Relief pitchers are a vital part of any successful Major League Baseball team. They come in late in the game and are relied upon to get the final few outs that are needed to secure a victory. As such, it is important to take a look at who the best relief pitchers in the league are. In this article, we will take a look at the current ranks of the best relief pitchers in Major League Baseball and break down why they are so successful.
What Makes a Good Relief Pitcher?
Before we dive into who the best relief pitchers in Major League Baseball are, let’s first take a look at what makes any relief pitcher successful. There are a few key attributes that any successful relief pitcher must have.
First, a relief pitcher must have a reliable pitch selection. This means that the relief pitcher must have the ability to throw a variety of pitches effectively and accurately. They must also have the ability to change speeds in order to keep hitters off balance.
Second, a relief pitcher must have excellent control. This means that they must be able to throw strikes with consistency and accuracy. If a relief pitcher cannot throw strikes, they will not be successful.
Third, a relief pitcher must have good mental toughness. This means that they must be able to handle the pressure of the late innings and remain composed and focused. Mental toughness is a key factor in any successful relief pitcher.
Finally, a relief pitcher must have good stamina. This means that they must be able to pitch effectively for multiple innings if needed. This is important because relief pitchers are often used in high-pressure situations.
Who are the Best Relief Pitchers in MLB?
Now that we have looked at what makes a good relief pitcher, let’s take a look at who are the best relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. While there are many talented relief pitchers in the game, there are a few who stand out from the rest.
Josh Hader
The first relief pitcher that must be mentioned is Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers. Hader is arguably the best relief pitcher in the game and he has been dominant since his debut in 2017. He has been an All-Star in each of the last three seasons and has been consistently one of the best strikeout pitchers in the league. His fastball has been clocked at over 100 mph and his slider is one of the best in the game. He has a career ERA of 2.47 and has struck out over 400 batters in just over 200 innings pitched. He is the undisputed leader of the MLB relief pitching ranks.
Liam Hendriks
The next relief pitcher that must be mentioned is Liam Hendriks of the Oakland Athletics. Hendriks has been one of the best relievers in the game since he broke into the league in 2011. He is coming off of a career year in 2019 where he posted a 1.80 ERA and struck out 113 batters in just 65.2 innings. He has a plus fastball that has been clocked at over 97 mph and his slider has been one of the best in the game. He is a favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award this season and is a key part of the A’s bullpen.
Kenley Jansen
The last relief pitcher that must be mentioned is Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jansen has been one of the best closers in the game since he debuted in 2010. He has been an All-Star in five of the last six seasons and has been consistently one of the top strikeout pitchers in the game. He has a career ERA of 2.51 and has struck out over 800 batters in his career. He has a plus fastball that has been clocked at over 96 mph and his cutter is one of the best in the game. He is a key part of the Dodgers bullpen and is one of the best relief pitchers in MLB.
Conclusion
In conclusion, relief pitchers are a key part of any successful Major League Baseball team. They come in late in the game and are relied upon to get the final few outs that are needed to secure a victory. As such, it is important to take a look at who the best relief pitchers in the league are. Josh Hader, Liam Hendriks, and Kenley Jansen are all three of the best relief pitchers in MLB and they have been consistently dominant since they broke into the league. If these three can continue to pitch at a high level, they will remain at the top of the ranks for many years to come.