The 10 Best Strikeout Relievers in Major League Baseball

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

It's hard to believe that a 38.7% strikeout rate means a pitcher has slipped a bit in recent years, but the Braves' Craig Kimbrel has actually not been quite as dominant this year as in years past. But it's still pretty dadgum good.

That 38.7% K-rate is tied for sixth-best among MLB relievers this year, but is below his career 42.3% strikeout rate. And it's accompanied by an uptick in his walk rate, up to 11.3% this year, much higher than the 7.8% and 6.1% of the two previous seasons. But that hasn't stopped Kimbrel from continuing to be one of baseball's most unhittable closers.

His ERA of 1.61 is still elite, and his nERD of 1.1 and rWAR of 2.3 are also terrific numbers among relief pitchers. No matter what else is happening in Atlanta, they can consistently rely on Kimbrel to shut the door in the 9th inning.