Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 4

Mariano Rivera Tops Top-12 Closer Ranking as Aroldis Chapman Breaks Reliever Strikeout Record at 1,364

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 4

Mariano Rivera Tops Top-12 Closer Ranking as Aroldis Chapman Breaks Reliever Strikeout Record at 1,364

Q: With his strikeout record, should Chapman now rank above closers who have 600 career saves?

Not automatically. Chapman’s strikeout record strengthens his case as one of the greatest relievers ever, but it does not by itself put him above every closer with 600 saves. The strongest argument for Chapman is dominance. He now owns the reliever strikeout record with 1,364, reached in just 847 innings, and he leads pitchers with at least 600 innings in strikeout rate and batting average allowed. That level of efficiency is extraordinary, and it is why broader, multi-category evaluations now place him very high. In the 10-category ranking cited here, Chapman ranks third all time, ahead of Trevor Hoffman despite Hoffman’s 601 saves. But saves still matter heavily in judging closers because the job is to finish games. Chapman has 384 career saves, far below Mariano Rivera’s 652 and Hoffman’s 601. Rivera also separates himself with unmatched postseason value, making him the clear standard at the position. Hoffman’s longevity and consistency over 600 saves remain a major part of his case as well. So the fairest answer is that Chapman’s record should move him above some higher-save closers when the full résumé is considered, especially those with weaker rate stats or less overall dominance. It does not, however, erase the gap with Rivera, and it does not make save totals irrelevant. Chapman now belongs firmly in the top tier, with a credible argument over Hoffman in some modern evaluations, but not an automatic edge over every 600-save closer.

Q: Why is the record-setting Aroldis Chapman considered a 90% trade candidate before the deadline?

Aroldis Chapman is viewed as a 90% trade candidate because he is an elite, short-term bullpen asset on a Boston team that still looks more likely to sell than contend. His value is unusually high right now. Chapman has not only broken the career strikeout record for relievers, he has also remained dominant deep into his late 30s, with upper-90s velocity, a deeper pitch mix, strong save totals and one of the best ERAs among available relievers. That makes him one of the most attractive bullpen arms on the market, especially in a deadline environment where contenders routinely pay a premium for proven late-inning help. Boston’s situation is the other major factor. The Red Sox have underperformed and, unless they make a clear push back into the playoff race, Chapman is more useful to them as a trade chip than as a closer on a fringe club. Industry reporting has consistently framed him as one of their most valuable movable pieces. His contract also points toward a deal. Chapman is controlled only through 2026, with at most a vesting or mutual option for 2027, so rival teams can view him as a manageable acquisition without a long-term burden. For Boston, that creates urgency to convert a high-performing veteran into prospects or controllable talent rather than risk losing value later. In short, the combination of elite form, heavy contender demand, Boston’s uncertain standing, and Chapman's limited control is why he is considered so likely to be moved.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 4

Mariano Rivera finished first in a 12-closer ranking built from 10 categories, with 23 points and a wide edge over Kenley Jansen at 41 and Aroldis Chapman at 51.
Chapman’s rise in the debate was sharpened by his new reliever strikeout record: No. 1,364, surpassing Hoyt Wilhelm while needing fewer than 850 innings versus Wilhelm’s 1,872 1/3.
Rivera’s case rested on unmatched all-around dominance—652 saves, first or second in every category except strikeouts per nine, and more postseason WPA than the other 11 relievers combined.
Jansen ranked second after climbing to 483 saves earlier this season, while Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner and Joe Nathan rounded out the next three spots ahead of Craig Kimbrel.
The ranking focused on modern closer usage over roughly the past 40 years, excluding earlier Hall of Famers such as Wilhelm, Goose Gossage, Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter from direct comparison.