Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. As the National League Cy Young Award winner, Marshall worked an astounding 200 innings solely in relief, setting a precedent for relievers in what has traditionally been a starter-centric award category. His extraordinary contribution not only redefined the role of a reliever but also opened the door for other bullpen stalwarts to shine.
The Emergence of Relievers
Following Marshall, Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, further proving that relievers could dominate in a landscape previously ruled by starters. Bruce Sutter, one of the most formidable closers of his era, won the 1979 NL Cy Young Award, continuing the trend.
Perhaps the most iconic instance of a reliever's dual dominance came in 1981 when Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young with 78 innings pitched, demonstrating that relievers could be valuable enough to win multiple high-profile awards in a single season. Willie Hernandez followed suit in 1984 with a stellar performance, posting a 1.92 ERA over 140 and a third innings pitched, earning him both the AL MVP and Cy Young.
Diverse Contributions
While Fingers and Hernandez showcased versatility, others like Steve Bedrosian in 1987 and Mark Davis in 1989 displayed the power of specialization. Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Similarly, Davis won the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 and two-thirds innings.
Dennis Eckersley's 1992 campaign was another landmark moment; he claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with 80 innings of relief work. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations was a testament to the critical role that relievers played in their teams' successes.
The Modern Era
In later years, the spotlight on relievers continued to grow. Eric Gagne, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003, remains the last reliever to achieve this feat post-Eckersley. Gagne's prowess emphasized that even in an era dominated by starting pitchers, an exceptional reliever could still earn the highest accolades.
Today's bullpen stars like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman show the enduring legacy of their predecessors. Kimbrel, drafted as a reliever, has become a stalwart in the bullpen despite not starting a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman, known for his transition to the bullpen in 2010, continues to be one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the league.
New Talents on the Rise
New talents like Emmanuel Clase are carrying the torch forward. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a remarkable 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 and a third innings pitched, Clase recorded 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks, highlighting his skill and control.
However, despite Clase’s impressive statistics, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher in AL pitcher WAR, indicating that starting pitchers still hold a significant advantage in overall value. Fedde has since transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September. Anderson pitches with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is expected to continue his strong performances despite recent injury.
Relievers will always have the challenge of proving their worth in a game steeped in tradition, but the undeniable impact they have had on the sport is evident. From Mike Marshall's groundbreaking season in 1974 to Emmanuel Clase's remarkable performances today, relievers have repeatedly shown that they are more than just late-inning specialists – they are game-changers capable of achieving the highest honors in baseball.