The best closers in MLB history: 11. John Franco
- 424 total saves
- 2.89 ERA
- 774 games finished
- 80.8 save percentage
Next up on our list is one of the faces of the New York Mets in John Franco. Franco currently ranks as the Mets’ all-time saves leader (276) and games leader (695). For this left-hander, it’s all about his longevity and ability to out-last the competition.
Franco spent 21 years in the MLB, including a hiatus season due to injury in 2002, and remained a dominant closer throughout. In total, Franco earned 424 career saves, a number that ranks fifth on the all-time list. He also sits fourth on the all-time games finished list with 774. Franco remains one of the best left-handed members of this list, ranking first in total saves amongst lefties throughout MLB history.
From 1986-1998, Franco led the NL in saves three different times while recording 11 different seasons with at least 25. During that stretch, he pitched to a 2.69 ERA and allowed only 0.5 home runs per nine innings. Franco earned All-Star honors four times in his 21-year career and converted 80.8 percent of his save opportunities. It’s worth mentioning because this is only a storyline deserving of sports, but Franco grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was an avid Mets fan throughout his childhood. He’ll be etched in Mets history after spending 14 seasons in Queens.