Baseball Reference Blog
Top 14 Most Saves in a Single Season
Posted by Andrew Weiser on April 19, 2024
The most stressful, high-pressure role in baseball is that of the closing pitcher. This pressure is why the save merits its own statistical category, those three outs at the end of a game while your team is ahead are the most critical three outs a pitcher can make. Saves take composure, skill and confidence. Only a handful of players have made more than 50 saves in a season. These are the most saves in a season in MLB history.
62 – Francisco Rodriguez, 2008
Francisco Rodríguez
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-0, 195lb (183cm, 88kg)
Born: January 7, 1982 (Age: 42-093d) in Caracas, Venezuela ve
High School: Juan Lovera (Caracas, Venezuela)
Debut:
September 18, 2002
(Age 20-254d,
18,199th in major league history)
vs. OAK 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
June 22, 2017
(Age 35-166d)
vs. SEA 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 SO, 1 BB, 4 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2003 season
Agents: Beverly Hills Sports Council • Previously: Scott Boras
Full Name: Francisco Jose Rodríguez
Nicknames: K-Rod or Frankie
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
24.2
52
53
2.86
948
0
437
976.0
1142
1.155
Three-time AL saves leader and two-time MLB saves leader Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez amassed 62 saves during the 2008 season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the MLB single-season saves record. The Angels that year would win the AL West division title though they would lose in the ALDS to the Boston Red Sox. Rodriguez that season struck out 77 batters while only allowing a total of 17 earned runs across 76 appearances.
57- Edwin Diaz, 2018
Edwin Díaz
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-3, 165lb (190cm, 74kg)
Team: New York Mets (majors)
Born: March 22, 1994 (Age: 30-018d) in Naguabo, Puerto Rico pr
Draft: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 3rd round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft from Caguas Military Academy (Caguas, Puerto Rico).
High School: Caguas Military Academy (Caguas, Puerto Rico)
Debut:
June 6, 2016
(Age 22-076d,
21,143rd in major league history)
vs. CLE 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2016 season
2024 Contract Status: Signed thru 2025, 3 yrs/$64M (23-25) & 26-28 player/team option
Service Time (01/2024): 7.121 • Free Agent: 2026
Agents: Wasserman • Previously: Rep 1 Baseball
Full Name: Edwin Orlando Díaz
Nicknames: Sugar
Instagram: @sugardiaz39
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Relatives: Brother of Alexis Díaz
2024
Career
0.2
10.6
0
16
0
29
0.00
2.89
5
409
0
0
2
207
5.0
404.1
8
665
0.400
1.054
In 2018, Seattle Mariners closer Edwin Diaz made his first All Star game. He would finish the season with 57 saves, the second-most saves in a season in MLB history. Additionally, he racked up a 1.98 ERA, 124 strikeouts and a 0.791 WHIP. Diaz is currently under contract with the New York Mets where, in 2022, he signed the largest extension ever for a reliever.
57- Bobby Thigpen, 1990
Bobby Thigpen
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-3, 195lb (190cm, 88kg)
Born: July 17, 1963 (Age: 60-267d) in Tallahassee, FL us
Draft: Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 7th round of the 1983 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase from Seminole State College of Florida (Sanford, FL) and the Chicago White Sox in the 4th round of the 1985 MLB June Amateur Draft from Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS).
Schools: Seminole State College of Florida (Sanford, FL), Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS)
Debut:
August 6, 1986
(Age 23-020d,
15,210th in major league history)
vs. BOS 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 SO, 2 BB, 2 ER
Last Game:
April 27, 1994
(Age 30-284d)
vs. NYY 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 SO, 2 BB, 3 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1987 season
Full Name: Robert Thomas Thigpen
Nicknames: Thiggy
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
7.8
31
36
3.43
448
0
201
568.2
376
1.363
During the 1990 season, Chicago White Sox Reliever Bobby Thigpen set the then-record for most saves in a season with 57. Thigpen gave up 18 earned runs in 77 appearances and struck out 70 batters. He was named an All Star for the first and only time that year as well. Though the White Sox posted 94 wins, they came up short in the division, finishing nine games behind the Oakland Athletics in the AL West.
55 – Eric Gagne, 2003
Eric Gagné
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 195lb (188cm, 88kg)
Born: January 7, 1976 (Age: 48-093d) in Montreal, Canada ca
Draft: Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 30th round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft from Polyvalente Edouard Montpetit (Montreal, QC).
High School: Polyvalente Edouard Montpetit (Montreal, QC)
School: Seminole State College (Seminole, OK)
Debut:
September 7, 1999
(Age 23-243d,
17,568th in major league history)
vs. FLA 6.0 IP, 2 H, 8 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
September 25, 2008
(Age 32-262d)
vs. PIT 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2000 season
Agents: Boras Corporation
Full Name: Éric Serge Gagné
Pronunciation: \gahn-YAY\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
11.7
33
26
3.47
402
48
187
643.2
718
1.156
Eric Gagne’s outstanding 2003 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers is one of the best seasons by a closer in major league history. Gange went a perfect 55-for-55 in save opportunities, recording the fourth-most saves in a single season. In 77 games, the Quebec-born Gange struck out 137 batters while only allowing 11 earned runs for a 1.20 ERA. Gange’s historic season was capped with the Cy Young award.
55 – John Smoltz, 2002
John Smoltz
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-3, 210lb (190cm, 95kg)
Born: May 15, 1967 (Age: 56-330d) in Detroit, MI us
Draft: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 22nd round of the 1985 MLB June Amateur Draft from Waverly HS (Lansing, MI).
High School: Waverly HS (Lansing, MI)
Debut:
July 23, 1988
(Age 21-069d,
15,503rd in major league history)
vs. NYM 8.0 IP, 4 H, 2 SO, 1 BB, 1 ER, W
Last Game:
September 30, 2009
(Age 42-138d)
vs. CIN 4.0 IP, 6 H, 3 SO, 5 BB, 6 ER, L
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2015.
(Voted by BBWAA on 455/549 ballots)
View John Smoltz’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1988 season
Agents: Lonnie Cooper, Myles Shoda
National Team: us USA (18U)
Full Name: John Andrew Smoltz
Nicknames: Smoltzie
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
69.0
213
155
3.33
723
481
154
3473.0
3084
1.176
Eric Gagne’s 2003 record tied a single season saves record from just one season prior pitched by the Atlanta Braves’ soon-to-be Hall of Famer John Smoltz. Smoltz’s 2002 season was only his second as a reliever, as he was moved to the bullpen after receiving Tommy John surgery in 2000. Smoltz finished third in Cy Young voting and eighth in MVP voting that season. Smoltz would return to the Braves’ starting rotation in 2005 and would retire in 2009. One of two pitchers ever to record a 20 win season and a 50 save season, he was voted into Cooperstown on a first-ballot basis in 2015.
53 – Mariano Rivera, 2004
Mariano Rivera
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 195lb (188cm, 88kg)
Born: November 29, 1969 (Age: 54-132d) in Panama, Panama pa
High School: La Chorrera (La Chorrera, Panama)
Debut:
May 23, 1995
(Age 25-175d,
16,665th in major league history)
vs. CAL 3.1 IP, 8 H, 5 SO, 3 BB, 5 ER, L
Last Game:
September 26, 2013
(Age 43-301d)
vs. TBR 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2019.
(Voted by BBWAA on 425/425 ballots)
View Mariano Rivera’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1995 season
Agents: SFX Fernando Cuza • Previously: Bob Gilhooley, Jim Bronner, Randy Hendricks, Alan Hendricks
Full Name: Mariano Rivera
Nicknames: Mo, Super Mariano, The Sandman or The Hammer of God
Pronunciation: \rih-VAIR-uh\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Relatives: Cousin of Rubén Rivera
Career
56.3
82
60
2.21
1115
10
652
1283.2
1173
1.000
Arguably the greatest closer of all time, it’s not surprising to see Yankee great Mariano Rivera on a list of pitchers with the most saves in a season. Rivera’s career high of 53 saves came during the 2004 season. Rivera held a 1.94 ERA and 1.081WHIP in 74 appearances. 2004 was Rivera’s second 50-save season and his third time leading the AL in the category. In 2019, Rivera became the first-ever player voted into the Hall of Fame unanimously.
53 – Trevor Hoffman, 1998
Trevor Hoffman
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-1, 200lb (185cm, 90kg)
Born: October 13, 1967 (Age: 56-179d) in Bellflower, CA us
Draft: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 1989 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ).
High School: Savanna HS (Anaheim, CA)
Schools: Cypress College (Cypress, CA), University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Debut:
April 6, 1993
(Age 25-175d,
16,251st in major league history)
vs. LAD 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
September 29, 2010
(Age 42-351d)
vs. NYM 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER, Sv
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2018.
(Voted by BBWAA on 337/422 ballots)
View Trevor Hoffman’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1993 season
Agents: Rick Thurman BHSC
Full Name: Trevor William Hoffman
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Relatives: Brother of Glenn Hoffman
Career
28.0
61
75
2.87
1035
0
601
1089.1
1133
1.058
As the closer for the San Diego Padres during the 1998 season, righthander Trevor Hoffman went 53 for 54 in save opportunities. He’d probably prefer to have that blown save back but will settle for having the sixth-most saves in MLB history for a single season. Hoffman finished second in Cy Young voting that year after striking out 86 batters while allowing only 12 earned runs over 73 innings pitched. Hoffman became a Hall of Famer in 2018.
53 – Randy Meyers, 1993
Randy Myers
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Left • Throws: Left
6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)
Born: September 19, 1962 (Age: 61-203d) in Vancouver, WA us
Draft: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 3rd round of the 1982 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase from Clark College (Vancouver, WA) and the New York Mets in the 1st round (9th) of the 1982 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase from Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL).
High School: Evergreen HS (Vancouver, WA)
Schools: Clark College (Vancouver, WA), Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL)
Debut:
October 6, 1985
(Age 23-017d,
15,114th in major league history)
vs. MON 2.0 IP, 0 H, 2 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
September 25, 1998
(Age 36-006d)
vs. ARI 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 3 ER, L
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1987 season
Agents: David Fishoff
Full Name: Randall Kirk Myers
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
15.3
44
63
3.19
728
12
347
884.2
884
1.304
Chicago Cubs reliever Randy Meyers recorded 53 saves in the 1993 season. Notably, he did not make the NL All Star team that season, but did the following two years. Meyers also was a save leader during the 1995 and 1997 seasons as well. Despite Meyers’ stellar save record, the Cubs would finish fourth in the NL East that year and miss the playoffs. Meyers retired in 1998 after a 14 year career.
52 – Eric Gagne, 2002
Eric Gagné
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 195lb (188cm, 88kg)
Born: January 7, 1976 (Age: 48-093d) in Montreal, Canada ca
Draft: Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 30th round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft from Polyvalente Edouard Montpetit (Montreal, QC).
High School: Polyvalente Edouard Montpetit (Montreal, QC)
School: Seminole State College (Seminole, OK)
Debut:
September 7, 1999
(Age 23-243d,
17,568th in major league history)
vs. FLA 6.0 IP, 2 H, 8 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
September 25, 2008
(Age 32-262d)
vs. PIT 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2000 season
Agents: Boras Corporation
Full Name: Éric Serge Gagné
Pronunciation: \gahn-YAY\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
11.7
33
26
3.47
402
48
187
643.2
718
1.156
It’s quite the accomplishment to save 52 games in one season and then go out and beat your own single-season saves record the next. Gagne’s 2003 season was not an overnight success, and his historic 2002 season established him as the best closer in baseball at the time. He would go 52 for 56 in save opportunities, striking out 118 batters in 82.1 innings pitched and making his first All Star appearance that season.
51 – Jeurys Familia, 2016
Jeurys Familia
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-3, 240lb (190cm, 108kg)
Born: October 10, 1989 (Age: 34-182d) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic do
High School: Liceo Ana Lilian Miranda (Yaguate, Dominican Republic)
Debut:
September 4, 2012
(Age 22-330d,
20,301st in major league history)
vs. STL 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
May 2, 2023
(Age 33-204d)
vs. SEA 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2014 season
Agents: ACES
Full Name: Jeurys Familia
Nicknames: La Fama or Yaguate
Pronunciation: \jeh-ohh-reese fa-MEAL-ya\
Instagram: @jeurysfamilia
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
6.1
34
29
3.58
561
1
127
555.2
577
1.368
In his lone All Star season, veteran relief pitcher Jeurys Familia saved 51 games for the 2016 New York Mets. Fresh off a pennant-winning 2015 season as the Mets closer, Familia faced 321 batters in 77.1 innings with 84 strikeouts and a 1.21 WHIP. Familia would set a franchise record, saving 32 consecutive games, breaking a previous record held by Billy Wagner.
51 – Mark Melancon, 2015
Mark Melancon
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-1, 215lb (185cm, 97kg)
Born: March 28, 1985 (Age: 39-012d) in Wheat Ridge, CO us
Draft: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 30th round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft from Golden HS (Golden, CO) and the New York Yankees in the 9th round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ).
High School: Golden HS (Golden, CO)
School: University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Debut:
April 26, 2009
(Age 24-029d,
19,516th in major league history)
vs. BOS 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
October 2, 2022
(Age 37-188d)
vs. SFG 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2010 season
Agents: ISE Baseball
National Team: us USA (WBC,College)
Full Name: Mark David Melancon
Nicknames: Stretch, Mel or Muh Lan Son
Pronunciation: \muh-LAN-son\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
13.4
37
40
2.94
732
0
262
726.2
643
1.168
While pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2015, Mark Melancon led the majors in saves with 51, going 51 for 53 in save opportunities. He was named an All Star that year, finished eighth in Cy Young voting and won the Trevor Hoffman Award. He ended the season with 62 K’s, a 2.23 ERA and a 0.926 WHIP. Melancon has since pitched for a number of teams and was named an All Star as recently as 2021, however as of the start of the 2024 season he is a free agent.
51 – Jim Johnson, 2012
Jim Johnson
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-6, 250lb (198cm, 113kg)
Born: June 27, 1983 (Age: 40-287d) in Johnson City, NY us
Draft: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft from Union-Endicott HS (Endicott, NY).
High School: Union-Endicott HS (Endicott, NY)
Debut:
July 29, 2006
(Age 23-032d,
18,938th in major league history)
vs. CHW 3.0 IP, 9 H, 0 SO, 3 BB, 8 ER, L
Last Game:
September 29, 2018
(Age 35-094d)
vs. OAK 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 0 BB, 1 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2008 season
Agents: Moye Sports Associates
Full Name: James Robert Johnson
Nicknames: JJ
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
8.3
38
46
3.79
674
2
178
704.2
531
1.335
Baltimore Orioles reliever Jim Johnson recorded 51 saves in 2012, his lone All Star season. Blowing only three saves the entire season, Johnson finished with a 2.49 ERA, a 1.019 WHIP and 41 strikeouts. Johnson’s pitching helped the Orioles win 93 games that season and make the postseason for the first time since 1997, clinching an AL Wild Card berth. Johnson would also go on to record 50 saves in the following season joining Eric Gagne in the rare company of MLB closers who recorded 50 saves in back-to-back seasons.
51 – Rod Beck, 1998
Rod Beck
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-1, 215lb (185cm, 97kg)
Born: August 3, 1968 in Burbank, CA us
Died: June 23, 2007 (Aged 38-324d) in Phoenix, AZ
Buried: Desert Hills Memorial Park, Scottsdale, AZ
Draft: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 13th round of the 1986 MLB June Amateur Draft from Grant HS (Van Nuys, CA).
High School: Grant HS (Van Nuys, CA)
Debut:
May 6, 1991
(Age 22-276d,
15,919th in major league history)
vs. MON 2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 2 ER
Last Game:
August 14, 2004
(Age 36-011d)
vs. CIN 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 SO, 0 BB, 2 ER
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1991 season
Agents: Dennis Gilbert
Full Name: Rodney Roy Beck
Nicknames: Shooter
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
11.3
38
45
3.30
704
0
286
768.0
644
1.164
Righthander Rod Beck recorded 51 saves during the 1998 season with the Chicago Cubs. Although Beck had made three All Star teams in his previous tenure with the San Francisco Giants, Beck was notably not named an All Star during his 51 save season, his only full season with the Cubs. Beck would play a few more seasons in the majors before retiring in 2004. Tragically, Beck passed away in 2007 at the age of 38.
51 – Dennis Eckersley, 1992
Dennis Eckersley
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 190lb (188cm, 86kg)
Born: October 3, 1954 (Age: 69-189d) in Oakland, CA us
Draft: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 3rd round of the 1972 MLB June Amateur Draft from Washington HS (Fremont, CA).
High School: Washington HS (Fremont, CA)
Debut:
April 12, 1975
(Age 20-191d,
13,613th in major league history)
vs. MIL 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Last Game:
September 26, 1998
(Age 43-358d)
vs. BAL 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 0 BB, 1 ER
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2004.
(Voted by BBWAA on 421/506 ballots)
View Dennis Eckersley’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1975 season
Agents: Ed Keating
Full Name: Dennis Lee Eckersley
Nicknames: Eck
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
62.1
197
171
3.50
1071
361
390
3285.2
2401
1.161
Oakland native Dennis Eckersley recorded 51 saves playing for his hometown Athletics in 1992. The Hall of Fame righty began his career as a starter before an injury to the A’s closer allowed Eckersley to move into the role in 1987. In his 51 save season, Eckersley pitched 80 innings, racking up 93 Ks, a 1.91 ERA and a 0.913 WHIP on his way to both the Cy Young and MVP awards. Eckersley was induced into the Hall in 2004 in his first year of eligibility.
The most saves in a single season is 62, accomplished in 2008 by Francisco Rodriguez. Rodriguez was pitching for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at the time.
There have been over 150 relief pitchers who have had a 40-save season. Most recently was Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians. Clase saved 44 games in 2023.
The MLB saves record single-season leader is Francisco Rodriguez. He saved 62 games in 2008.
Join our Sports Reference Community
Of Statheads:
Subscribe to Stathead, the most powerful research tools in sports, and find any player, team, season, game, and any play. With over 80 different search tools for baseball, basketball, football, and hockey, you’ve got infinite answers at your finger tips.
With Our Email Newsletters:
Sign up for our newsletter and get curated stats, recaps, and more from the Baseball Reference to your inbox every morning. No commitment, unsubscribe at any time.
On Social Media:
Stay connected with Baseball Reference on social media! Bringing you stats, trivia, and more on all our channels daily.
Twitter – Instagram – Facebook – TikTok – YouTube – Reddit – LinkedIn
Follow the rest of the Sports Reference sites on social here.
We're Social...for Statheads
Every Sports Reference Social Media Account
Site Last Updated: Friday, May 1, 2:56PM
Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction?
Subscribe to our Free Email Newsletter
Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREE
Your All-Access Ticket to the Baseball Reference Database
Do you have a sports website? Or write about sports? We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Find out more.