Top 5 Closing Pitchers looking to make it to the MLB All-Star game this season

The durability and potency of an MLB bullpen has been defined by the abilities of the team's closer. Especially in recent years, having an arm capable of getting outs when it matters most can be the difference between a winning record and a losing one.

While most of the successful teams around MLB are equipped with competent closers, some of the top finishers in the league are not on contending teams. Today, we are examining the top closers from the first two-and-a-half months of the 2024 season.

Top 5 Closing Pitchers looking to make it to the MLB All-Star game this season

5. Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals

Since 2021, the St. Louis Cardinals have relied on Ryan Helsley to help them close out games. Coming into the 2024 season, Helsley had 33 saves amassed over the previous two seasons. This year, the 29 year-old's 21 saves leads MLB, and he is currently 2-2, sporting a 2.25 ERA in 28 appearances this season.

4. Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres

Although losing star closer Josh Hader was originally seen as a death kiss for the Padres, they seem to have found an even better arm to finish games. Although it is 33 year-old Venezuelan Robert Suarez' third year in MLB, the right hander is showing tremendous poise. The San Diego Padres closer has allowed just two runs in 27 innings, saddling him with a 0.67 ERA to go along with his 17 saves on the season.

"Padres Robert Suárez Changeup was filthy tonight:" - Clark Farenthold

3. Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals

Anyone who has watched Kyle Finnegan since he made his MLB debut with the 2020 Washington Nationals knows that he is only getting better. Now sporting a WHIP of 0.88, Finnegan is getting outs aplenty for his club, who remain five games under .500. In 26 games this season, the 32 year-old Finnegan has a 1.73 ERA, and 18 saved games.

2. Clay Holmes, New York Yankees

The New York Yankees' 25 saves so far this season leads MLB in the category, and Clay Holmes has been a huge part of that. Though Holmes has registered an ERA under 3.00 alongside at least 20 saves for each of the past two seasons, the 6-foot-5 right hander is taking things to another level this season. Now 1-1, Holmes is touting a 1.23 ERA across 30 games, and leads the American League with 19 saves.

"Clay Holmes, Slider and Sweeper Overlay. In case you were wondering the difference." - Pitching Ninja

1. Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians' 2.35 bullpen ERA is the lowest in MLB by a considerable margin. As such, Emmanuel Clase has not been called upon as much as in previous years. However, when he is needed, the Dominican has been brilliant.

"Emmanuel Clase's Cutter was the highest grading tjStuff+ pitch from yesterday. 124 tjStuff+" - Thomas Nestico

Having led the league in saves for each of the past two seasons, Clase is now 3-1 with an ERA of just 0.57, owing to his surrender of just two runs in 31 innings this year. For the Guardians, having Clase remain healthy and capable is a key to their success in close games when it gets late in the frame.