MLB History: 30 best closers of all time

The best closers in MLB history: 2. Trevor Hoffman

• 601 total saves 
• 856 games finished 
• 88.8 save percentage 
• 2.87 ERA 

The second greatest closer of all-time was a little different from the others, at least in terms of his pitch selection. Many of the names on this list rely or relied on an overpowering fastball to finish the final three outs of their saves. But for Trevor Hoffman, he did things a little bit differently.

Instead, it was all about his devastating changeup. Don’t be mistaken, Hoffman did plenty of damage with his fastball. But, the putaway pitch, the strikeout pitch, it was all about changing speeds. And, after 18 years of this tricky combo, Hoffman walked away from the game as one of the best to ever do it.

The 2018 Hall of Fame inductee racked up 601 saves throughout his career. He’s the only other player in baseball history to eclipse the 600-save mark. Hint, the other member on that list is up next. He also ranks second all-time in games finished with 856.

Hoffman earned his 600th save in his final season in the big leagues. It was absolutely deserving, but perhaps a bit of a ceremonious run. We say that because his 16-year run prior to this ceremonious season, from 1994-2009, was unstoppable. During that span, Hoffman averaged 44 saves each season while pitching to a 2.62 ERA and 2.89 FIP. He recorded at least 40 saves in nine years during that run and almost 800 of his games finished.

The seven-time All-Star converted better than 88 percent of his save opportunities and struck out 25.8 percent of batters he faced.