"2019's Top MLB Closers: The Best of the Best"

The 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) season was filled with nail-biting finishes, and a significant part of that drama was due to the exceptional performances of the league's closers. These pitchers are the final line of defense for their teams, and their ability to shut down opposing offenses in the late innings can often be the difference between winning and losing. Here, we'll take a look at some of the best closers in MLB 2019, highlighting their key statistics and contributions to their respective teams.

Top Performers in Saves

When it comes to measuring a closer's success, saves are often the most telling statistic. A save is recorded when a pitcher enters the game in the ninth inning with a lead of no more than three runs, and proceeds to retire the side without relinquishing the lead. Here are the top five closers in MLB 2019 based on saves:

Josh Hader: The Save Leader

Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers led the league in saves with 37, a remarkable feat considering he missed some time due to injury. Hader's ability to strike out batters in bunches is a significant factor in his success. He averaged an impressive 13.7 strikeouts per nine innings, and his 1.62 ERA was one of the best among closers.

Other Notable Closers in 2019

While saves are a crucial statistic, they don't tell the whole story. Some closers may not have racked up a high number of saves but still made significant contributions to their teams. Here are a few notable closers from the 2019 season:

• Liam Hendriks, Oakland Athletics: Hendriks was a revelation in 2019, posting a 1.80 ERA and 25 saves. His ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact was a key factor in his success.
• Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati Reds: Iglesias had a strong season, posting a 2.16 ERA and 34 saves. His ability to miss bats (11.6 K/9) and limit walks (1.8 BB/9) made him one of the most reliable closers in the league.
• Will Smith, San Francisco Giants: Smith had a breakout season in 2019, posting a 2.20 ERA and 34 saves. His ability to throw strikes (11.2 K/9, 1.7 BB/9) and limit hard contact made him one of the most effective closers in the National League.

Each of these closers brought something unique to the table, and their performances played a significant role in their teams' success in 2019. Whether it was striking out batters, inducing weak contact, or simply limiting damage, these closers demonstrated the value of a reliable ninth inning pitcher.

The 2019 MLB season was a testament to the importance of strong bullpen management, with many games coming down to the final outs. The closers on this list rose to the occasion time and time again, cementing their status as some of the best in the game. As the league moves forward into the 2020s, these closers will continue to be a crucial factor in their teams' success.