A History of Dominant Relievers in Major League Baseball
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. Setting a precedent that relief pitchers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate in an award category traditionally dominated by starters, Marshall won the National League Cy Young Award by working an astounding 200 innings in relief. This feat highlighted the pivotal role relievers could play in the dynamics of a successful baseball team.
Marshall’s unparalleled performance opened the door for other relievers to achieve greatness. Just three years later, Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, reinforcing the value of relief pitching. Bruce Sutter, another reliever who established himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era, won the 1979 NL Cy Young Award, solidifying his place in baseball history.
Relievers in the Spotlight
The trend of recognizing exceptional relievers continued into the 1980s, with notable figures making history. In 1981, Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award, a rare double achievement, by pitching 78 innings. Willie Hernandez followed suit in 1984, earning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award with a superb performance characterized by a 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched. These accolades highlighted the critical importance of a reliable bullpen in achieving team success.
Steve Bedrosian's 1987 season was another testament to the prowess of relievers. Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award after recording 40 saves in 48 chances and pitching 89 innings. His exceptional performance underscored the significant impact a closer could have on a team's fortunes.
Mark Davis continued this trend in 1989, winning the NL Cy Young Award by converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. Davis's achievement further solidified the integral role of relievers in the game.
The Modern Era of Dominance
The 1990s saw Dennis Eckersley claim both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992, with 80 innings of relief work. Eckersley's dominance was a clear demonstration of the evolution of the reliever's role within the game. Subsequent years, however, saw a dip in relievers winning these prestigious awards, with Eric Gagne in 2003 being the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley.
In the current landscape, Craig Kimbrel stands out as a stalwart in the bullpen. Since being drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. His career trajectory is a testament to the specialization and dedication required to excel as a reliever in Major League Baseball.
Aroldis Chapman, another notable name in the bullpen, transitioned to a relief role in 2010. His impressive performances have further bolstered the prestige associated with being a top-tier reliever.
Emerging Stars
The next wave of elite relievers is personified by Emmanuel Clase. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a minuscule 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 1/3 innings, Clase recorded 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks, illustrating his dominance on the mound. However, despite his stellar statistics, other pitchers such as Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR.
Changing teams and evolving roles also play a significant part in a pitcher's career. Fedde, for example, has transitioned to the National League, whereas Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September. Meanwhile, Anderson's 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP mark a steady, albeit less dominant, presence on the mound. Ragans, despite a recent injury, is expected to continue his strong performances, showcasing the depth of talent in the current bullpen rosters.
The narrative of relief pitchers in Major League Baseball is one of evolution and adaptation, with each era bringing forth new stars who redefine the role and its impact on the game. From Marshall’s groundbreaking 1974 season to Clase’s recent dominance, relievers have proven time and again that prowess in the bullpen can shape a team's destiny and carve out a legacy of excellence.