Best relief pitchers of all time: The best relievers in MLB history

24. Jeff Reardon, RHP

Career Stats: 880 G, 367 SV, 1,132 1/3 IP, 3.16 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 7.58 BB%, 18.58 K%
Certainly used to the cold weather, the Montreal Expos drafted Reardon in the 23rd round in 1973 out of high school in Massachusetts. He chose to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and he went undrafted, eventually signing with the New York Mets as an undrafted free agent in 1977 and pushing through the system quickly, reaching the majors in 1979, using his blazing upper 90s fastball and intimidating presence on the mound to establish himself as a very effective reliever.

The Expos acquired Reardon in the midst of the 1981 season, and they installed him as the closer by the end of the season. In 1982, he saved 26 games, and he continued doing well, before bumping up his save numbers in 1985 to a league-leading 41 in 1985, making his first All-Star team. He made another All-Star game in the following season, but he struggled in the second half, resulting in a 3.94 ERA.

The Minnesota Twins acquired Reardon to be their closer in the offseason before 1987, and he’d end up the key point of a bullpen that found itself in the World Series that season. Reardon struggled in the ALCS, something that he’d done in 1981 with the Expos as well, but he sparkled in the World Series, pitching 4 scoreless appearances as the Twins won the title.

Reardon had another All-Star year in 1988 for the Twins, with a career-high 42 saves, but in 1989, he posted a 4.09 ERA. After the 1989 season, Reardon hit the free agent market and signed with his hometown Red Sox, having another All-Star year in 1991. However, the powerful fastball that had been Reardon’s signature for years had begun to slow a tick, and he was never able to develop a secondary pitch that was consistent for him, so when his fastball dipped, he was done.

Reardon chose to spend time with his family rather than going into coaching after his career was over, but he has had some rough personal times as he’s struggled to recover after his son committed suicide in 2004, falling into a deep depression. He was able to make an appearance at the Twins’ 30th anniversary celebration of their 1987 team, and he has committed to therapy and seeking the help to get back on track.

Reardon was only on the ballot for one season, but he fell off the Hall of Fame ballot with just under the minimum 5% to remain on the ballot.

Next: 23. Tigers relief ace