These are the best relievers in baseball right now

These are the best relievers in baseball right now

2:02 AM UTC

MLB Network is continuing its annual tradition of ranking the “Top 10 Players Right Now” at each position.

Using rankings based on past performance, various offensive and defensive metrics (including both advanced statistics and traditional numbers) and analysis by the MLB Network research team, “The Shredder” produced its list of the 10 best players at each position right now.

The 10-show rollout began on Tuesday with the top center fielders being announced and will conclude with the top left fielders on Jan. 29.

Top 10 relief pitchers

Devin Williams changed teams this offseason, but his spot in the top 10 here didn’t budge. Ranking No. 1 for the second straight year, Williams enters his first season in Yankees pinstripes after being traded by the Brewers in December. The 2024 National League and American League saves leaders, Ryan Helsley and Emmanuel Clase, are high on the list -- but Clase’s Cleveland teammate, Cade Smith, ranks above both. Flamethrowing Athletics closer Mason Miller makes his first appearance.

RELIEF PITCHERS

  1. Devin Williams, NYY (Last year: 1)
  2. Cade Smith, CLE (NR)
  3. Ryan Helsley, STL (2)
  4. Emmanuel Clase, CLE (NR)
  5. Mason Miller, ATH (NR)
  6. Edwin Uceta, TB (NR)
  7. Tanner Scott, FA (NR)
  8. Kirby Yates, FA (NR)
  9. Jeff Hoffman, FA (NR)
  10. Raisel Iglesias, ATL (NR)

Top 10 center fielders

The top of this list looks different than it did a year ago due to Aaron Judge’s impending move back to right field, which puts Seattle standout Julio Rodríguez into the No. 1 spot. Right behind him is Jackson Merrill, who is coming off an impressive rookie season for the Padres. Byron Buxton, Michael Harris II, Mike Trout, Brandon Marsh and Luis Robert Jr. all return from last year’s list, but there are several other new names -- including Oneil Cruz, who switched from shortstop to center late in the 2024 season, and defensive whiz Daulton Varsho.

CENTER FIELDERS

  1. Julio Rodríguez, SEA (Last year’s rank: No. 2)
  2. Jackson Merrill, SD (NR)
  3. Byron Buxton, MIN (7)
  4. Michael Harris II, ATL (5)
  5. Mike Trout, LAA (4)
  6. Brandon Marsh, PHI (10)
  7. Daulton Varsho, TOR (NR)
  8. Garrett Mitchell, MIL (NR)
  9. Oneil Cruz, PIT (NR)
  10. Luis Robert Jr., CWS (3)