Welcome to our comprehensive MLB saves leader betting guide. On this page, we provide all the information you need to successfully wager on the MLB saves leader.
Created by journalist Jerome Holtzman in 1959 to “measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers”, the save statistic has become one of the most popular baseball metrics to bet on. That’s precisely why we created this MLB saves leader betting guide.
How to Bet on the MLB Saves Leader
The save statistic was adopted as an official Major League Baseball stat in 1969. Since then, many of the sport’s greatest pitchers have topped the charts.
Thanks to the top baseball sportsbooks, there are lots of different MLB saves leader betting options to choose from. Not only can you bet on the overall leader, but you can also bet on the leader in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL).
On top of that, some sportsbooks offer unique props and specials relating to the MLB saves leader. You may be able to predict the leader’s total tally of saves, or you could wager on which team(s) will produce the leader.
We recommend searching for as many options as possible in the lead-up to the MLB season. After all, the more options you have, the more likely you will be to find positive value.
MLB Saves Leader Betting Trends
Now that you know how the MLB saves leader betting market works, it’s time to check out some important stats and trends. If you want to take your game to the next level, utilizing the following facts will only enhance your chances.
- Mariano Rivera (652) is the MLB’s all-time leader in regular-season saves.
- Francisco Rodriguez (62) holds the record for most saves in a single season, having achieved the feat with the Los Angeles Angels in 2008.
- John Smoltz (55) and Eric Gagne (55) shared the record for most saves in a single National League season, triumphing in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
- The New York Yankees (26) have produced the most saves leaders over the years, followed by the St. Louis Cardinals (22).
- Only nine pitchers have achieved 50+ saves during a single season.
- Only three pitchers have managed to accumulate 400+ career saves.
- Jim Johnson claimed back-to-back AL titles in 2012 and 2013 before Emmanuel Clase replicated the feat in 2022 and 2023.
- In the NL, Craig Kimbrel claimed four consecutive titles between 2011 and 2014.
Recent MLB Saves Leaders
- 2023: Emmanuel Clase (AL) / David Bednar/Camilo Doval (NL)
- 2022: Emmanuel Clase (AL) / Kenley Jansen (NL)
- 2021: Liam Hendricks (AL) / Mark Melancon (NL)
- 2020: Brad Hand (AL) / Josh Hader (NL)
- 2019: Roberto Osuna (AL) / Kirby Yates (NL)
- 2018: Edwin Diaz (AL) / Wade Davis (NL)
- 2017: Alex Colome (AL) / Greg Holland/Kenley Jansen (NL)
- 2016: Zach Britton (AL) / Jeurys Familia (NL)
- 2015: Brad Boxberger (AL) / Mark Melancon (NL)
- 2014: Fernando Rodney (AL) / Craig Kimbrel (NL)