Few seasons in Major League Baseball history have showcased the dominance and stamina required to redefine the role of a reliever quite like Mike Marshall’s 1974 campaign. Marshall's unparalleled feat of working 200 innings purely in relief remains a benchmark for bullpen excellence. This remarkable endurance earned him the National League Cy Young Award, setting a new standard for what a reliever could achieve in an era dominated by starters.
Marshall's groundbreaking success paved the way for other standout relievers in subsequent years. Sparky Lyle made his mark in 1977, capturing the American League Cy Young Award, further solidifying the reliever's role in the game. Just two years later, Bruce Sutter emerged as a formidable closer, securing the 1979 NL Cy Young Award and cementing his legacy as one of the most feared relievers of his era.
Dual Award Winners
Rollie Fingers added to the reliever legacy by not only winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1981 but doing so with 78 innings pitched. His performance underscored the significant impact a reliever could make, even in a predominantly starter-centric award category. Three years later, Willie Hernandez mirrored Fingers’ achievement. Hernandez's 1984 season was highlighted by a 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched, earning him both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards.
Continuing the Tradition
In the late 1980s, Steve Bedrosian and Mark Davis continued the trend of relievers receiving major accolades. Bedrosian’s 1987 campaign saw him clinch the NL Cy Young Award with 40 saves in 48 chances, complemented by 89 innings of work. Davis followed in 1989, converting 44 of 48 save opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings to secure the NL Cy Young Award. Their success emphasized the evolving situation in which relievers could be recognized on par with starters.
The Eckersley Era
Dennis Eckersley’s 1992 season was another landmark for relievers, as he claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with 80 innings of relief work. Eckersley's dominance served as a precursor to the evolving role of relievers as essential components of successful teams.
Relievers in the Modern Era
Jumping ahead to the 21st century, Eric Gagne stands out as the last reliever post-Eckersley to win a Cy Young Award. His 2003 NL Cy Young Award-winning season remains a significant milestone, showcasing the rarity of such achievements in recent times. Meanwhile, in today’s game, Craig Kimbrel has consistently proven to be a stalwart in the bullpen. Drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel didn’t start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, emphasizing his commitment to mastering the bullpen role.
Aroldis Chapman, another modern bullpen star, made a significant transition in 2010, moving from starter to reliever and establishing himself as one of the most dominant closers in the league. His transition reflects a broader trend where pitchers increasingly find success by specializing in relief roles.
Emerging Stars
In the current era, Emmanuel Clase has made a name for himself with an impressive track record. With 38 saves in 41 chances, a 0.59 ERA, and a 0.67 WHIP, Clase has recorded 53 strikeouts against only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, showcasing elite control and effectiveness. Yet, despite his achievements, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR, highlighting the ongoing debate over the value and impact of relievers compared to starters.
Fedde’s transition to the National League and Skubal’s cautious approach through September reflect the dynamic nature of pitching roles and their contributions to team success. Anderson's performance with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, along with Ragans' strong outings despite recent injuries, further illustrate the intricate balance between starters and relievers in today's game.
As the role of the reliever continues to evolve, the legacies of pitchers like Mike Marshall, Rollie Fingers, and Dennis Eckersley serve as enduring reminders of the significant impact that bullpen aces can have on the game. Their achievements have not only shaped the history of Major League Baseball but also set the stage for future generations of relievers to aspire to greatness.