Texas Rangers Greatest All-Time Closers

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view the Texas Rangers logo and on deck circle before the game between the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Giants 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view the Texas Rangers logo and on deck circle before the game between the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Giants 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1. John Wetteland

John Wetteland is the greatest closer in Texas Rangers history. Wetteland made two-All Star teams during his four seasons in Texas. He also finished sixth in the CY Young voting during the 1999 season with the Rangers.

Wetteland went 20-12 2.95 ERA in 248 games with 150 saves as a member of the Rangers. He converted 150 of 177 save opportunities when with Texas. Wetteland converted 30 or more saves each season as a member of the Rangers.

He made the post-season twice with the Rangers in 1998 and 1999. He did not win a World Series, but pitched in one game each series. His post-season accolades are not why he is on this list though.

More from Nolan Writin'

Wetteland was not a big strikeout pitcher like many others on this list. While he did have his share of strikeouts that is not what made him clutch. Wetteland was able to keep the ball in the park and command all of his pitches exceptionally well.

Whenever Wetteland came out to the mound it felt like it was already a win for the Rangers. The ultimate clutch closer that the Rangers needed. Only spent four seasons in Texas, but he left his mark on the Rangers history books.

Wetteland pitched his last four seasons in the MLB with the Rangers. He retired from the MLB after the 2000 season. Wetteland is 14th on the all-time saves leader-board.