Ranking the top 10 MLB relief pitchers after All-Star break

The All-Star Game has passed, and MLB enters the 17^th week of the 2026 season. Players are vying for regular-season awards, playoff races are heating up, and the trade deadline is approaching. There is a lot of exciting action in store as the season continues forward. Here are the top 10 relief pitchers in the league right now. 

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10. Dylan Lee, Atlanta Braves

Lee has been a key reliever for the Braves and one of MLB’s top pitching staffs. Entering the week, Lee is among the league leaders in holds. He will play a crucial role for Atlanta’s bullpen in the playoffs.

9. Trevor Megill, Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill (29) threw a scoreless inning against the Royals on Sunday, March 1 in Cactus League action.

Megill has thrived as Milwaukee’s closer. He is on pace for a second consecutive season with 30 saves. The Brewers’ ninth-inning man has helped keep the team atop the NL Central.

8. Tanner Scott, Los Angeles Dodgers

Scott hasn’t had a high number of save opportunities but has been exceptional when given chances. He enters the week with one of the best WHIPs among MLB relief pitchers. He has surrendered the lowest total of walks among MLB closers.

7. Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians

Smith’s elite arm has led him to lead MLB in saves. He has been outstanding since taking over the closer role in Cleveland. Entering the week, he has the second most strikeouts among MLB closers.

6. Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay Rays

The veteran is having a fantastic season. Entering the week, he ranks tied for second in saves. He is another veteran pitcher Tampa Bay has turned into an All-Star.

5. Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia Phillies

Mar 15, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Duran continues to succeed with the Phillies. He’s having another great season. He enters the week third in saves.

4. Jacob Latz, Texas Rangers

Latz has run away with the Rangers’ closer duties. He has been electric during his save opportunities. Entering the week, he leads MLB relief pitchers in WHIP.

3. Josh Hader, Houston Astros

Hader hasn’t skipped a beat since making his season debut on June 3^rd. He is perfect in his save opportunities. Josh Hader has brought stability to an Astros bullpen that has struggled this season.

2. Louis Varland, Toronto Blue Jays

Varland has thrived since taking over as the Toronto closer. Among MLB relief pitchers, the Blue Jays have one of the best ERAs and WHIPs. If Toronto were to dangle Varland at the trade deadline, a playoff contender would trade a plethora of prospects for an elite bullpen arm.

1. Mason Miller, San Diego Padres

Sep 26, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) celebrates during the eighth inning Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Miller continues to have an elite season. He enters the week ranked third in saves and is perfect in his opportunities to close out games. The only closer with an ERA and WHIP under 0.90, trading Miller at the deadline would see a king’s ransom returned to the Padres.

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