliever for the past few seasons, with a mix of experience and strong numbers to back it up. His 2024 stats may not shine as brightly as past seasons, but his track record makes him the most reliable arm in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Phillips still possesses the stuff to dominate in high-leverage situations.
11. Yennier Cano – Baltimore Orioles
2024 Stats: 55.0 IP, 5 SV, 2.78 ERA, 3.50 xERA, 26.0% K%, 9.3% BB%, 0.5 fWAR

Yennier Cano has been a steady force in the Orioles’ bullpen for two consecutive seasons. While his 2024 numbers don’t quite reach the heights of his 2023 performance, Cano remains a vital piece of Baltimore’s playoff push. His ability to induce ground balls has kept him in the conversation as one of the best relievers in the league.

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10. A.J. Puk – Arizona Diamondbacks
2024 Stats: 52.1 IP, 2 SV, 1.38 ERA, .199 xwOBA, 34.4% K%, 5.1% BB%, 2.0 fWAR

A.J. Puk has been dominant since joining the Diamondbacks. After being acquired midseason, Puk has delivered electric performances out of the bullpen. He is striking out over a third of batters faced while limiting walks and hard contact. Puk has quickly emerged as one of the top relievers in the league, helping Arizona’s playoff push.
9. Clay Holmes – New York Yankees
2024 Stats: 58.1 IP, 29 SV, 3.24 ERA, 3.09 xERA, 25.5% K%, 7.6% BB%, 1.4 fWAR

Despite some struggles in save opportunities, Clay Holmes continues to be a solid option for the Yankees in late innings. His ability to generate ground balls and control his pitches has kept him among the league’s most effective relievers. Holmes’ consistency has been crucial for the Yankees’ bullpen as they look to secure a postseason spot.
8. Edwin Diaz – New York Mets
2024 Stats: 46.2 IP, 18 SV, 3.66 ERA, 2.47 xERA, 38.0% K%, 8.6% BB%, 0.8 fWAR

Edwin Diaz’s return from injury in 2024 has been up-and-down, but he’s still one of the most feared relievers in baseball. His strikeout rate remains elite, and his underlying metrics suggest he’s still capable of locking down high-leverage spots for the Mets as they battle for a Wild Card position.
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7. Tanner Scott – San Diego Padres
2024 Stats: 67.0 IP, 20 SV, 1.61 ERA, 2.86 xERA, 28.7% K%, 12.5% BB%, 1.5 fWAR

Tanner Scott has been a revelation for the Padres, posting a microscopic ERA while continuing to limit hard contact. His strikeout numbers remain impressive, and while his walk rate is slightly higher than ideal, Scott’s ability to get key outs has made him invaluable in the Padres’ bullpen.

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6. Devin Williams – Milwaukee Brewers
2024 Stats: 17.2 IP, 12 SV, 1.53 ERA, 2.13 xERA, 43.8% K%, 12.3% BB%, 0.7 fWAR

Devin Williams has quickly become one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. Despite missing time due to injury, Williams has shown no signs of slowing down. His elite strikeout rate and the ability to limit runs make him one of the most feared closers in the game. The Brewers will lean on him heavily in their playoff run.
5. Jeff Hoffman – Philadelphia Phillies
2024 Stats: 61.1 IP, 10 SV, 1.76 ERA, 2.95 xERA, 33.1% K%, 6.1% BB%, 2.0 fWAR

Jeff Hoffman has emerged as one of the best relievers in the National League. His ability to consistently limit walks while maintaining a high strikeout rate has made him a crucial part of the Phillies’ success. Hoffman’s breakout season continues to fuel Philadelphia’s hopes of a deep playoff run.
4. Raisel Iglesias – Atlanta Braves
2024 Stats: 62.2 IP, 31 SV, 1.87 ERA, 2.20 xERA, 27.4% K%, 5.1% BB%, 1.6 fWAR

Raisel Iglesias has been a model of consistency as the Braves' closer. Since becoming a full-time closer in 2017, Iglesias has accumulated over 200 saves, showcasing his reliability in high-pressure situations. In 2024, Iglesias has maintained his dominance, posting an ERA under 2.00 while continuing to limit walks and strike out over a quarter of the batters he faces. His steady performance and ability to thrive in big moments make him one of the top closers heading into the postseason.
3. Josh Hader – Houston Astros
2024 Stats: 65.0 IP, 31 SV, 3.32 ERA, 2.63 xERA, 38.1% K%, 8.7% BB%, 0.7 fWAR

Josh Hader has been one of the most dominant closers in MLB over the past several seasons, even if his 2024 numbers don’t fully reflect his previous dominance. While his ERA is slightly higher than expected, Hader still maintains an elite strikeout rate and continues to be a trusted late-inning option. His postseason experience and track record of success make him an invaluable part of the Astros’ bullpen, and Houston will count on him as they gear up for another deep playoff run.
2. Griffin Jax – Minnesota Twins
2024 Stats: 66.0 IP, 8 SV, 2.18 ERA, 2.41 xERA, 33.7% K%, 5.8% BB%, 2.3 fWAR

Griffin Jax has solidified himself as one of the best relievers in the league this season, leading the Twins bullpen with his electric stuff. Jax's 2024 season has been highlighted by an incredible strikeout rate and minimal walks, making him an effective weapon in high-leverage situations. His sweeper is one of the nastiest breaking pitches in baseball, and his ability to mix it with his high-velocity fastball has kept hitters off balance all year. Jax’s performance is crucial for the Twins as they push for a postseason berth.
1. Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Guardians
2024 Stats: 69.1 IP, 46 SV, 0.65 ERA, 2.41 xERA, 25.0% K%, 3.2% BB%, 2.2 fWAR

Emmanuel Clase has been the gold standard for MLB relievers in 2024. His incredible 0.65 ERA leads all qualified relievers, and his 46 saves are among the highest in the league. Clase has a devastating combination of velocity, control, and movement, which has allowed him to dominate hitters and close games for the Guardians. He has been the most consistent closer in baseball over the past few years, and his dominance this season solidifies him as the best reliever heading into the postseason.

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14. Lucas Erceg – Kansas City Royals
2024 Stats: 57.0 IP, 11 SV, 3.47 ERA, 3.18 xERA, 28.1% K%, 6.4% BB%, 1.4 fWAR

Lucas Erceg has emerged as a reliable late-inning arm for the Kansas City Royals. His ability to handle high-leverage situations has been a key factor for a Royals team making a push for the postseason. While his stats don’t match some of the elite names on this list, Erceg’s steady improvement has been a highlight for Kansas City, though their bullpen remains one of the weaker among contenders.

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Best MLB Relievers: Ranking Top 14 Bullpen Stars on Playoff Contenders

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