Mike Marshall’s Historic 1974 Season: A Game-Changer for Relievers
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. That year, Marshall set a precedent by winning the National League Cy Young Award, working an astounding 200 innings in relief. His achievement was a significant milestone, proving that relievers could contribute significantly and dominate in a mostly starter-centric award category.
Marshall's pioneering effort opened the doors for other relievers to be recognized for their crucial roles. Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, showcasing the vital impact relief pitchers can make on the game. In 1979, Bruce Sutter emerged as one of the most formidable closers of his era, winning the NL Cy Young Award and further solidifying the importance of relievers in the sport.
Dual MVP and Cy Young Winners
Few relievers have managed to capture both the MVP and Cy Young awards in the same season. Rollie Fingers was one such standout, securing both honors in 1981 with 78 innings pitched. Fingers’ dominance on the mound was mirrored by Willie Hernandez, who achieved the same feat in 1984. Hernandez’s 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched made him an invaluable asset for his team.
In 1992, Dennis Eckersley joined this elite group. Eckersley’s performance, with 80 innings of relief work, exemplified the rare combination of dominance and durability that is necessary to earn both prestigious awards in a single season.
Noteworthy Cy Young Relievers
Steve Bedrosian and Mark Davis are also noteworthy. Bedrosian clinched the National League Cy Young Award in 1987, with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Two years later, Mark Davis won the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings, further highlighting the critical role of closers.
Eric Gagne's 2003 season is another landmark for relievers. Gagne remains the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, cementing his place in baseball history.
Modern-Day Bullpen Stars
In the present day, Craig Kimbrel stands out as a stalwart in the bullpen. Drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. His early transition to the bullpen in 2010 has defined his career, making him one of the most reliable closers in the league.
Aroldis Chapman, who transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, has also made his mark, becoming a dominant force with his blazing fastballs and high strikeout rates. Emmanuel Clase is another name that has recently drawn attention. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a jaw-dropping 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings showcase his control and effectiveness on the mound.
The Competitive Landscape
Despite Clase’s impressive metrics, other pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher in AL pitcher WAR. The competition among these pitchers highlights the depth of talent currently present in the league. Fedde's move to the National League opens new dynamics, while Skubal is expected to approach the remaining season with caution.
Anderson continues to make strides despite his 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is anticipated to maintain his strong performances even after recent injury concerns.
The 2023 season’s evolution of bullpen strategies and individual accomplishments underscores the significant contributions of relievers in shaping the modern game. These players not only preserve leads but also redefine the parameters of pitching excellence.