In the storied history of Major League Baseball, the role of the relief pitcher has evolved dramatically. Once seen as a mere supplement to the starting rotation, relievers have carved out their legacies and have even earned top honors traditionally reserved for starters. A vivid illustration of this evolution can be traced through a series of extraordinary seasons, beginning with Mike Marshall’s unprecedented achievements in 1974.
Mike Marshall's Landmark Season
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. Marshall won the National League Cy Young Award by working an astounding 200 innings in relief. In a time when starting pitchers dominated the Cy Young conversation, Marshall's accomplishment was nothing short of revolutionary. His success set a precedent, proving that relievers could contribute significantly and even dominate in an award category that historically favored starters.
The Rise of Elite Closers
Following in Marshall’s footsteps, Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Just two years later, Bruce Sutter won the 1979 NL Cy Young, establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era. These victories underscored the growing importance and influence of relief pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Dual Honors: MVP and Cy Young
The early 1980s saw two relievers accomplish feats that remain rare in the sport: winning both the MVP and Cy Young Awards. Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young with 78 innings pitched in 1981, setting a standard for excellence in the role of a closer. Following suit, Willie Hernandez achieved the same dual honors in 1984, boasting a 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched. These achievements were milestones that highlighted the indispensable role of elite relievers in their teams' successes.
Continued Excellence in the Bullpen
The late 1980s and early 1990s continued to see relievers earn recognition at the highest levels. Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award in 1987 by converting 40 saves in 48 chances with 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis followed in 1989, winning the NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. These seasons confirmed that relievers were no longer auxiliary players but central figures in their teams' strategies.
Dennis Eckersley's Dominance
Dennis Eckersley then took the mantle, claiming both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with 80 innings of relief work. Eckersley's command and dominance on the mound were exemplary, and his accolades further cemented the stature of elite relievers in Major League Baseball.
The Modern Era of Relievers
Despite the dominance of relievers in past decades, the 21st century has seen fewer relievers win the Cy Young Award. Eric Gagne's win in 2003 stands as a notable exception. Gagne remains the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, highlighting the challenging landscape for relievers in modern baseball where starting pitchers continue to dominate award considerations.
The New Generation
Today’s bullpen stalwarts, such as Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman, continue to redefine the role of the reliever. Kimbrel, drafted as a reliever and maintaining his role through his career, has been a consistent force. Notably, he did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman, another iconic closer, transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, bringing his electrifying fastball to the back end of games.
Emerging Stars
Among the new crop of elite relievers, Emmanuel Clase has made a significant impact. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a remarkable 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. With 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, Clase has proven himself to be one of the most effective relievers in the game. Yet, despite his impressive numbers, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher in AL pitcher WAR, showcasing the continued debate over the valuation of relievers versus starters.
Fedde has since transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach into September. Anderson currently operates with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is anticipated to continue his strong performances despite recent injury.
The trajectory of relievers in Major League Baseball, from Mike Marshall’s pioneering season to the current dominant figures in bullpens, highlights the evolving appreciation of their crucial role. As the game continues to change, the impact of exceptional relief pitchers will undoubtedly remain a significant narrative in the sport.