In the annals of Major League Baseball history, few seasons by relievers have left as indelible a mark as Mike Marshall’s 1974 campaign. That year, Marshall etched his name in the record books by working an unprecedented 200 innings in relief, a feat that earned him the National League Cy Young Award. His ability to dominate in a role traditionally overshadowed by starters set a significant precedent, demonstrating that relievers could indeed be pivotal figures in the game.
Marshall's historic season opened the door for other relievers to receive similar recognition. Sparky Lyle followed suit, capturing the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Two years later, Bruce Sutter solidified his status as one of the game’s premier closers by winning the 1979 NL Cy Young. Rollie Fingers took it a step further in 1981, securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young with an impressive 78 innings pitched.
The 1980s continued to see relievers shine, with Willie Hernandez earning both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1984. Hernandez posted a 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings, showcasing his dominance throughout the season. Steve Bedrosian continued the trend in 1987, clinching the NL Cy Young Award with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis, another standout closer, won the 1989 NL Cy Young after recording 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings.
The pinnacle of reliever success arguably came in 1992 when Dennis Eckersley not only claimed the AL MVP but also took home the Cy Young Award with 80 innings of stellar relief work. Since Eckersley’s remarkable season, only Eric Gagne has managed to secure a Cy Young Award as a reliever, achieving this feat in 2003.
In comparison, today’s relievers continue to leave their mark, though none have scaled the heights of winning a Cy Young post-Gagne. Craig Kimbrel, for instance, has been a formidable presence in the bullpen since being drafted as a reliever. Kimbrel's dedication to his craft is evident in the fact that he didn't start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016.
Aroldis Chapman, another prominent name, transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, where he has since become one of the most feared relievers in the game. Emmanuel Clase's performance stands out as well; with 38 saves in 41 chances, a 0.59 ERA, and a 0.67 WHIP, Clase is rapidly establishing himself as a key figure in the current bullpen landscape. Over 61 1/3 innings, Clase recorded 53 strikeouts and allowed only seven unintentional walks, underscoring his precision and control.
However, it’s worth noting that when evaluating AL pitcher WAR, Clase finds himself behind starters like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans. Fedde, now plying his trade in the National League, has transitioned smoothly, while Skubal is expected to approach September with caution due to his pitching workload. Anderson, pitching with a 4.46 FIP and a 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans, who continues to deliver strong performances despite recent injuries, highlight the ongoing dynamism and competitiveness among pitchers vying for elite status.
The evolution of the reliever role in Major League Baseball has been remarkable. From Mike Marshall’s groundbreaking 1974 season to today’s bullpen stalwarts like Kimbrel, Chapman, and Clase, the impact of relievers on the game continues to be profound. While starters traditionally draw more attention and accolades, the contributions of these exceptional relievers cannot be overlooked. They serve as crucial components of their teams, often closing out games and securing vital wins, reminding us all that dominance on the mound isn’t solely the domain of starting pitchers.