Mike Marshall's extraordinary 1974 season stands as one of Major League Baseball's most astonishing feats. To earn the National League Cy Young Award by tossing an incredible 200 innings in relief, Marshall became a trailblazer, demonstrating that relievers could hold their own in a pitching accolade traditionally dominated by starters.
This paradigm shift was a prelude to future relievers making their mark in similar fashion. Just a few years later, in 1977, Sparky Lyle captured the American League Cy Young Award, further cementing the contribution of relief pitchers. Bruce Sutter followed suit in 1979, winning the NL Cy Young and establishing himself as one of the game's most formidable closers.
Dual Award Winners
The era of dominant relievers continued through the 1980s. Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1981, despite pitching only 78 innings. His dual achievement showcased the impact a reliable closer could have, regardless of the sheer number of innings.
Willie Hernandez mirrored this success in 1984, winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young with outstanding stats—a 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched. Hernandez's accolade-laden season was highlighted by his exceptional control and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Closer of the Year
As the 1987 season progressed, Steve Bedrosian's performance followed suit, clinching the NL Cy Young Award. Bedrosian's 40 saves in 48 opportunities, accompanied by 89 innings pitched, demonstrated how a closer could dominate in the high-leverage innings.
Mark Davis added his name to the illustrious list in 1989, winning the NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves out of 48 chances and pitching 92 2/3 innings. This further affirmed the critical role of the closer in the pitching hierarchy.
Modern-Day Relievers
Dennis Eckersley became another dual award winner in 1992, claiming both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. His relief work across 80 innings was a testament to his efficiency and dominance in the ninth inning, solidifying his status as one of the best closers in MLB history.
Eric Gagne, in 2003, emerged as the last reliever to seize a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley. Gagne's season was a blend of speed, precision, and intimidation, making him a key figure in the bullpen.
The Modern Bullpen Landscape
In contemporary baseball, relievers like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have carried forward the legacy of their predecessors. Kimbrel, a stalwart in the bullpen since his drafting, boasts an impressive record, having not started a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman, who transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, has also marked his territory as an intimidating force from the mound.
Among the new generation, Emmanuel Clase has made a significant impact. Saving 38 games in 41 chances, Clase exhibits a phenomenal 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His 61 1/3 innings pitched, accompanied by 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks, underscore his precision and effectiveness.
Relievers in the Context of WAR
Despite Clase's dominance, traditional starters like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR. Fedde has transitioned to the National League, emphasizing the fluctuating nature of player roles in MLB. Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September, while Anderson's performance, marked by a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, reflects his steady contributions.
Ragans, persevering through recent injuries, continues to showcase his resilience and prowess on the mound. These players illustrate the diverse contributions and roles within a pitching staff, signifying the evolving art of pitching in Major League Baseball.
The historical and ongoing contributions of relievers highlight their indispensable role in the sport. Their ability to secure crucial outs, under immense pressure, and their evolving skill sets ensure they remain integral to their teams' success stories—both past and present.