Buster Olney Ranks MLB's Top 10 Relievers -- And There's No Doubt About Who's No. 1

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Buster Olney Ranks MLB's Top 10 Relievers -- And There's No Doubt About Who's No. 1

With spring training camps buzzing, it's officially baseball season preview time. As part of our comprehensive 2026 MLB season preview, ESPN's Buster Olney canvassed industry insiders to compile his highly anticipated annual positional rankings, focusing this year on the top 10 relief pitchers. The objective is clear: identify the most impactful players for the upcoming 2026 season, not those whose careers might peak in five years or who have had sustained success over a long career. This detailed positional breakdown will unfold daily over the next two weeks, following a schedule that began with starting pitchers on Monday and continues through catchers (Wednesday), first basemen (Thursday), second basemen (Friday), third basemen (Feb. 23), shortstops (Feb. 24), corner outfielders (Feb. 25), center fielders (Feb. 26), and designated hitters (Feb. 27).

A significant trade that reshaped bullpens, the acquisition of Mason Miller by the San Diego Padres from the Oakland Athletics, serves as a compelling case study in the value of elite relief pitching. The Padres had previously inquired about Miller's availability during the 2024 season and again last June. Padres General Manager A.J. Preller recalled in a recent conversation that initial discussions lacked traction. However, approximately a week before the trade deadline, as Athletics GM David Forst engaged with multiple teams regarding Miller, Preller signaled a willingness to include highly-touted 19-year-old shortstop prospect Leo De Vries. Typically, teams are hesitant to part with top-tier position players for relievers, but Preller felt Miller was an exception. "When you're talking about someone like Mason Miller," he stated, "no one should be off the table." Forst, initially focused on acquiring pitching talent in return for Miller, found the prospect of acquiring De Vries transformative. "Leo was a difference-maker," Forst recounted. With these key pieces in place, the deal was finalized. Miller's impact on the Padres was immediate and profound. In the final two months of the season, he struck out an astounding 45 of the 83 batters he faced, holding opponents to a mere .096 batting average after joining the team. His postseason performance was equally dominant, fanning eight of nine batters faced in a playoff series against the Cubs. His average fastball velocity clocked in at a blistering 101.2 mph, the highest among all relievers last season. While the debate for the best starting pitcher in baseball continues, the consensus for the top reliever is clear and undisputed.

Preller's familiarity with Miller dates back to his college days, prior to the A's drafting him in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Beyond Miller's exceptional physical gifts, Preller was struck by his presence and leadership qualities, traits not commonly found in relief pitchers. He acknowledged this observation, drawing parallels to the Padres' history with such personalities, including Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman and more recently, Craig Stammen, whom Preller appointed as his manager. Preller noted that the team began to see these leadership indicators from Miller late last season. The Los Angeles Dodgers, navigating injuries and inconsistency that forced manager Dave Roberts to utilize a revolving door of relievers for saves (recording 46 saves collectively from twelve different pitchers), responded by aggressively pursuing the top available reliever this offseason. Last year marked the second-best season of Aroldis Chapman's career. He allowed just 37 hits and recorded 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .502 OPS. The reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers? A potential trade for Tarik Skubal? Here's how the year ahead could unfold. Bold MLB predictions for 2026 »

Garrett Whitlock of the Boston Red Sox, despite expressing personal frustration over his playoff performance, was instrumental in the team's deep postseason run. Adrian Morejon of the San Diego Padres, who allowed only 49 hits and two home runs in 73.2 innings, is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season. David Bednar, acquired by the New York Yankees, may not possess the flashiest arsenal but appears to have the ideal temperament for the high-pressure New York market. Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros could be a crucial piece for the Astros, potentially stepping into the closer role.

The conversation surrounding the game's elite relievers also includes other notable arms. Jhoan Duran's electrifying entrances and overpowering stuff (averaging 100.6 mph fastball, second fastest in the majors) belie the difficulty hitters have in making solid contact. He struck out 80 batters in 70 innings and issued only one walk in 20 innings with the Phillies, while boasting an exceptional 65% groundball rate, the highest among relievers. His primary vulnerability is the running game, having allowed 13 stolen bases in 14 innings last year. For the first time in his career, Aroldis Chapman demonstrated consistent command of his fastball on the inner half of the plate, recapturing the dominance of his earlier years. At 37, Chapman posted a career-low walk rate (6.6%) and an astounding OPS+ of 351. The Red Sox secured him with a $13.3 million extension late last season, a deal that could prove to be a significant bargain. Following Emmanuel Clase's leave of absence last year, the Cleveland Guardians found a reliable "Plan B" in Will Smith, who embodies a stoic demeanor reminiscent of Mariano Rivera. Whether succeeding or failing, Smith maintains an unwavering composure, making him a formidable presence. His career strikeout total stands at 207 through 149 innings. Camilo Muñoz has delivered four consecutive seasons with an ERA+ of at least 135, with last season being his best. He recorded 83 strikeouts in 62.1 innings and held opponents to a .493 OPS. While his saves can be nerve-wracking due to his walk rate (11%), he surrendered only two home runs in 64 regular-season appearances. Robert Suarez, who debuted in MLB after his 31st birthday, established himself as a consistent reliever over his first four full seasons. This reliability prompted the Atlanta Braves to invest a three-year, $45 million deal in him. Devin Williams joins the Mets, reuniting with David Stearns, who oversaw his legendary changeup in Milwaukee. Despite a season of inconsistency with the Yankees that saw him moved in and out of the closer role by manager Aaron Boone, Williams allowed earned runs in only two of his final 19 regular-season appearances. Edwin Díaz's standing on this list is impacted by recent news of biceps inflammation hindering his throwing program, making his return to the Houston bullpen uncertain. His last appearance in 2025 was on August 8th. Díaz, 31, is building a strong Hall of Fame case with his dominance, including two seasons with an Adjusted OPS over 300 and only 282 hits allowed in 512.1 innings over his nine-year career. Kenley Jansen, another veteran closer, remains a formidable force, though his role and effectiveness can fluctuate. His ability to shut down opposing offenses in critical situations makes him a valuable asset. Luis Garcia, though perhaps less heralded than some others, provides a steady presence in the bullpen, capable of eating innings and limiting damage. His consistent performance often goes unnoticed but is crucial for team success. Brooks Raley, with his deceptive delivery and effective breaking pitches, presents a unique challenge for hitters. His ability to induce weak contact and generate strikeouts makes him a reliable late-inning option. The numbers that could make -- or break -- your favorite squad in the new year.