The best closers in MLB history: 29. Eric Gagne
- 187 total saves
- 2.62 ERA (as reliever)
- 11.7 SO/9 (as reliever)
While the next name on our list was unable to find any long-term success in the MLB, it’s hard to ignore the greatest streak by a closer in MLB history. From 2002-04, Eric Gagne successfully converted 84 consecutive saves, which remains an all-time league record.
He may not be the greatest closer of all time, but this is certainly the most impressive run. Gagne’s run was so brilliant that he became just the ninth relief pitcher in league history to win a Cy Young. He won that award in 2003, a year that the three-time All-Star converted all of his 55 save opportunities, finishing 67 games to the tune of a 1.20 ERA. He averaged 15 strikeouts per nine innings that year, a number that was almost unheard of during the early 2000s.
Injuries derailed Gagne’s success following the 2004 campaign, but the sheer brilliance of his three-year run is worthy of a spot on this list. In total, Gagne earned 187 saves at a 91.7 percent conversion rate. This rate ranks highest among relievers with at least 50 career saves.
He owns a 0.96 ERA when successfully converting saves and a 2.31 ERA in all save situations. As a reliever, opposing hitters hit just .194 against Gagne only mustering 115 runs in nearly 400 innings pitched.