Ranking MLB’s top 10 relievers entering the 2025 season

MLB: ALDS-Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians
Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

MLB teams have become increasingly weary of paying relievers, but that’s mostly reserved for guys without a proven track record. For the game’s very best, big contracts and lofty trade packages are the standard, and teams are willing to pay that price for the premium late-game weapon they’re getting. In this list we’re ranking the 10 best relievers in the game, opening the door for non-closers to join the fray as well. Sometimes you want your best reliever entering a game in the seventh or eighth inning, and we aren’t going to ding a pitcher for helping their team win games.

Any relievers who won’t be ready for Opening Day or will miss the 2025 season will not be ranked

10. Edwin Diaz – New York Mets

Jun 14, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts to striking out the last batter during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

9. Ryan Helsley – St. Louis Cardinals

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

8. Jeff Hoffman – Toronto Blue Jays

Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) pitches in the ninth inning against the New York Mets during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

7. Griffin Jax – Minnesota Twins

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Texas Rangers
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

6. Tanner Scott – Los Angeles Dodgers

Oct 2, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Tanner Scott (66) throws during the sixth inning of game two in the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

5. Felix Bautista – Baltimore Orioles

MLB: Baltimore Orioles at San Diego Padres
Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

4. Cade Smith – Cleveland Guardians

MLB: ALDS-Cleveland Guardians at Detroit Tigers
Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

3. Devin Williams – New York Yankees

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers, yankees, devin williams
Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

2. Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Guardians

MLB: ALDS-Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians
Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

1. Mason Miller – Athletics

MLB: Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics
Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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