We currently have a three-way tie for first in MLB in saves, with Alexis Díaz, Camilo Doval, and Jordan Romano each with 26.
However, there are several other talented relievers who still stand an excellent chance to lead MLB in saves this season, including a few with long odds.
Let’s look at our updated 2023 MLB Saves Leader odds and best bets.
MLB Saves Leader Odds 2023
MLB Saves Leader betting odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Wednesday, July 12.
- Camilo Doval, Giants (+150)
- Jordan Romano, Blue Jays (+300)
- Alexis Díaz, Reds (+400)
- Emmanuel Clase, Guardians (+450)
- Josh Hader, Padres (+900)
- Félix Bautista, Orioles (+1300)
- Ryan Pressly, Astros (+1400)
- Devin Williams, Brewers (+1800)
- Carlos Estévez, Angels (+2200)
- Kenley Jansen, Red Sox (+3500)
After the top three who are tied at 26, we have seven other closers with at least 20 saves, so there’s not an insurmountable lead here.
MLB Saves Leader is a volatile market as it’s hard to predict. The best closer in baseball may not necessarily rack up the most saves.
On the other hand, the current leaders can easily fall off.
With that in mind, this is a great opportunity to take a shot on a player with longer odds.
MLB Saves Leader Best Bet 2023
Josh Hader, Padres (+900)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
Hader has been dominant this season, putting up a 3.20 SIERA and 37.6% strikeout rate in 33.1 innings.
The Padres have been incredibly disappointing this season with a 43-47 record. Yet, Hader still has 21 saves, so there’s a lot of room for improvement if San Diego can play up to its potential.
It’s worth taking Hader at +900 odds since the Padres are too good to keep playing this poorly.
MLB Saves Leader Contenders 2023
Camilo Doval, Giants (+150)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
Doval is tied for the lead with 26 saves, 15 of which have come since May 21. The Giants’ closer has been lights out this season, putting up a 2.93 SIERA in 41 innings.
The problem is that the odds are too short at +150, so there’s not enough value on this bet.
While Doval is one of the top contenders to lead in saves, it may be best to wait until these odds change, perhaps after a minor cold streak or prolonged period without opportunities in the ninth.
Jordan Romano, Blue Jays (+300)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
Romano is another one of the league leaders with 26 saves, boasting an impressive 31% strikeout rate.
The Blue Jays have underachieved so far at 50-41. If they can play up to preseason expectations, that would mean that they’d rack up wins at a higher rate.
More wins mean more opportunities for Romano to get saves.
Alexis Díaz, Reds (+400)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
Díaz has been the breakout closer of 2023. He went from an emerging reliever down the stretch last year to a solidified elite ninth-inning arm this season.
The Reds’ reliever has converted 26-of-27 saves this year, boasting an impressive 37.4% strikeout rate.
Cincinnati has gone 24-8 since June 8, establishing itself as playoff contenders, especially with the influx of young talent like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. Díaz is firmly in play to lead in saves this season.
Emmanuel Clase, Guardians (+450)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
While Clase has a mediocre strikeout rate compared to the other closers on this list (21.5%), he still has 25 saves, which is only one behind the lead.
That comes off the heels of a 2022 season where he racked up 42 saves. There’s a good chance that Clase will be right in the mix by the end of the year.
The other factor is that Clase is getting a lot of opportunities. He could be in the lead in saves if he didn’t blow seven of his chances (most in MLB). If Clase can rediscover last year’s form, he can go on quite a run.
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MLB Saves Leader Sleepers 2023
Félix Bautista, Orioles (+1300)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
Bautista has 23 saves, so he’s only three off the lead right now. The Orioles’ closer has been the best in baseball this year, racking up an absurd 50.9% strikeout rate.
Baltimore is currently 54-35, which is the second-best record in the American League. There will be plenty of save opportunities for Bautista here.
At +1300 odds, this is a misprice on the best reliever in MLB, making him the top sleeper.
