Most Saves in MLB History
A save happens recorded when a pitcher maintains a narrow lead. A pitcher doesn’t have to be the winning pitcher to earn a save. A pitcher can earn a save if he comes in when the tying run is on base, at bat or about to bat or if he throws the last three innings to finish the game. Mariano Rivera holds the record for the most saves in MLB history with 652 career saves, surpassing Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 Most Career Saves in MLB History
Here are the top 5 players with the most saves in MLB history showing how clutch pitching and consistency in closing games have defined baseball legacy.
| Rank | Player | Career Saves |
| 1 | Mariano Rivera | 652 |
| 2 | Trevor Hoffman | 601 |
| 3 | Lee Smith | 478 |
| 4 | Kenley Jansen | 476 |
| 5 | Craig Kimbrel | 440 |
Mariano Rivera (652 Career Saves)
Career: 1995-2013
Teams: New York Yankees
Mariano Rivera is considered the greatest closer in MLB history with an impressive total of 652 career saves. He played his whole career for the New York Yankees where he ruled the ninth inning with his signature cut fastball, a pitch that batters anticipated but still struggled to connect with. Rivera was the first and only pitcher to achieve 650 saves showcasing his incredible consistency and composure in high-pressure situations.
Trevor Hoffman (601 Career Saves)
Career: 1993-2010
Teams: Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers
Trevor Hoffman was the first pitcher to achieve 600 career saves, ranking just behind Mariano Rivera. The majority of his career was spent with the San Diego Padres where his lethal changeup kept batters on their toes. Hoffman recorded nine seasons with over 40 saves, tying him with Rivera for the highest total ever. For many years, his save count was the gold standard for closers until Rivera surpassed him.
Lee Smith (478 Career Saves)
Career: 1980-1997
Teams: Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos
Lee Smith was among the earliest outstanding closers, wrapping up his career with a total of 478 saves. Between 1980 and 1997, he played for teams such as the Cubs, Cardinals, and Red Sox showcasing a powerful fastball and a fearsome demeanor that overwhelmed batters. For over a decade, Lee Smith held the all-time saves record. His mark set the standard that Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera later chased down.
Kenley Jansen (476 Career Saves)
Career: 2010-present
Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers
Kenley Jansen has established himself as one of the top closers of his time, currently ranking fourth on MLB’s all-time saves list with 476. He began his career in the 2010s as a key relief pitcher for the Dodgers. He became known for his powerful cutter, a pitch hitters expected but still had trouble hitting. His reliability is unparalleled, achieving at least 25 saves for 13 consecutive seasons.
Craig Kimbrel (440 Career Saves)
Career: 2010-present
Teams: Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros
Craig Kimbrel is considered one of the best closers in MLB history, boasting 440 career saves. He became well-known for his distinctive crouch where he would hang his arm before throwing fastballs in the high 90s. This stance originated in 2010 when he was dealing with biceps pain and it has since become his signature move. His impressive number of saves puts him just behind the legendary figures in the closer position.
