Mike Marshall's 1974 season stands as an enduring testament to the extraordinary potential of relievers in Major League Baseball. In an era dominated by starting pitchers, Marshall blazed a trail by winning the National League Cy Young Award, while logging an astonishing 200 innings in relief. This achievement redefined the expectations for relievers and showcased their ability to make a significant impact in a field typically reserved for starters.
The influence of Marshall's groundbreaking season was felt throughout the next decade. Sparky Lyle followed suit by claiming the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, solidifying his spot as an outstanding reliever. It was clear that the landscape was shifting, and more relievers began to earn recognition for their pivotal roles in their teams' successes.
In 1979, Bruce Sutter further cemented the status of relievers by capturing the NL Cy Young Award. Known for his unyielding presence on the mound, Sutter became one of the era's most intimidating closers. His dominance was a clear indicator that relief pitchers could not only compete but excel at the highest levels of the sport.
Dual Honors: MVP and Cy Young
The early 1980s saw remarkable dual achievements by relievers in the form of Rollie Fingers and Willie Hernandez. Fingers, in 1981, claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young awards, having pitched 78 innings with finesse and control. Just a few years later, in 1984, Willie Hernandez mirrored this feat with a 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched, securing both prestigious awards and further highlighting the critical role of relievers.
Steve Bedrosian's 1987 NL Cy Young victory was marked by his exceptional save percentage, converting 40 saves in 48 chances. The late 1980s brought more accolades for relievers, with Mark Davis's 1989 NL Cy Young win, thanks to his 44 saves in 48 opportunities and a commendable 92 2/3 innings pitched.
The Eckersley Era and Beyond
Dennis Eckersley's 1992 season exemplified the peak of reliever success, as he captured both the AL MVP and Cy Young awards with 80 innings of relief work. His performances set a standard for future generations of closers and exemplified the value of a reliable bullpen in achieving team success.
The turn of the new millennium brought Eric Gagne's phenomenal 2003 season, where he earned the NL Cy Young Award. Gagne remains the only reliever post-Eckersley to secure a Cy Young Award, maintaining his unique place in baseball history.
Modern-Day Stalwarts: Kimbrel and Chapman
In recent years, Craig Kimbrel has stood out as a remarkably consistent presence in the bullpen. Notably, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, underscoring his specialization and expertise as a reliever from the onset of his career. Similarly, Aroldis Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, becoming a key figure in late-inning pressure situations ever since.
Current Era Highlights: Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase has recently emerged as one of the game's brightest bullpen talents. With 38 saves in 41 chances, and boasting an impressive 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, Clase has established himself as a formidable force on the mound. His staggering 53 strikeouts and mere seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings reflect his precision and dominance.
Despite Clase's remarkable statistics, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR, indicating the depth and competitiveness among pitchers in the league. Fedde's transition to the National League further illustrates the fluidity and dynamic nature of player development and team strategies. Meanwhile, Skubal's cautious approach through September and Anderson's solid performance (boasting a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP) show the diverse paths pitchers take in their careers.
Ragans, showing resilience despite recent injuries, continues to build on his strong performances, reinforcing the notion that both starters and relievers contribute significantly to their teams' success.