The best closers in MLB history: 15. Jeff Reardon
- 367 total saves
- 695 games finished
- 3.16 ERA
From 1982-1992, Jeff Reardon was one of the most reliable and dominant closers throughout baseball. Reardon spent most of that decade with three teams – the Expos, Red Sox, and Twins – and saved a ton of ballgames every place he stopped. During that 10-year run, Reardon saved 341 games and finished 577 of them all while pitching to a 3.21 ERA.
The 16-year MLB veteran ranks 10th on the all-time saves leaderboard, earning more than 367. His career 695 games finished also ranks seventh all-time. Reardon actually held the title of the all-time saves leader for one season, back in 1992 at the tail end of his incredible career. Another closer earning the nickname of “The Terminator,” Reardon saved 30 games that season, split between the Red Sox and Braves, which passed Rollie Fingers’ previous record of 341.
Going back to his incredible 10-year run, Reardon saved at least 20 games in each of those 10 seasons. He saved at least 30 games seven different times during those years as well and recorded at least 50 games finished in all but two.
Reardon ended his career with a 3.16 ERA, 1.199 WHIP, four All-Star appearances, and a 1987 World Series Championship.