Edwin Díaz recorded more saves in 2018 than all but one pitcher in a single season in Major League history. At the same time, Díaz recorded more strikeouts than all but 4 American League relievers over the last 19 seasons.
The Mariners hard-throwing right-hander earned 57 saves this season; tied with the White Sox Bobby Thigpen in 1990, and trailing only the Angels Francisco Rodriguez in 2008 (62), for the most saves in a season.
While piling up a historic number of saves, Díaz also struck out opposing batters at a significant clip. With a devastating mix of upper-90s fastballs and hard-biting sliders, Díaz finished 2nd among Major League relievers this season with 124 strikeouts.