1. Craig Kimbel- This was an obvious choice for Kimbel has been the best closer for four years now. I think it's kind of embarrassing that the best player on the Braves now is their closer, nothing against Kimbel. The guy has had an under 2 ERA for the past three seasons. Not just that, since he has taken over as closer in 2011 he has finished with over 40 saves, and been an All-Star all four years. The guy is a machine, and truly is the most dominate closer.
2. Greg Holland- If there was one guy to compete with Kimbel as the best closer in baseball, it would be Holland. I truly thought he would take the reins as the best closer last year, and he didn't disappoint, because Kimbel is just that good. The last two seasons Holland has recorded 93 saves, and has had a lower ERA than any closer, even Kimbel. His stuff is electric and it shows with 193 strikeouts the past two seasons combined.
3. Fernado Rodney- People want to hate on this man, but you just can't. He has the best fastball change-up combination in baseball. It's funny to me how someone can be so successful with just two pitches, and none of those are a curveball or slider. When Rodney is on he has spot on accuracy with his fastball, which makes that change up so good, because his change-up never has a bad day. Rodney lead all of baseball last season with 48 saves. The offense in Seattle has made some improvements, so I would expect Rodney to get more save chances then last season.
4. Kenley Jassen- I project three years ago that this man would be the next Mariano Rivera, and I am not taking that back. This guy has the cut fastball, and location that is identical to the great Mariano. The last two seasons he has recorded a combined 212 strike outs, the second most only trailing Chapman. He is calm, and collective on the mound, which is different for closers now a days. Last season he finished with a 2.76 ERA, 44 saves , and 101 strikeouts. Those numbers will only get stronger in years to come.
5. Trevor Rosenthal- I know he has only been a closer for one season, but man was that a season. He finished with a 3.20 ERA, with 45 saves, 87 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched. There is one word to describe Trevor, and that is "gas". This guy can hit triple digits any day of the week, and has a change up similar to Rodney, but not nearly as good. This is a guy that loves to get guys on base to start the inning, and then pitch his way out of it to get the save. As a Cardinal fan I can't explain how stressful this is to watch. He only has two pitches, and to have a repeat year he needs to perfect those pitches like Rodney.
6. Aroldis Chapman- If it wasn't for a ball hit back at the mound Chapman could have easily been the top closer in baseball. His numbers last year would have been ridiculous if he didn't have to miss a month due to that injury. He finished last season with a 2.00 ERA, 36 saves, 106 strike outs in only 54 innings pitched. This guy practically averages 2 strikeouts per inning pitched. He is easily the most intimidating closer to face in baseball, because he can hit triple digits, and had control problems in the past, which is still in the back of hitters mind. Chapman has come a long way since his rookie year with his accuracy, and if that continues to improve he will be in the top three next season.
7. Jonathan Papelbon- I have truly loved to watch this guy pitch. It is because he is one of the few closers that doesn't throw hard, which is usually 93 mph and up. The only reason his numbers aren't better is because of the team he is playing on. If you put him on the Detroit Tigers last season he more than likely would have finished with 40 plus saves. Last season he finished with a 2.04 ERA, with 39 saves with 63 strikeout in 66.1 innings pitched. If he can get traded before the season he has a good chance at moving up in the ranks.
8. Steve Cishek- This guy has been quietly getting better every season. He finished last season with a 3.17 ERA, 39 saves, 84 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched. I think those are fairly good numbers for a team that had to go through injuries of their best two players.(Stanton, and Fernandez) I believe he has a extraordinary opportunity on this newly improved Marlins team. They got better depth in the starting rotation, which will keep the games closer, and they have all this new offense to produce runs. Cishek should get quite a few more opportunities than he did last year.
9. David Robertson- This is another guy that had one great year, which was worthy enough to make the top ten. He finished with a 3.08 ERA, with 39 saves, 96 strikeouts in 64.1 innings pitched. I would say that was a pretty good season knowing that you are Mariano's replacement. I think him getting signed by the White Sox will relieve a lot of pressure and allow him to pitch better. A problem is he is leaving a weaker conference, for a power house American League Central Division.
10. Francisco Rodriguez- K-Rod has returned! I am sorry, but you have to love the former number one closer returning to form. This guy still owns the record for the most saves in baseball with 68 set back in 2008. Last season he finished with a 3.17 ERA, 39 saves, 84 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched. This is not an easy task for the National League Central in the best division in baseball. I don't think Rodriguez will be on this list next season, but he earned it this year.
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