In the storied history of Major League Baseball, few seasons stand out as much as Mike Marshall’s 1974 campaign. That year, Marshall etched his name into the annals of baseball lore by securing the National League Cy Young Award after an unprecedented 200 innings of relief work. His achievement shattered conventional wisdom, demonstrating that relievers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate in an award category traditionally reserved for starters.
Following in Marshall's groundbreaking footsteps, several other relievers have made indelible marks on the game. In 1977, Sparky Lyle won the American League Cy Young Award, further solidifying the role of relievers in baseball excellence. Just two years later, Bruce Sutter captured the 1979 NL Cy Young Award, cementing his reputation as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
Dual MVP and Cy Young Laureates
The legacy continued as Rollie Fingers achieved a rare feat in 1981 by winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with an outstanding 78 innings pitched. A mere three years later, Willie Hernandez mirrored Fingers’ accomplishment, securing both prestigious awards in 1984 with an implacable 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched.
Steve Bedrosian added his name to the roll call of illustrious relievers in 1987, clinching the NL Cy Young Award with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis followed suit in 1989, capturing the NL Cy Young Award with a remarkable 44 saves in 48 opportunities while pitching 92 2/3 innings.
Perhaps one of the most iconic dual awardees in recent memory is Dennis Eckersley, who claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with 80 stellar innings of relief work. His dominance locked in his legacy as one of the premier relievers in the sport.
Modern-Day Dominance
Fast forward to 2003, and the reliever renaissance continued with Eric Gagne, who secured the NL Cy Young Award, becoming the latest reliever to attain such honors in an era post-Eckersley. Gagne’s remarkable season remains a solitary peak in the post-1990s landscape, as no other reliever has since achieved similar accolades.
In the present day, Craig Kimbrel has been an indomitable force in the bullpen ever since being drafted solely as a reliever. Notably, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, underscoring his specialized prowess in relief pitching.
Another modern marvel is Aroldis Chapman, who transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has since become a crucial asset for his teams. His role encapsulates the evolving importance and impact of elite relievers in today's game.
Emerging Stars and New Standards
The spotlight now shines on emerging talents like Emmanuel Clase, who saved 38 games in 41 chances last season. Clase boasts an extraordinary 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, achieving 53 strikeouts with a mere seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings. However, compared to starting pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans, Clase ranks lower in AL pitcher WAR, showcasing the ongoing challenges and comparisons faced by relievers.
Though Fedde now plies his trade in the National League, Skubal is expected to approach September with caution due to injury concerns. Anderson, despite sporting a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, continues to hold value for his team, while Ragans is anticipated to maintain his strong performance trajectory despite recent injuries.
The journey of relief pitchers in Major League Baseball—from Mike Marshall’s unprecedented 200 innings of relief work to the modern-day exploits of Emmanuel Clase and Craig Kimbrel—illustrates the evolving nature of the game and the pivotal role these specialists play. As the dynamic between starters and relievers continues to shift, the contributions of elite bullpen arms will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of baseball strategy and success.