The best closers in MLB history: 26. Armando Benitez
- 289 total saves
- 3.13 ERA
- 29.1 strikeout percentage
There’s a certain dynamic that closers must live with. Part of this dynamic includes expectations. Baseball fans throughout the world look at closers and expect perfection. These arguments stem from the fact that closers have that single-focused, very specific role. But, baseball is the sport that requires the least amount of perfection, at least from a stats perspective.
Many of the closers on this list also appear on the MLB’s all-time blown saves leaderboard. Opportunity is a big factor here because players have to earn a closer job before even thinking about blowing a save. And, some names on this list are playfully called “heart attack closers.” The ones that raise your stress level, blood pressure, and consistently flirted with blown saves. Armando Benitez is a prime example of this.
Please understand that this does not discredit the accolades of Benitez. He’s one of the greatest relief pitchers in New York Mets history, and he belongs on this list of greats. Benitez owns seven seasons with at least 20 recorded saves. He was brilliant during his five-year run in New York, pitching to a 2.70 ERA with 160 total saves and 266 games finished. His stop in New York included the 2000 Subway Series appearance and back-to-back campaigns with 40-plus saves. He led all of baseball with 47 for the Florida Marlins in 2004. In total, Benitez saved 289 games, finished 527 games, and pitched to a 3.13 ERA.
He was a premier strikeout thrower, averaging 10.9 K’s per nine and striking out almost 30 percent of batters he faced. His walks always made his saves rather interesting, however, as he walked close to 12.5 percent of the total hitters he’s faced.