In the annals of Major League Baseball, few seasons have stood out quite like Mike Marshall's exceptional performance in 1974. Coming out of the bullpen, Marshall surpassed expectations, working an unprecedented 200 innings in relief. His extraordinary effort earned him the National League Cy Young Award, making a significant statement about the capabilities of relief pitchers in a landscape traditionally dominated by starters.
The Evolution of Relievers in Cy Young Award History
Marshall's achievement marked a turning point, demonstrating that relievers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate the conversation in award categories historically reserved for starting pitchers. This set a precedent that others would follow.
In 1977, Sparky Lyle captured the American League Cy Young Award, further solidifying the impact relievers could have in the league. Two years later, Bruce Sutter won the National League Cy Young Award in 1979, becoming one of the era's most formidable closers. Meanwhile, Rollie Fingers' dual accomplishment of securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1981 with just 78 innings pitched showcased the multifaceted value of a top-tier reliever.
Unforgettable Seasons and Multi-Award Winners
The trend continued as Willie Hernandez earned both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1984 by posting a remarkable 1.92 ERA across 140 1/3 innings. Steve Bedrosian, in 1987, clinched the NL Cy Young Award with 40 saves in 48 chances over 89 innings. Similarly, in 1989, Mark Davis proved his mettle by winning the NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities while pitching 92 2/3 innings.
A crowning moment for relievers came with Dennis Eckersley's 1992 season, where his dual capture of the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, accomplished through 80 innings of relief, underscored the enduring influence and critical role of bullpen pitchers. However, post-Eckersley, the occurrence of relievers winning the Cy Young dwindled, with Eric Gagne in 2003 being the solitary reliever to claim the award since.
The Modern Bullpen Giants
In recent years, relievers such as Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have dominated bullpens across the league. Kimbrel, drafted explicitly as a reliever, didn't start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, emphasizing his specialization and impact from the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has since been a household name for his high-velocity fastball and closing abilities.
The Dominance of Emmanuel Clase
Among the current crop of elite relievers, Emmanuel Clase stands out. With 38 saves in 41 chances and an astonishing 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, Clase has proven to be nearly untouchable. His 53 strikeouts compared to only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings highlight his control and dominance on the mound. Yet, despite these remarkable statistics, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans currently rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR. It's noteworthy that Fedde has transitioned to the National League and Skubal is anticipated to maintain a cautious approach through September.
Tyler Anderson's pitching, marked by a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Cole Ragans' anticipated continuation of strong performances despite recent injuries, illustrate the competitive nature and high standards in the league.
The trajectory and achievements of these relievers not only underscore their critical roles within their teams but also highlight the significant evolution in how these players are perceived and valued within the broader context of the game. From Mike Marshall's groundbreaking season in 1974 to Emmanuel Clase's current dominance, the legacy and impact of elite relievers continue to shape the narrative of Major League Baseball.