4- Steve Bedrosian (1986-1989)
It’s a rare feat for a reliever to lead the league in saves and take home the Cy Young Award. That’s exactly what Bedrosian did in 1987, going 5-3 with 40 saves and a 2.83 ERA. He was solid the season before, saving 29 with a 3.34 ERA. Although Bedrosian struggled somewhat in 1988 with a 3.75 ERA, he managed 28 saves. All told, he is third in club history in saves and his epic 1987 season pushes him near the top of this list.
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3- Jonathan Papelbon (2012-2015)
Certainly not a fan favorite due to his abrasive personality, Papelbon’s numbers are difficult to overlook. He saved 38 in 2012, 29 in 2013 and 39 in 2014. On a contender, those totals would have been much higher. He’s the all-time franchise leader in saves and is second in ERA among those on this list. Papelbon was an All-Star in 2012, averaging 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
Papelbon’s numbers are better than those in the top two, but closers on a World Championship team have to rank at the top.