MLB 2017: Top 10 relievers

Jul 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) reacts after the game ending throw by second baseman Jonathan Schoop (not pictured) in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen (37) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians

The Indians have not one but two pitchers on this list (as do the Yankees), further reinforcing the point that it takes two elite relievers in your bullpen to contend for a World Series in 2017. Allen retained the title of closer after the team acquired Andrew Miller, and it is a role he has thrived in over the past two-plus seasons. He has occasionally walked the tight rope since reaching the big leagues, but came up huge in the 2016 postseason.

Allen did not allow a single run in 13.2 innings in the playoffs last year while striking out 24. He rides a power fastball and curveball, and has used both to strikeout 11.5 per nine in his five-year career.

There have been some hiccups with Allen during his time as closer for the Indians. He has blown 11 saves over the past three seasons, and has occasionally battled the home run. His 3.5 walks per nine are also a bit higher than you would like to see for an elite closer.

Still, with the postseason dominance and the overall track record, Allen ranks among the top 10 in the league. His career arc seems to be ascending, while another worthy name like Craig Kimbrel appears to be trending downward. There are also no off-field concerns with Allen as there are with Jeurys Familia of the New York Mets.

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