Mike Marshall’s 1974 season stands as one of the most remarkable achievements in Major League Baseball history, showcasing the profound impact a reliever can have on the game. Marshall earned the National League Cy Young Award that year by pitching an astounding 200 innings in relief, a feat that remains unparalleled. His performance set a precedent in baseball, demonstrating that relievers could significantly contribute and even dominate in a pitcher-centric award category traditionally dominated by starters.
Following in Marshall’s footsteps, several relievers have left their indelible mark on the game by clinching the prestigious Cy Young Award. Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, solidifying his place among the era's elite pitchers. Bruce Sutter followed in 1979, winning the NL Cy Young and establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his time.
Rollie Fingers took it a step further in 1981 by securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, an extraordinary feat for a reliever. With 78 innings pitched that season, Fingers became an exemplar of how a reliever could be pivotal in a team's success. In 1984, Willie Hernandez mirrored this accomplishment, winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with an impressive 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched.
Steve Bedrosian continued this trend by clinching the NL Cy Young Award in 1987, amassing 40 saves in 48 chances and pitching 89 innings. Mark Davis followed suit in 1989 after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities with 92 2/3 innings pitched, further cementing the significance of relievers in the game. Dennis Eckersley's exceptional 1992 season saw him claim both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, rounding out the era of dominant relievers with 80 innings of stellar relief work.
More recently, Eric Gagne's 2003 NL Cy Young Award marked the last time a reliever received the prestigious accolade. His dominance in the bullpen remains a benchmark for modern-day relievers. Among the contemporary bullpen stalwarts, Craig Kimbrel has shown consistent dominance ever since being drafted as a reliever. Notably, he did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016.
Aroldis Chapman’s 2010 transition to the bullpen exemplified a strategic move that paid dividends, highlighting the evolving role and importance of relievers in baseball. Emmanuel Clase stands out in the current era with 38 saves in 41 chances, a remarkable 0.59 ERA, and a 0.67 WHIP. Clase’s statistics, featuring 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, underscore his dominance.
However, even with such standout performances, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans have posted higher WAR rankings among AL pitchers. Interestingly, Fedde has transitioned to the National League, showcasing potential versatility. Skubal is navigating a cautious approach through September, reflecting a strategic management of his pitching workload. Anderson’s figures, with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, paint a picture of a reliable pitcher, while Ragans is expected to continue his strong performances despite recent injuries.
In conclusion, the evolution and impact of relievers in Major League Baseball remain significant. From the groundbreaking achievements of Mike Marshall and Bruce Sutter to the contemporary dominance of Emmanuel Clase, relievers have repeatedly proven their worth and versatility. Their ability to clinch awards traditionally dominated by starters and maintain pivotal roles in their teams' successes highlights the enduring importance of relief pitchers in the ever-evolving landscape of baseball.