The trade deadline shook up plenty of bullpens, but the hierarchy at the top of MLB’s relief-pitcher board still has a familiar shape: the best arms keep getting the biggest late-inning jobs, and the results have followed.
At No. 1 is Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres. He has been MLB’s top relief pitcher this season, and the numbers back it up.
Entering the week, he ranks third in saves and is the only closer with an ERA and WHIP below 0.90. That makes him the favorite to win MLB’s top relief pitcher award.
Just behind him is Louis Varland of the Toronto Blue Jays. Varland has been one of the game’s best closers this season and hasn’t blown a save entering the week. He is tied for sixth in saves.
Josh Hader of the Houston Astros sits at No. 3.
He hasn’t missed a beat since making his debut over a month ago, and entering the week he is perfect in save opportunities. He has climbed up the relief pitcher rankings on a weekly basis.
Texas Rangers closer Jacob Latz comes in at No. 4.
Latz has taken over the ninth inning in a big way, and entering the week he is one of five closers with an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00. He ranks seventh in saves.
The No. 5 spot belongs to Jhoan Duran of the Philadelphia Phillies. Since joining the Phillies, he’s been one of the game’s best ninth-inning men. Entering the week, he is tied for sixth in holds.
Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians lands at No. 6.
He enters the week with the second-most saves in MLB and is second among MLB closers in strikeouts. He’s one of the most electric closers in the game.
Aroldis Chapman checks in at No. 7 for the Boston Red Sox. The veteran is still finishing games, and even in the twilight of his career, his stuff remains as good as any relief pitcher. Boston is in the playoff hunt and will continue relying on its veteran closer.
Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays is No. 8.
Baker has been elite this season and enters the week leading MLB in saves. He can finish the season with the most saves as Tampa Bay hunts for a postseason berth.
Luke Weaver lands at No. 9, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates after the trade deadline deal with the Mets. Weaver has been MLB’s best setup man this season. Entering the week, he leads predominant setup men in ERA and WHIP, and the Pirates get an instant bullpen upgrade from the move.
Rounding out the list at No. 10 is Tanner Scott of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scott has been fantastic as the Dodgers’ closer.
He doesn’t get many save chances, but he keeps locking down games when called upon. Entering the week, he has one of the lowest WHIPs among MLB closers.
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