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If you know MLB pitchers, then you’re probably ready for saves leaders, such as in the MLB All Saves or MLB Saves 2020- quizzes. Here are the top 25 MLB saves leaders.
1. Mariano Rivera (652 saves)
Mariano Rivera is widely regarded as the greatest closer in MLB history. With 652 saves, the New York Yankees legend holds the career saves record. Known for his devastating cutter, Rivera dominated hitters for nearly two decades. His postseason success, with five World Series titles, solidified his legacy, making him the first player unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. Rivera’s consistency, poise under pressure, and longevity made him a model for future closers.
2. Trevor Hoffman (601 saves)
Trevor Hoffman held the saves record before Rivera surpassed him. The former San Diego Padres closer accumulated 601 saves during a career that spanned 18 seasons. Known for his signature changeup, Hoffman became a feared presence in the late innings. His 16 seasons with the Padres are legendary, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Hoffman’s consistency and ability to close games earned him a place among the all-time greats.
3. Lee Smith (478 saves)
Lee Smith, a powerful closer with an intimidating presence, held the all-time saves record before Hoffman and Rivera. With 478 saves over 18 seasons, Smith’s fastball and slider kept hitters off balance. His longevity, pitching for nine different teams, proved his adaptability. Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing his place as one of the most dominant closers of his era.
4. Kenley Jansen (447 saves)
Kenley Jansen has been one of the most reliable closers of the 21st century. With 447 saves (as of 2024), the Los Angeles Dodgers standout is known for his dominant cutter and ability to get batters to chase. Jansen’s career has been marked by his postseason contributions, including helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series. His consistency over more than a decade makes him one of the top closers in baseball history.
5. Craig Kimbrel (440 saves)
Craig Kimbrel made a name for himself as one of the most overpowering closers in MLB history. Known for his blazing fastball and wicked curveball, Kimbrel amassed 440 saves over a 14-year career. His dominance with the Atlanta Braves, particularly in his early years, earned him multiple All-Star selections and a Rookie of the Year award. Kimbrel’s ability to close out games with ease has cemented his spot as one of the top closers of his generation.
6. Francisco Rodríguez (437 saves)
Francisco Rodríguez, known as “K-Rod,” burst onto the scene with the Los Angeles Angels, setting the single-season saves record with 62 saves in 2008. Over a 16-year career, he accumulated 437 saves, making him one of the most effective closers of his era. Rodríguez’s ability to get strikeouts with his slider and his control on the mound were key to his success, and he remains one of the all-time greats in the bullpen.
7. John Franco (424 saves)
John Franco was a steady presence in the bullpen for 21 seasons, primarily with the New York Mets. His 424 career saves made him one of the most reliable closers in MLB history. Franco was known for his slider and his composure in high-pressure situations, and he continued to perform at a high level well into his 40s. His longevity and effectiveness earned him a place as one of the game’s best closers.
8. Billy Wagner (422 saves)
Billy Wagner was one of the hardest throwers of his generation, regularly hitting 100 mph on the radar gun. Over 16 seasons, Wagner racked up 422 saves, making him one of the most dominant left-handed closers in history. His fastball and slider combination made him a nightmare for batters, and his ability to shut down games earned him a spot among the top closers in MLB history.
9. Dennis Eckersley (390 saves)
Dennis Eckersley was a versatile pitcher, excelling both as a starter and a closer. With 390 saves, he was a pioneer of the modern closer role. Eckersley’s control and ability to dominate in the ninth inning made him a Hall of Famer. His most iconic moment came in the 1988 World Series, when he closed out Game 4 for the Oakland Athletics, securing the championship. Eckersley’s unique career arc makes him one of the most interesting figures in baseball history.
10. Joe Nathan (377 saves)
Joe Nathan was a model of consistency as a closer, amassing 377 saves over 16 seasons. Known for his fastball and slider, Nathan was a key part of the Minnesota Twins’ bullpen during his prime, and later, the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers. Nathan’s ability to thrive in high-leverage situations helped secure his place as one of the top closers in MLB history.
11. Jonathan Papelbon (368 saves)
Jonathan Papelbon was known for his fierce demeanor on the mound and his overpowering fastball. Over his 12-year career, Papelbon accumulated 368 saves, primarily with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. His ability to consistently close out games, particularly in high-pressure moments, earned him a reputation as one of the top closers of the 2000s. Papelbon was a key part of the Red Sox’s 2007 World Series championship team.
12. Jeff Reardon (367 saves)
Jeff Reardon was a staple of bullpens in the 1980s and 1990s, finishing his career with 367 saves. Known for his reliable fastball and slider, Reardon pitched for several teams, including the Montreal Expos and Minnesota Twins. He was one of the early closers to dominate the role, and his ability to maintain a steady presence in the late innings earned him a spot in the top 12 of all-time saves leaders.
13. Troy Percival (358 saves)
Troy Percival was one of the most reliable closers of the 1990s and early 2000s. Over 14 seasons, Percival recorded 358 saves, with most of his success coming with the Anaheim Angels. His fastball and devastating slider made him a dominant force in the late innings. Percival helped lead the Angels to a World Series title in 2002, cementing his place as one of the best closers of his era.
14. Randy Myers (347 saves)
Randy Myers was a key figure in bullpens during the late 1980s and 1990s. With 347 saves, Myers was known for his fastball and a curveball that left hitters guessing. He played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Baltimore Orioles. Myers was an essential part of the Reds’ 1990 World Series championship team and a multiple-time All-Star during his career.
15. Rollie Fingers (341 saves)
Rollie Fingers revolutionized the closer role with his unique delivery and ability to shut down games in critical moments. With 341 saves, Fingers was one of the first relief pitchers to consistently finish games. His iconic handlebar mustache and his performances for the Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers earned him three World Series titles and an MVP award in 1974. Fingers was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
16. Aroldis Chapman (335 saves)
Aroldis Chapman is known for his record-setting fastball, which has touched speeds of over 105 mph. With 335 saves (as of 2024), Chapman has been a dominant force for multiple teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs. His blazing fastball and slider have made him one of the most feared closers in MLB history. Chapman helped the Cubs end their 108-year World Series drought in 2016.
17. John Wetteland (330 saves)
John Wetteland had a stellar career as a closer, finishing with 330 saves. Known for his sharp slider and fastball, Wetteland played for several teams, including the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. His most famous moment came in 1996 when he closed out the World Series for the Yankees, helping them win their first championship in 18 years. Wetteland’s postseason success and reliability as a closer earned him a spot in the history books.
18. Francisco Cordero (329 saves)
Francisco Cordero was a steady and reliable closer who finished his career with 329 saves. Playing for teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers, Cordero was known for his strong fastball and ability to get outs in clutch situations. He played for 16 seasons, earning a reputation as one of the most consistent closers of his generation.
19. Fernando Rodney (327 saves)
Fernando Rodney had an unconventional delivery and a flair for dramatic moments. With 327 saves over 20 seasons, Rodney became a favorite among fans for his wild pitch antics and his signature “bow and arrow” celebration after each save. He pitched for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners, and was a key part of the Rays’ 2011 team that won the AL East division title.
20. Roberto Hernández (326 saves)
Roberto Hernández was a steady presence in the bullpen throughout the 1990s and 2000s. With 326 saves, Hernández was known for his consistency and ability to handle late-game pressure. He played for multiple teams, including the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and his effectiveness made him one of the most reliable closers in baseball during his career.
21. Huston Street (324 saves)
Huston Street was a reliable closer known for his control and ability to get key outs. Over his career, he accumulated 324 saves, primarily with the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies. Street’s slider and changeup made him an effective late-inning reliever, and his calm demeanor on the mound helped him thrive in high-leverage situations.
22. José Mesa (321 saves)
José Mesa spent 17 seasons as a closer, accumulating 321 saves. Known for his powerful fastball, Mesa played for a variety of teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles. His most successful years came with the Indians, where he helped them reach the 1995 World Series. Mesa’s durability and consistency allowed him to close out games for nearly two decades.
23. Todd Jones (319 saves)
Todd Jones was a reliable closer who pitched for over 14 seasons, finishing his career with 319 saves. Known for his fastball and slider, Jones played for several teams, including the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds. His ability to get out of tight situations made him a trusted reliever, and his leadership in the clubhouse was as valuable as his performance on the mound.
24. Rick Aguilera (318 saves)
Rick Aguilera was a standout closer in the late 1980s and 1990s, finishing with 318 saves. Most of his success came with the Minnesota Twins, where he helped lead the team to a World Series championship in 1991. Aguilera’s fastball and slider combination made him a dependable option in late-game situations, and he was known for his ability to get key outs when it mattered most.
25. Robb Nen (314 saves)
Robb Nen was a dominant closer in the late 1990s and early 2000s, accumulating 314 saves during his career. Known for his power fastball and slider, Nen pitched for the Florida Marlins and San Francisco Giants, helping the Marlins win the 1997 World Series. His success in high-leverage situations, along with his ability to close games consistently, solidified his place among the all-time greats.
