Kansas City Royals Top Five Relief Pitchers

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past couple of months, we have taken a trip down memory lane, going over the top five players in the history of the Kansas City Royals. We began by looking at the catcher position, and with our review of the best relief pitchers in Kansas City Royals history, we will have reviewed the players with the best careers over the 45 years of the Royals franchise.

Like some of the other positions in Kansas City Royals history, relief pitching has historically been a strength of the franchise. Dating back from the Golden Era of Royals baseball through present, it seems as though the Royals have always had that shutdown closer, that pitcher who made the ninth inning a foregone conclusion. It truly is amazing at how the Royals have managed to have such an excellent history in relief.

And so, we will take a look back at the five relievers that have had the best careers with the Kansas City Royals. Even if their total Wins Above Replacement scores do not indicate as much, the list that follows encompasses some of the truly best players in Royals history. As per the previous treks back through team history, the Fangraphs.com Wins Above Replacement category was used as a guide in determining the list.

To be considered for this list, a pitcher needed to have over half of their career appearances for the Royals come in relief. Therefore, Tom Gordon, who started 144 of his 274 games, just missed the cut.

We will be back next week looking over the greatest lineup the Royals could have, based on the best seasons at each position. But for now, sit back and enjoy this trip through the best relievers the Royals had to offer.

Next: A brilliant Rule V draft pick