Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. Marshall’s staggering feat of working 200 innings in relief to win the National League Cy Young Award set a high bar for relievers, proving that they can significantly contribute and even dominate in a category traditionally dominated by starters.
This exceptional precedent opened the door for other relievers to join the ranks of Cy Young Award winners. Sparky Lyle followed in 1977, capturing the American League Cy Young Award. Bruce Sutter further cemented relievers' prowess by winning the 1979 National League Cy Young, establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
Two-Way Threats
Relievers have occasionally transcended their specialist roles to capture both the MVP and Cy Young Awards. Rollie Fingers did precisely that in 1981, with an astonishing 78 innings pitched, underscoring his dominance on the mound. Similarly, Willie Hernandez replicated the dual award feat in 1984, commanding a phenomenal 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched. Dennis Eckersley also claimed both honors in 1992, with 80 innings of relief work, further solidifying the immense impact relievers can have.
Consistency and Excellence
Consistency and excellent performance have defined several Cy Young Award-winning relievers. Steve Bedrosian clinched the National League Cy Young Award in 1987, amassing 40 saves in 48 chances and pitching 89 innings. Mark Davis followed suit in 1989, converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities while pitching 92 2/3 innings. These milestones illustrate the critical role consistent, high-performance relief pitching plays in a team’s success.
Modern Era Standouts
Since Dennis Eckersley, only Eric Gagne has managed to secure a Cy Young Award as a reliever, achieving this rare feat in 2003. Gagne's dominance during that period set him apart, but he remains the solitary post-Eckersley reliever to earn such an honor.
Current stalwarts like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have followed the path of being drafted or transitioning into the bullpen early in their careers. Kimbrel, notably, did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman made his transition to the bullpen in 2010, underscoring a broader trend of specialists from the onset of their careers.
The Class of Clase
One of the most remarkable modern-day relievers is Emmanuel Clase. With 38 saves in 41 chances, Clase boasts a spectacular 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His dominance on the mound is further highlighted by 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings.
Despite these outstanding numbers, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR. Fedde has since transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September. Anderson, pitching with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans, who is set to continue his strong performances despite recent injury, exemplify the breadth of talent among Major League pitchers today.
The landscape of Major League Baseball’s pitching awards continues to evolve. With trailblazers like Mike Marshall and the ongoing excellence of pitchers like Emmanuel Clase, the impact of relievers in the game remains significant. As the metrics and the outcomes unfold, relievers will undoubtedly continue to carve out their unique and indispensable niche in baseball’s storied history.