Major League Baseball has witnessed some extraordinary feats by relief pitchers over the years, and Mike Marshall's 1974 season still stands as one of the most remarkable. During that unforgettable year, Marshall won the National League Cy Young Award by pitching an astounding 200 innings in relief, proving that relievers could also dominate in what was traditionally considered a starter's domain.
Marshall's precedent-setting achievement opened the door for others to follow, and the late 1970s and 1980s saw several relievers rise to prominence. Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, further solidifying the idea that a dynamic reliever could provide significant contributions to their team.
The 1979 season saw Bruce Sutter win the NL Cy Young, establishing himself as one of the era's most formidable closers. Sutter's dominance on the mound set a standard for future relievers and solidified his place in baseball history.
Multiple Accolades, Single Season
In 1981, Rollie Fingers achieved a rare feat by securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award with 78 innings pitched. This accomplishment highlighted the critical role of a reliever in a team's success. Similarly, Willie Hernandez won both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1984 by pitching 140 1/3 innings with an impressive 1.92 ERA, demonstrating his invaluable contributions.
The late 1980s saw more relievers gain recognition. Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award in 1987 by converting 40 saves in 48 chances over 89 innings, while Mark Davis took home the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after a standout season with 44 saves in 48 opportunities and 92 2/3 innings of work.
Dennis Eckersley added to the list of elite relievers by claiming both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with 80 innings of relief. His dominance on the mound underscored the evolving role and increased significance of relief pitchers in baseball.
Modern Standouts
In modern baseball, the feat of a reliever winning the Cy Young has become increasingly rare. The last to achieve this was Eric Gagne, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003. Gagne's dominance remains unmatched, as no reliever has secured a Cy Young post-Eckersley.
Relief pitchers like Craig Kimbrel have made a significant impact in their respective bullpens. Drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel didn't start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. His consistent performances have made him a stalwart in the bullpen for years.
Similarly, Aroldis Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has been known for his explosive fastballs and reliable closing abilities. These modern pitchers continue to build on the legacy started by Marshall and others before them.
Emerging Stars
Among the current crop of relievers, Emmanuel Clase stands out with a remarkable performance record. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a minuscule 0.59 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 1/3 innings, he recorded 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks, underscoring his dominance on the mound.
Interestingly, despite Clase's impressive stats, other pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than him in AL pitcher WAR. Fedde has since transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September. Anderson has pitched with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is anticipated to continue his strong performance despite a recent injury.
The role of relievers in Major League Baseball has undeniably evolved, shifting from overlooked support to critical game-closers. Whether it's the dynamic finishes provided by the likes of Marshall, Fingers, and Eckersley or the consistent excellence of modern players like Kimbrel and Clase, these pitchers have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to the game.