Billy Wagner, a flame-throwing left-hander and one of baseball's elite closers during his era, now awaits his turn to join the Hall of Fame. ... Mariano Rivera (2019) and Lee Smith (2019).

In fact, Mariano Rivera, the greatest reliever of all time, could walk back on the mound, face exactly 782 batters and strike them all out. It still wouldn’t be enough to top Wagner’s 33.2% ...

I didn't vote for Billy Wagner as a Hall of Famer, ... In other cases, they fall second only to Mariano Rivera. Wagner obviously is a baseball great, one of the top 10 relievers ever.

Billy Wagner's path to the Major Leagues could only be described as improbable. Now, as the final ballots for the 2024 Hall of Fame class are being tallied, ... Mariano Rivera (2.21 career ERA).

Wagner’s career 187 ERA+ is second-best in history, behind only Rivera. His 1999 season, in which he struck out 124 hitters in 74 innings with a 1.57 ERA remains one of the most untouchable ...

Wagner has the lowest ERA and FIP — fielding independent pitching — of any Hall of Fame reliever not named Mariano Rivera. ... “Billy Wagner punches out three on 13 pitches and Mariano gets ...

He was arguably baseball’s best closer outside of Mariano Rivera from 1997-03, a period in Houston in which Wagner posted a slim 2.55 ERA while striking out 12.5 batters per nine innings.

Mariano Rivera, 1.87; 5. Lee Smith, 1.86; 6. Wagner, 1.81. He pitched plenty, especially meaningful innings. 2. He performed poorly in the postseason. This is true. Wagner threw only 11 2/3 ...

Wagner finished second in ERA+ only to former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who is regarded as the greatest closer of all time. Wagner was also second to Rivera in opponent's OPS+.

Billy Wagner ranks sixth on MLB's career saves list. ... Taking Mariano Rivera out of the equation — because no one was Rivera — Wagner has a better ERA than any of the remaining six at 2.31.

In fact, Mariano Rivera, the greatest reliever of all time, could walk back on the mound, face exactly 782 batters and strike them all out. It still wouldn’t be enough to top Wagner’s 33.2% ...