All-Star Break Closer Rankings 2026

The All‑Star break has arrived and the closer rankings are already taking shape. Mason Miller (Padres) remains at the top with 25 saves, a 0.91 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP in 39 ⅔ innings. Meanwhile, Bryan Baker, Louis Varland and Jacob Latz are highlighted as some of the first‑half breakout closers. This snapshot covers every tier of the saves landscape and what it could mean for the second half.

Tier 1: Established Stars

Mason Miller leads the league with 25 saves and a 0.91 ERA. The 27‑year‑old right‑hander has also posted a 0.78 WHIP and 72 strikeouts over 39 ⅔ innings. Padres general manager A.J. Preller has made it clear the team has no intention of trading Miller at the deadline. His three years of team control make him a rare blend of elite performance and contract security.

Jhoan Duran follows closely with 24 saves and a 1.38 ERA. The Phillies’ reliever has logged a 0.92 WHIP and 50 strikeouts across 32 ⅔ frames. Duran’s first full season in Philadelphia has shown steady improvement and a dependable late‑inning presence.

Cade Smith leads MLB with 28 saves, a total that mirrors his 2025 season. The 27‑year‑old right‑hander has been a cornerstone for the Guardians as the club’s primary choke‑point pitcher. Smith’s consistency has solidified his status among the league’s premier closers.

Louis Varland has become a buzz-worthy name in Toronto after recording 19 saves. His 1.10 ERA and 0.98 WHIP accompany 67 strikeouts over 49 innings. Varland’s ability to dominate right‑handers has helped the Blue Jays stay competitive in tight games.

Josh Hader posted 10 saves for Houston, despite a difficult outing against the Rangers. The 32‑year‑old left‑hander boasts a 1.17 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP in just 15 ⅓ innings. Hader’s low walk rate and solid strikeout numbers suggest he could rebound quickly once his role stabilizes.

Bryan Baker concluded the first half with 25 saves and a 1.73 ERA for the Rays. The 31‑year‑old right‑hander has been reliable in the ninth inning, posting a 1.64 WHIP and 78 strikeouts over 36 ⅓ frames. Baker remains a key piece of Tampa Bay’s bullpen core.

Tier 2: Rising Contenders

David Bednar has been sensational, converting 18 saves with a 2.70 ERA. The Yankees reliever has gone 16 straight appearances without allowing an earned run, a streak that began on May 22. His 1.10 WHIP and 40 innings of work show he can sustain this level.

Aroldis Chapman added a win and a save for Boston, reaching 19 saves overall. The Red Sox closer’s 2.20 ERA and 1.22 WHIP come with 36 strikeouts over 28 ⅔ innings. Chapman’s resurgence may keep him off the trade market despite earlier speculation.

Raisel Iglesias recorded his 19th save against the Cardinals, though Atlanta still awaits setup man Robert Suarez. Iglesias’s 1.70 ERA and 15 holds have kept the Braves in games, but they are waiting for Suarez’s return from right‑elbow inflammation. Dylan Lee has filled in with 19 holds and a 1.47 ERA.

Andrés Muñoz made a scoreless appearance before the break, striking out two and extending a 10‑game run without a run allowed. The Mariners remain active in the reliever market, though Muñoz’s durability is a plus as they circle the deadline.

Jacob Latz has been spectacular in Texas, notching 18 saves with a 1.61 ERA. His 0.67 WHIP and 46 strikeouts over 44 ⅔ innings make him a top‑tier closer for the Rangers. Latz also earned his second win of the season in a shutout against Houston.

Trevor Megill posted a 3.00 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 46 strikeouts across 36 innings, converting 14 saves for Milwaukee. After stepping back from the closer role, Megill reclaimed the job in May and kept it through June. The Brewers view him as a reliable late‑inning option.

Tanner Scott has filled in for Edwin Díaz in Los Angeles, converting 13 saves with a 2.56 ERA. His 0.96 WHIP and 38 ⅔ innings of work have kept the Dodgers competitive. Scott’s tenure as the primary closer may end soon as Díaz nears a return from rehab.

Riley O’Brien recorded two saves before the break, raising his total to 24. The 31‑year‑old right‑hander carries a 3.43 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 39 strikeouts over 39 ⅓ innings. O’Brien represented the Cardinals in his first All‑Star game, underscoring his rise to elite status.

Tier 3: Solid Options

Paul Sewald added two clean outings to reach 22 saves for Arizona. The 36‑year‑old right‑hander has been prone to home runs but remains dependable for the Diamondbacks. Sewald’s experience provides Arizona with a stable ninth‑inning presence.

Emilio Pagán returned from a hamstring strain and has logged seven saves with a 6.06 ERA over 16 ⅓ innings for Cincinnati. The 35‑year‑old right‑hander is expected to shoulder more responsibilities once his velocity returns.

Kenley Jansen posted 11 saves with a 4.56 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 25 strikeouts over 23 ⅔ frames for Detroit. The veteran closer continues to add depth to the Tigers’ bullpen as they chase a playoff spot.

Grant Taylor recorded his fourth save in July for Chicago, signaling a potential breakout for the White Sox. If his July pace continues, Taylor could quickly climb the national closer rankings. His growing confidence may give the Sox a reliable arm for the stretch run.

Yoendrys Gómez continued to produce for Minnesota with 11 saves, a 3.50 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 38 strikeouts over 43 ⅔ innings. The Twins rely on his ability to limit damage in high‑leverage situations despite occasional volatility.

Devin Williams entered the break with a 4.83 ERA over 31 ⅔ innings, prompting speculation the Mets could rotate him out of the closer role. Interim manager Andy Green says Williams will stay as the primary closer, but Luke Weaver’s 1.85 ERA over 39 innings makes him a realistic speculative pickup.

Tier 4: Committee and Situational Closers

Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery each secured a save during a doubleheader against Milwaukee, giving Pittsburgh two reliable late‑inning options. The Pirates are still sorting out who will claim the primary closer role as the season progresses.

Kaleb Kilian struggled on Friday, surrendering three runs without recording an out against Colorado. JT Brubaker answered with a save the next day, while Erik Miller is being considered for left‑handed matchups in San Francisco. The Giants are using a multi‑approach to find consistency.

Clayton Beeter leads the Nationals with seven saves and a 3.62 ERA over 27 ⅓ innings. His blown save against the Yankees highlighted a struggling Washington bullpen that continues to hamper the club’s playoff hopes. Beeter remains the favorite for saves despite the inconsistency.

Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge each delivered two saves for Baltimore, showcasing the Orioles’ committee strategy. Six relievers have recorded saves for the O’s, indicating manager Brandon Hyde is rotating responsibilities to manage fatigue and performance.

Pete Fairbanks gave up a solo home run in a non‑save appearance, ending his first half with a 6.83 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 38 strikeouts over 29 innings. The Marlins continue to cycle through arms as they search for a reliable closer.

Jacob Webb and Trent Thornton each recorded a save before the break, providing depth for the Cubs. Chicago’s bullpen is clearly using a two‑person approach to close out games as the season winds down.

Tier 5: Mixed Bag

Alex Lange remains the Royals’ designated closer despite a concerning stretch. He has given up ten runs over his last four outings, yet Kansas City still trusts him with the ninth inning. Lange’s ability to bounce back may be crucial for the Royals in the second half.

Jordan Romano (Rockies), Sam Bachman/Kirby Yates (Angels) and Elvis Alvarado/Hogan Harris (Athletics) have limited early‑half impact and are not shaping up as clear closer candidates at this point.

The first half has highlighted a shift toward using younger right‑handers and multi‑pitcher committees. Established arms like Miller and Baker remain elite, while breakout stories such as Varland and Latz suggest the closer role is becoming more fluid. As rosters finalize, look for teams to prioritize durability, strikeout potential, and mixed‑handed bullpen combinations heading into the stretch run.