With the MLB postseason in full swing, heroes have risen, and heroes have fallen. In particular, the MLB playoffs have shown how crucial it is to have a lockdown bullpen and, more specifically, a lethal closer. It’s been a factor that’s made and broken teams’ World Series aspirations. Among these relievers, a select five have proven they are among the elite in their category in both the regular season, and the postseason. Here are the top five relievers in baseball.
Top Five Relievers In Baseball
5. Mark Melancon
The Washington Nationals acquired All-Star closer Mark Melancon at this year’s trade deadline. Melancon is one of the best closers in all of baseball. He can blow his fastball by opposing hitters, but he’s more of a ground ball pitcher. He also proved himself this postseason. Even though they lost in five games to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Melancon was able to wrap up both of the Nationals victories without giving up a run. He posted a 1.64 ERA with both the Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, along with 47 saves in 51 opportunities.
4. Kenley Jansen
Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen is an elite closer. He is a strikeout pitcher, who blows his fastball by opposing hitters. He was very productive for the Dodgers this season, posting a 1.83 ERA, while also posting 47 saves. He has also been a force in the bullpen this October. Jansen has appeared in multiple big games so far this postseason, and he’s delivered. He pitched in two-plus innings of relief in what was the series-clinching game for the Dodgers in the NLDS. He also appeared in game two of the NLCS in a non-save situation, and he got the job done. Jansen is one of the more intimidating closers in all of baseball, and his ability to pitch multiple innings of relief makes him elite. The abilities to close and pitch in long relief situations are valuable skills, as are being able to pitch in closer and set-up situations interchangeably.
3. Wade Davis
Kansas City Royals reliever Wade Davis is a very unique reliever. While Davis’s stuff isn’t anything special, his ability to pitch in different situations is. He is the closer for his Royals team, but he also can pitch in set-up situations. Davis pitched in both of these roles in the 2015 season, when the Royals made their World Series run. He posted a 0.94 ERA in the regular season, and didn’t give up a single run in eight postseason appearances. Although he didn’t pitch at the same level this year as he did in 2015, Davis remained a perennial reliever this year.
2. Aroldis Chapman
Chicago Cubs flamethrower reliever Aroldis Chapman is the best closer in all of baseball. The velocity on his fastball reaches over 100 miles per hour on the radar, and he’s even hit 105 on his fastball. Chapman is the most intimidating reliever in all of baseball; he’s posted an ERA under two in four of the last five years. Chapman is the most intimidating reliever baseball has to offer, but he’s very predictable. He tends to lean on his fastball quite often, and throwing the same pitch over and over can catch up to him. He is hittable, as his shaky postseason production has proven.
1. Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller is a complete stud. After years of being just a spot pitcher out of the bullpen, Miller became the closer for the New York Yankees a little over a year ago, and he’s been nothing short of spectacular since. Coming out of the pen as the team’s closer, Miller thrived under the New York spotlight, becoming one of the game’s best closers; however, despite his heroics, the Yankees went on to acquire Chapman just one year later. Chapman replaced Miller as the Yankees closer, moving Miller into a set-up role, which he also thrived in.
Then, Miller was traded at this year’s trade deadline to the Cleveland Indians, where he has served as their closer, set-up man, and long reliever; however, despite not having a consistent role, Miller has been lethal. He posted a 1.45 ERA in the regular season, and his versatility has been on full display this postseason. In his six postseason appearances, Miller has yet to surrender a single run in 11.2 innings pitched. Miller’s ability to close, set up, and serve as long man at such a high level makes him the best reliever in baseball.
Whether it’s the regular season or the postseason, having a lockdown bullpen, and moreso a closer, is intrinsic to a team’s success. It’s imperative to have at least one lethal arm in your bullpen. Melancon, Jansen, Davis, Chapman, and Miller all represent what it means to be an elite reliever.
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