#2
of 20
Billy Wagner
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Billy Wagner represents pure per-inning dominance at a historic level. He finished with a 2.31 career ERA and an elite 187 ERA+ across more than 900 innings. His 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings remains one of the highest rates ever for a reliever. Wagner’s fastball overwhelmed hitters despite his smaller frame and remained electric into his late 30s. He compiled 422 saves while frequently pitching for non-dynastic teams. His WHIP under 1.00 highlights how rarely he allowed baserunners. Wagner’s strikeout-to-walk ratios were consistently elite throughout his career. Although his postseason résumé lacks defining moments, his regular season dominance was overwhelming. On a per-inning basis, few closers in history were more overpowering.
Career Numbers
47-40
W-L
2.31
ERA
1,196
K
903.0
IP
422
SV
Billy Wagner at No. 2
This slide covers number 2 of 20 in Top 20 Closers of All Time in History of MLB Baseball: Billy Wagner. Billy Wagner's pitching line on the card: 47 wins, a 2.31 ERA, 1,196 strikeouts. It also counts 422 saves. Billy Wagner debuted in the 1990s, and the Explore links below open that decade's page and the list of players born in USA. Mariano Rivera is ranked just above at 1; Trevor Hoffman follows at 3. The order reflects the list's own criteria, set out in its introduction; the statistics are the site's standard career totals.