MLB · 3 months ago

Ranking the Top 10 MLB Free Agent Relief Pitchers for 2025 Offseason

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1. Edwin Díaz, New York Mets
Three years ago, Edwin Díaz made history as the first reliever to land a nine-figure deal, signing with the New York Mets for five years and $102 million. With an opt-out looming, it’s a near-lock he’ll test the market again, leaving $37 million on the table for another payday. Díaz is still the gold standard—electric stuff, huge strikeout numbers, and late-inning experience few can match. If he’s available, he’s the clear No. 1.

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10. Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds
Emilio Pagán has been up and down throughout his career, but recently, he’s shown he can handle late-inning pressure. With his experience across multiple bullpens and the ability to lock down both righties and lefties, he’ll be on the radar for teams searching for affordable back-end help.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
9. Luke Weaver, New York Yankees
Luke Weaver has reinvented himself in relief, proving he can handle ninth-inning work when called upon. His ability to miss bats while limiting walks gives him upside beyond just a one-inning role, and he’ll draw interest from teams seeking bullpen depth with some closing potential.

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8. Tyler Rogers, New York Mets
Often overlooked because he doesn’t fit the traditional closer mold, Tyler Rogers has carved out a long run of reliability. His funky delivery and ground-ball approach make him tough to square up, and while he doesn’t have the strikeout punch, he’s been a steady late-inning weapon for years.

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7. Taylor Rogers, Chicago Cubs
Tyler’s twin Taylor Rogers brings the bigger fastball and more strikeout upside. He’s bounced around roles from setup man to closer, and while not always flashy, his durability and versatility make him valuable. Both Rogers brothers should have healthy markets this winter.
6. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Angels
Kenley Jansen’s resume speaks for itself—multiple All-Star nods, over 400 career saves, and still plenty of presence on the mound. He’s no longer the overpowering force he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the veteran knows how to finish games. Expect him to get another short-term deal to anchor a contender’s bullpen.
5. Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves
A steady veteran who has been closing games for a decade, Raisel Iglesias is nearing the end of his prime but remains effective. His experience and command make him one of the safer bets on the market. For teams looking for a reliable ninth-inning option without paying Díaz money, Iglesias is a strong alternative.
4. Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
Aroldis Chapman keeps getting older, and yet, the radar gun still doesn’t lie. Now entering his late 30s, Chapman will almost certainly be working year-to-year deals, but teams keep coming back because he still delivers. Since 2023, he’s given clubs a 2.75 ERA and 4.8 fWAR over 184 outings—production topped only by Emmanuel Clase and Tanner Scott. Don’t be surprised if a contender grabs him for another one-year fix.
3. Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres
When the San Diego Padres gave Robert Suarez five years and $46 million three winters ago, plenty of eyebrows were raised. But the gamble has paid off. After injuries slowed him in 2023, Suarez has reestablished himself as a steady closer, posting a 2.92 ERA with 70 saves across the last two seasons. With an opt-out ahead, expect him to cash in again.
2. Ryan Helsley, New York Mets
Ryan Helsley hasn’t matched his peak form this season, but from 2022–24, no one in the NL was better in the ninth inning. He racked up a 1.83 ERA and 5.7 fWAR across 152 appearances, cementing himself as one of the league’s elite. The upside is nearly Díaz-level, and unlike Díaz, Helsley can’t be tied down with a qualifying offer. That makes him one of the most attractive names on the board.
1. Edwin Díaz, New York Mets
Three years ago, Edwin Díaz made history as the first reliever to land a nine-figure deal, signing with the New York Mets for five years and $102 million. With an opt-out looming, it’s a near-lock he’ll test the market again, leaving $37 million on the table for another payday. Díaz is still the gold standard—electric stuff, huge strikeout numbers, and late-inning experience few can match. If he’s available, he’s the clear No. 1.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
10. Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds
Emilio Pagán has been up and down throughout his career, but recently, he’s shown he can handle late-inning pressure. With his experience across multiple bullpens and the ability to lock down both righties and lefties, he’ll be on the radar for teams searching for affordable back-end help.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

Ranking the Top 10 MLB Free Agent Relief Pitchers for 2025 Offseason

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