Mar 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott (66) pitches during the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The first four weeks of the 2025 season are behind us, and numerous players are off to hot starts. As the weather starts heating up across the country, there will be players finally breaking out of early-season slumps and the start of teams calling up their top prospects. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 relief pitchers heading into Week 5.
1. Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres
Mar 27, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) reacts after pitching during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Suarez is a perfect eight for eight in save opportunities, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts.
2. Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Munoz is seven for seven in save opportunities, with a 0.00 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts.
3. Tanner Scott, Los Angeles Dodgers
Apr 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Tanner Scott (66) earns a save against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Scott has a 2.45 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, seven saves, and 10 strikeouts.
4. Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals
Apr 6, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Kyle Finnegan (67) throws the ball during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
A shortened Spring Training hasn’t affected Finnegan as he’s six for six in save chances with a 1.17 ERA and eight strikeouts.
5. Jose Alvarado, Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 03: Jose Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after striking out Yuli Gurriel #10 of the Miami Marlins to retire the side during the seventh inning in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Alvarado has taken on the closer role in Philadelphia, currently posting a 2.79 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and five saves in five opportunities.
6. Carlos Estevez, Kansas City Royals
Apr 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (53) reacts after striking out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9)in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
The Royals’ closer has five saves in six chances with a 1.13 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.
7. Jason Adam, San Diego Padres
Apr 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Jason Adam (40) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Adam leads MLB with seven holds and posts a 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts in 10.1 innings.
8. Lucas Erceg, Kansas City Royals
Apr 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg (60) pitches during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Erceg has six holds, 1.23 ERA, 0.55 WHIP, and five strikeouts.
9. Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians
Mar 1, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cade Smith (36) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Smith has been electric out of the Cleveland bullpen with six holds, 1.64 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts in 11 innings.
10. Abner Uribe, Milwaukee Brewers
Apr 6, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Abner Uribe (45) gestures after striking out Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Spencer Steer (not pictured) in the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Uribe is a bright spot in Milwaukee’s bullpen with six holds, 0.93 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 9.2 innings.
