Buster Olney Reveals 2026 Top 10 MLB Relievers
The arrival of spring training marks a pivotal time for baseball fans as the 2026 MLB season approaches. Buster Olney, senior writer for ESPN, recently unveiled his list of the top 10 relievers for the upcoming season. The rankings are based on performances expected in 2026, rather than career longevity or future potential.
2026 Top 10 MLB Relievers Ranked
Here are the standout relief pitchers to watch this season:
- Mason Miller, San Diego Padres – Acquired from the Athletics, Miller quickly established himself as a dominant force. He had an average fastball velocity of 101.2 mph and struck out 45 of the 83 batters faced last season.
- Edwin Diaz, Los Angeles Dodgers – Diaz had an impressive season, marked by 98 strikeouts in 66⅓ innings, with an opposing OPS of just .502.
- Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia Phillies – Duran averaged a fastball of 100.6 mph and boasted a 65% groundball rate while yielding only one walk across 20 innings.
- Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox – Chapman showed remarkable improvement, allowing a career-low walk rate of 6.6% and maintaining an OPS+ of 351.
- Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians – Known for his stoic demeanor, Smith recorded 207 strikeouts in 149 career innings, proving valuable for the Guardians.
- Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners – Munoz maintained an impressive ERA+ of at least 135 for four consecutive years, with a remarkable OPS against of .493 last season.
- Abner Uribe, Milwaukee Brewers – With an ERA+ of 249, Uribe’s unique delivery challenged batters, particularly left-handers who struggled against him.
- Robert Suarez, Atlanta Braves – After years of strong performance, he secured a three-year, $45 million contract with the Braves.
- Devin Williams, New York Mets – Transitioning from the Yankees, Williams showcased resilience, allowing earned runs in only two of his last 19 appearances.
- Josh Hader, Houston Astros – Despite recent injury concerns, Hader’s historical dominance continues to position him as a Hall of Fame candidate.
Honorable Mentions
- Garrett Whitlock, Red Sox
- Adrian Morejon, Padres
- David Bednar, New York Yankees
- Bryan Abreu, Astros
- Tyler Rogers, Toronto Blue Jays
- Ronny Henriquez, Miami Marlins
- Brad Keller, Phillies
- Gabe Speier, Mariners
Over the next few weeks, fans can anticipate further positional rankings as Olney continues to evaluate the upcoming season. The schedule for the upcoming positional rankings includes starting pitchers, catchers, first basemen, and designated hitters, culminating on February 27.
