A top 10 list of the best relief pitchers of all time

Mariano Rivera's claim as one of the best relief pitchers of all time is one of the safest arguments in baseball. Allegedly, no one has a legitimate argument to surpass Rivera, renowned for making 13 All-Star teams, holding the highest adjusted ERA (205) in baseball history, and being a vital component in the New York Yankees' dynasty.

What does a relief pitcher do? An ace relief pitcher is essential in enhancing a particular team's performance on the field. And while these players are some of the greatest ones in the sport's history, they have undoubtedly excelled in their roles. Read on to find out more about MLB's best relief pitchers of all time.

Top 10 best relief pitchers of all time

Interestingly, these greatest relief pitchers of all time include some of the best current baseball players in the sport's arena and some legends already in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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After an in-depth analysis, Sports Brief has compiled a list detailing some of the best pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball.

10. Dennis Eckersley

• Stats: 390 saves, 2.85 ERA, 0.999 WHIP, 6.29 K:BB, 136 ERA+
• Accolades: 4 All-Star appearances, 1 Cy Young award, 1 ALCS MVP award, 2x Rolaids Relief award, 1 MVP award, 1 World Series ring, Baseball Hall of Fame

70-year-old Dennis Eckersley is a former baseball player who played in the league from 1975. Famously dubbed Eck, he is the first of the two pitchers in the sport's history to have a 20-win season and a 50-save season in a career.

He retired in 1998 with an MLB record of 197-171 Win-loss record, 3.50 earned run average, 2,401 strikeouts, and 390 saves. Additionally, he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

9. Aroldis Chapman

• Stats: 273 saves, 2.23 ERA, 1.023 WHIP, 3.56 K:BB, 184 ERA+
• Accolades: 6 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series ring

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Following Chapman's defect from Cuba, the Reds surprised the baseball world by outbidding other clubs and giving him a six-year contract worth $30.25 million. He became such a vital player in the team that other squads, like the Cubs, opted to purchase him from the Reds.

As of June 2023, Aroldis is one of the best Red Sox relief pitchers of all time. Additionally, he is one of the best left-handed relief pitchers of all time.

8. Craig Kimbrel

• Stats: 346 saves, 2.08 ERA, 0.945 WHIP, 4.14 K:BB, 195 ERA+
• Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, 1 Rookie of the Year award, 1 World Series ring

Renowned for recording MLB's best 185 saves from 2011 to 2014, Craig Kimbrel made a few impressive playoff appearances during his 2010 rookie season. He then spent his final four seasons with Atlanta proving to be baseball's most dominant closer.

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7. Jonathan Papelbon

• Stats: 368 saves, 2.44 ERA, 1.043 WHIP, 4.37 K:BB, 177 ERA+
• Accolades: 6 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series ring

Jonathan Papelbon was Hall of Fame-worthy dominant throughout his career. He was the fastest relief pitcher ever to reach 200 career saves. Moreover, he was the first closer ever to rack up at least 25 saves in his first five seasons.

Alongside his colleague, Aroldis Chapman, they are some of the best Red Sox relief pitchers of all time.

6. Billy Wagner

• Stats: 422 saves, 2.31 ERA, 0.998 WHIP, 3.99 K:BB, 187ERA+
• Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances

Famously recognised as Billy the Kid, he is an American-based former professional baseball pitcher who played 16 seasons in MLB. He pitched for the Houston Astros (1995–2003), Philadelphia Phillies (2004–2005), New York Mets (2006–2009), Boston Red Sox (2009), and Atlanta Braves (2010).

To date, he is still one of the best Atlanta Braves relief pitchers of all time.

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5. Hoyt Wilhelm

• Stats: 228 saves, 2.51 ERA, 1.131 WHIP, 2.04 K:BB, 147 ERA+
• Accolades: 6 All-Star appearances, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1 World Series ring

At the fifth position sits Hoyt Wilhelm, the only baseball player on the list to have played for more than nine teams since his debut. He has pitched for New York Giants, St Louis Cardinals, Cleveland, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, and Atlanta.

But even though he left Baltimore Orioles for Chicago White Sox, he is still one of the best Orioles relief pitchers of all time.

4. Rollie Fingers

• Stats: 341 saves, 2.90 ERA, 1.156 WHIP, 2.64 K:BB, 120 ERA+
• Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series MVP, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1 MVP, 1 Cy Young award, 3 World Series rings

A seven-time All-Star, Rollie Fingers is an American-based former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three teams between his active years, 1968 to 1985. His impact before retirement helped to redefine the value of relievers within the sport and to usher in modern closer roles.

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Aside from his skills on the pitch, he is also remembered for his distinctive mustache.

3. Trevor Hoffman

• Stats: 601 saves, 2.87 ERA, 1.058 WHIP, 3.69 K:BB, 141 ERA+
• Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, Baseball Hall of Fame

At the third position sits the legendary baseball player Trevor Hoffman. He is a former relief pitcher who played in the league from 1993 to 2010. The now 55-year-old pitcher was the first player in the sport's history to reach the 500 and 600 save milestones.

To date, Hoffman is still regarded as one of the best Cincinnati Reds relief pitchers of all time. In fact, if this were a list of legendary players in the sport's history, Hoffman would appear at least in the top five.

2. Goose Gossage

• Stats: 310 saves, 3.01 ERA, 1.232 WHIP, 2.05 K:BB, 126 ERA+
• Accolades: 1 World Series ring, Baseball Hall of Fame, 9 All-Star appearances

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And to the oldest MLB player on the list, meet Goose Gossage, who played in the league from 1972 to 1994. Like Rollie Fingers, Goose is remembered for his distinctive mustache and intimidating aura. Among the nine teams he pitched for, he is mainly remembered for his time with New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.

In fact, if there is a question about the best Yankees relief pitchers of all time, Goose sure does take the lead.

1. Mariano Rivera

• Stats: 652 saves, 2.21 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 4.10 K:BB, 205 ERA+
• Accolades: 9 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series ring, Baseball Hall of Fame

Mariano Rivera is, undoubtedly, one of MLB's best relief pitchers of all time. Famously nicknamed the Sandman and Mo, he is a Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons for the New York Yankees; from 1995 to 2013.

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The Sandman is renowned as the GOAT of closers. Additionally, he is the only player on the list who spent his entire career seasons in one team, the New York Yankees.

Finding the best relief pitchers of all time in baseball can be no mean feat, especially considering skilled and great relief pitchers emerge in every draft. Nevertheless, considering their impact on the sport, it is only fair to rank some of the best pitchers of all time.

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