ESPN's Buster Olney ranks MLB's top 10 relievers with Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres firmly holding the No. 1 spot. Miller's dominance last season was staggering: he struck out 45 of 83 batters faced, held opponents to a .096 batting average, and averaged 101.2 mph on his fastball, the highest velocity among relievers. His acquisition from Oakland in August 2024 came via a complex deal involving prospect Leo De Vries, a move GM A.J.

Preller called 'no one should be off the table.' Miller's presence transformed the Padres' late-inning defense, contributing to their playoff run against the Cubs where he whiffed eight of nine batters. The ranking underscores Miller's status as the most feared closer in baseball, a fact underscored by the Dodgers' $13.3 million extension for Edwin Diaz, the second-ranked reliever. This season, Miller's combination of velocity and command makes him a cornerstone for the Padres' championship aspirations.