MLB History: 30 best closers of all time
The best closers in MLB history: 16. John Wetteland
- 330 total saves
- 2.62 ERA (as reliever)
- 84.0 save percentage
- 523 games finished
John Wetteland holds a special place in the hearts of Yankees fans everywhere. His stay in the Bronx only lasted two seasons, but they were undoubtedly memorable. Wetteland saved 74 games across his two years in New York, but it was his 1996 World Series performance that’s etched in Yankee history.
He took home the 1996 World Series Most Valuable Player Award after converting a perfect 7-for-7 save opportunities throughout that postseason. This performance helped propel the Yankees to win five different games by two runs or less. Four of those saves came during the Fall Classic while Wetteland pitched to a 2.08 ERA.
Despite his brilliant run in New York, the Yankees had another closer in mind. Hint – it’s a player found later on this list. Regardless, Wetteland was dominant throughout the 1990s. He saved 330 games and finished 523 throughout his 12-year career. The three-time All-Star owns a 2.62 ERA as a reliever, struck out more than 25 percent of batters he faced and all while converting 84 percent of his save opportunities.
Wetteland also led the major leagues in saves in 1996, the same year he won the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award. He spent the bulk of his career as a Houston Astro and now resides in their Hall of Fame.