2024 MLB Power Rankings: Who are the best closers?

Even though MLB teams have modified how they use their best relievers, there’s no question that there are just a few high-end arms that excel once the ninth inning comes. But, which MLB closers could be considered the best heading into 2024? Here’s a look at our top five.

5. Josh Hader

Former Padres closer Josh Hader’s been one of the game’s best closers for quite some time. The left-hander, who boats a very deceptive delivery and wicked slider, has the second-most strikeouts (268) and third-most saves (103) among relievers since 2021. Yes, Hader did struggle at times in 2022. But he rebounded last season in San Diego when he posted a 1.28 ERA/1.10 WHIP with 85 strikeouts over 56.1 IP.

The only question about Hader entering 2024 is where he’ll pitch. As of January 10, the left-hander has yet to find a home in what’s been a slow offseason. However, one has to wonder whether Hader’s struggles in 2022 and limitations — the lefty hasn’t gotten four or more outs in a regular season game since August 14, 2020 — affect his market.

4. Emmanuel Clase

Over the past three seasons, no reliever has had more saves than Emmanuel Clase (110). The Guardians righty owns a devastating high-90s cutter to go along with a slider. Clase works that cutter in the zone, hence why he doesn’t record as many strikeouts as one would think. However, his premium velocity gets him weak contact.

Like Hader, there are questions as to where Clase will pitch in 2024. The Guardians closer has been the subject of trade rumors this winter as Cleveland is reportedly open to moving him.

3. Edwin Diaz

There were no trumpets to be played at Citi Field in 2023, as Edwin Diaz missed all of last season thanks to a torn patellar tendon sustained at the World Baseball Classic. It was a staggering blow for the Mets, who were mostly fine in the ninth inning thanks to David Robertson and Adam Ottavino. But, the loss of Diaz did strip the Mets of much-needed depth last year.

The 2022 NL Reliever of the Year will look to dice up hitters yet again in 2024. When he’s on, very few can hit Diaz’s triple-digit fastball and hard slider.

2. Devin Williams

No reliever in the game over the last three seasons has more strikeouts (270) and a lower H/9 (4.8) than Devin Williams. Williams flourished in his first full season as Brewers closer in 2023, as he notched 36 saves and owned a fantastic 1.53 ERA over 58.2 IP for Milwaukee. His strong season earned him the 2023 NL Reliever of the Year Award.

The key to Devin Williams’ arsenal is his “airbender” changeup, a pitch with incredible movement and in some ways resembles a screwball. Regardless of what one calls it, it’s been nearly unhittable since he entered the Majors.

1. Felix Bautista

Since the Orioles traded ex-closer Jorge Lopez in the summer of 2022, flamethrower Felix Bautista has emerged as a dominant force in Major League Baseball. The 2023 AL Reliever of the Year put up incredible numbers in his first full season as Orioles closer, as he struck out 110 batters over 61 innings and notched 33 saves. Bautista did have a below-average 11.0% BB% rate but that was the only blemish on his stat record.

We should note, however, that O’s fans won’t be hearing the whistle from The Wire at Camden Yards in 2024. Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery late last year and is set to miss all of this upcoming season.