Mike Marshall's 1974 season remains etched in the annals of Major League Baseball history for its exceptional nature. That year, Marshall redefined the role of a reliever, winning the National League Cy Young Award by logging an astounding 200 innings in relief. Marshall's extraordinary achievement set a precedent, demonstrating that relievers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate in a domain traditionally reserved for starters.
The Rippling Effect of Marshall’s Feat
Marshall's accomplishment opened the floodgates for relievers to be considered for the Cy Young Award. This shift in perception was further solidified by Sparky Lyle, who captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Not long after, Bruce Sutter emerged as one of the most formidable closers of his era by winning the 1979 NL Cy Young Award.
The momentum continued into the 1980s. In 1981, Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with 78 innings pitched. Just three years later, Willie Hernandez followed in his footsteps, achieving the same feat with a remarkable 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched during the 1984 season. Steve Bedrosian further emphasized the growing impact of relievers by clinching the NL Cy Young Award in 1987, backed by 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched.
Mark Davis carried the torch into the end of the decade, winning the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. The early 90s saw Dennis Eckersley claim both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with 80 innings of stellar relief work. This marked a high point in the recognition of relievers' contributions to their teams.
The Turn of the Millennium
Following Eckersley, the number of relievers winning the Cy Young Award dwindled. Eric Gagne’s 2003 NL Cy Young Award win stands as a singular achievement in the new millennium. Gagne remains the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, further highlighting the remarkable nature of his performance.
In recent years, names like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have risen to prominence. Kimbrel, who has been a stalwart in the bullpen since being drafted as a reliever, did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Similarly, Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has since made a significant impact.
Spotlight on Emmanuel Clase
Among the current crop of relievers, Emmanuel Clase stands out. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a minuscule 0.59 ERA and an equally impressive 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 1/3 innings, Clase recorded 53 strikeouts and issued only seven unintentional walks, underscoring his dominance on the mound. Despite such stellar statistics, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR.
The Landscape Ahead
As the league continues to evolve, the role of relievers in both regular season play and award considerations remains dynamic. Fedde has transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September. Anderson, pitching with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans, who aims to continue his strong performances despite a recent injury, round out the list of notable pitchers.
The precedent set by past relievers, from Marshall to Gagne, illustrates the significant impact a dominant bullpen arm can have on the game. As each season unfolds, the contributions of relievers like Clase remind us that lights-out performance isn’t limited to starting pitchers. They, too, can etched their names in the history books with exceptional seasons, continuing the legacy started by the legends before them.