The 2026 MLB season is through four weeks. Numerous players are continuing their hot starts, while others are finding their timing and rhythm. The biggest stories are about the players who haven’t slowed down since the season started.
Here are the top 10 relief pitcher rankings heading into week five.MORE: MLB catcher power rankings in week 51. Mason Miller, San Diego PadresOct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller (22) delivers during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesThe elite closer is off to an historic start.
Entering the week, he has yet to surrender a run in 11.1 innings. Opposing batters have a 0.56 average against Mason Miller.2. Paul Sewald, Arizona DiamondbacksThe veteran closer has been great.
He’s seven for seven in save opportunities. Entering the week, he has a 0.48 WHIP.3. Riley O’Brien, St. Louis CardinalsO’Brien has earned the St.
Louis ninth-inning duties. He’s saved six games. Entering the week, he has yet to allow an earned run.4. Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta BravesSep 28, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches the ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at Truist Park.
Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesThe veteran closer has helped Atlanta get over last season’s woes. Entering the week, he’s perfect at his chances to close out games. He’s one of a handful of primary closers that hasn’t surrendered a run.
His recent injury is cause for concern, though. 5. Tony Santillan, Cincinnati RedsSantillan is becoming one of the game’s top setup men. He hasn’t surrendered a run and has Cincinnati first in the NL Central.
If Cincinnati moves off its current closer, Santillan will be the first man up.6. Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia PhilliesThe elite closer is off to a fast start. Entering the week, he’s perfect in save chances.
By the end of the season, Duran will be among the league leaders in saves, despite being placed on the IL. 7. Kenley Jansen, Detroit TigersThe veteran continues to get it done. No, his fastball doesn’t sit in the high-90s as it once did, but he gets batters out.
He has been a key piece at the back end of Detroit’s bullpen.8. Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesChapman is aging like fine wine.
His velocity still reaches the high-90s, and he gets swings and misses. It’s hard to name another closer who has carried great speed into the latter stages of their career.9. Gregory Soto, Pittsburgh PiratesSoto is no stranger to high-level situations.
He’s spent time as a setup man and closer. Entering the week, Soto is tied for 4th in holds.10. Erik Sabrowski, Cleveland Guardians Entering the week, Sabrowski leads the league in holds.
He has dealt with bumps and bruises, but has conquered adversity early in the season. By season’s end, he will be among the league leaders in holds.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —