{"id":632339,"date":"2026-03-19T20:45:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T20:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/632339\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T20:45:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T20:45:20","slug":"ranking-the-top-relief-pitchers-in-mlb-entering-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/632339\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking the top relief pitchers in MLB entering 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 MLB regular season begins on March 25th. Last season had many storylines, with tenured and rookie players having electric seasons. Baseball is the greatest sport in the world, and the upcoming season won\u2019t disappoint. With a week before the 2026 MLB begin here are the top five relief pitcher rankings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

MORE: Top 5 catchers in MLB heading into the season<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

\"\"Mar 15, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Duran has an elite arm and fastball out of the bullpen. Injuries plagued him during his first three seasons, but 2025 saw the reliever stay healthy and appear in 72 games. He finished the season with career-highs in innings pitched, saves, and WAR.<\/p>\n

4. Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s 2024 rookie season saw him become one of the game\u2019s top setup men. He started last season in the setup role before becoming the team\u2019s closer in late July. 2026 will be Smith\u2019s first season as Cleveland\u2019s closer, and he will be among the league\u2019s top relievers in strikeouts and saves.<\/p>\n

3. Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners<\/p>\n

\"\"Oct 17, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Andres Munoz (75) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning during game five of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Munoz finished last season as the undisputed closing option for the Mariners. He tied his career best mark with 64 appearances, while setting career highs in ERA, WHIP, saves (38), and WAR. He is in store for another high-usage season in 2026.<\/p>\n

2. Edwin Diaz, Los Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n

Diaz has proven himself to be one of MLB\u2019s premier relief pitchers. He\u2019s had his fair share of rough seasons, but when he\u2019s on, he\u2019s elite. He joins the Dodgers in 2026 and will have every opportunity to lead the league in saves.<\/p>\n

1. Mason Miller, San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

Mason Miller possesses the most elite arm of any MLB relief pitcher. His triple-digit fastball is second to none, and this makes his secondary pitches very effective. 2026 will be his first full season in San Diego after being acquired during last season\u2019s trade deadline. The Padres are due to regress, and if the team finds themselves in many close games, Miller will have the opportunity to reach career best marks in appearances, saves, and strikeouts.<\/p>\n

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