Ranking the top 10 relief pitchers in MLB after the trade deadline

[ASFN Admin]

The start of this week in MLB had a lot at stake. GMs and front offices have been busy working on deals they hope will pave the way to a deep postseason run. Monday was the trade deadline, and several teams saw player movement. For most teams, acquisitions were made to chase a playoff berth, while others brought in prospects for the future.

Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 relief pitchers after the MLB trade deadline.

MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & analysis

10. Tanner Scott, Los Angeles Dodgers​

Scott has been fantastic as the Dodgers’ closer. He doesn’t get many save opportunities but continues to lock down games when given the chance. Entering the week, he has one of the lowest WHIPs among MLB closers.

9. Luke Weaver, Pittsburgh Pirates​

Weaver has been MLB’s best setup man this season. Entering the week, he leads predominant setup men in ERA and WHIP. He can end the season as one of the game’s top relief pitchers in 2026. The Pirates get an instant bullpen upgrade after acquiring Weaver from the Mets at the trade deadline.

8. Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay Rays​

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Jun 24, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Bryan Baker (47) throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Baker has been elite this season. Entering the week, he leads MLB in saves. He can finish the season with the most saves as Tampa Bay hunts for a postseason berth.

7. Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox​

The veteran continues to close out games. Even in the twilight of his career, his stuff is as good as any relief pitcher. Boston is in the playoff hunt and will continue relying on its veteran closer.

6. Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians​

Smith enters the week with the second-most saves in MLB. He is second among MLB closers in strikeouts. He’s one of the most electric closers in the game.

MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds after MLB trade deadline

5. Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia Phillies​

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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

Duran continues to close out games for Philadelphia. Since joining the Phillies, he’s been one of the game’s best ninth-inning men. Entering the week, he is tied for sixth in holds.

4. Jacob Latz, Texas Rangers​

Latz has run away with the Rangers’ closer role. Entering the week, he is one of five closers with an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00. He ranks seventh in saves.

3. Josh Hader, Houston Astros​

Hader hasn’t skipped a beat since making his debut over a month ago. Entering the week, he is perfect in save opportunities. He has climbed up the relief pitcher rankings on a weekly basis.

2. Louis Varland, Toronto Blue Jays​

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May 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Louis Varland (77) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Varland has been one of the game’s best closers this season. He hasn’t blown a save entering the week. He is tied for sixth in saves.

1. Mason Miller, San Diego Padres​

Miller has been MLB’s top relief pitcher this season. Entering the week, he ranks third in saves and is the only closer with an ERA and WHIP below 0.90. He is the favorite to win MLB’s top relief pitcher award.

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