Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. His extraordinary achievements that year are not just a testament to his skills but also a turning point for relievers in a mostly starter-centric award category.
Marshall’s feats were legendary, winning the National League Cy Young Award by working an astonishing 200 innings in relief. This accomplishment showcased that a reliever could not only contribute significantly but also dominate to such an extent that they could compete with starters for prestigious awards.
Relievers in the Limelight
Following in Marshall’s footsteps, several other relievers have gone on to claim the coveted Cy Young Award. In 1977, Sparky Lyle captured the American League Cy Young Award, setting a remarkable precedent. Bruce Sutter, another formidable closer, won the 1979 NL Cy Young, further solidifying the importance of relievers in the game.
In 1981, Rollie Fingers not only secured the AL Cy Young but also clinched the AL MVP with 78 innings pitched, a rare dual achievement that underscored his dominance on the mound. Just a few years later, in 1984, Willie Hernandez echoed Fingers’ success, winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young with an impressive 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
Steve Bedrosian continued this legacy by claiming the NL Cy Young Award in 1987 with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis followed suit in 1989, earning the NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings.
Perhaps one of the most memorable seasons for a reliever came in 1992 when Dennis Eckersley claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with 80 innings of relief work. This remarkable performance further demonstrated the potential for relievers to dominate postseason accolades.
Modern-Day Relief Aces
In more recent times, Eric Gagne won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003, becoming the only reliever to secure the Cy Young post-Eckersley. Today, relievers like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have carved out their own places in baseball history.
Kimbrel, a stalwart in the bullpen since being drafted as a reliever, did not start a single game in the minors until a rehab stint in 2016. Similarly, Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has been a dominant force ever since.
The Case of Emmanuel Clase
One name making waves in recent seasons is Emmanuel Clase. With 38 saves in 41 chances, Clase's performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Boasting a 0.59 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP, Clase has recorded 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, showcasing his precision and effectiveness.
Despite these impressive statistics, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR. Fedde has since 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 is looking to continue his strong performances despite recent injury, have also drawn attention.
Clase’s effectiveness and dominance in the bullpen role underscore the evolving nature of pitching in baseball. While starters still command much of the spotlight, performances like Clase’s prove that relievers are more than capable of shaping the outcomes of games and seasons.
As we reflect upon the illustrious careers of past Cy Young-winning relievers and observe the current crop of bullpen aces, it’s clear that the contributions of relief pitchers have become an integral part of baseball’s rich narrative. They have set benchmarks, achieved extraordinary feats, and continuously redefined what it means to be a pitcher in Major League Baseball.