The best closers in MLB history: 23. Jeff Montgomery
- 304 total saves
- 549 games finished
- 20.2 strikeout percentage
- 80.4 save percentage
Jeff Montgomery is the second Kansas City Royals’ alum on this list after Dan Quisenberry. Montgomery spent 12 of his 13-year career in Kansas City and is considered the greatest closing pitcher in franchise history. He’s another staple of consistency, owning seven consecutive seasons with at least 20 recorded saves.
The three-time All-Star made his major league debut with the Reds in 1987. He attempted one start but quickly found a home at the back of the bullpen. He was traded to Kansas City in 1988, where he spent the rest of his professional career. This Kansas City great hits all of the necessary requirements to earn a spot on this list.
In 1999, Montgomery became just the 10th player in league history to notch 300 career saves, a feat he accomplished at the very tail end of his career. He was also the first to achieve this feat with just one club. Thirty names now belong in the 300-save club, but this doesn’t hurt his all-time talents. Montgomery tallied 304 saves while converting better than 80 percent of them. He also leads the Royals franchise in total games (686), saves, and games finished (543).
From 1989 to 1993, Montgomery earned two of his All-Star appearances and averaged a 2.22 ERA, 32 saves, and 56 games finished across those seasons. He may be best known for utilizing a complete four-pitch arsenal as a relief man and closer, something that is still found unconventional to this day.