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'Maniac' Baker is on the most dominant run a Rays closer has ever had

Bryan Baker has delivered the most dominant closer stretch in Tampa Bay Rays history, anchoring the team’s postseason push with unmatched consistency. In his first ALDS as the team’s closer, Baker secured three straight saves against the Yankees—preserving one-run leads in Games 1 and 3 and a three-run advantage in Game 2—while allowing just a single walk across 10 batters faced.

His postseason performance mirrors his season-long excellence: a 1.44 ERA, 41 saves (tied for the MLB lead), and a franchise-record 33 consecutive save conversions dating back to May 17, the longest such streak in Rays history. Baker’s dominance extends beyond statistics; teammates and manager Kevin Cash have repeatedly praised his poise, swing-and-miss repertoire, and unshakable confidence in high-pressure moments, calling him a ‘rock’ and a ‘maniac’ on the mound.

His three-game ALDS sweep without surrendering a hit further cements his status as the most reliable closer in franchise history, propelling the Rays to their third straight AL Championship Series appearance.

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