A Look Back at Historic Performances by Relief Pitchers in Major League Baseball
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season stands out as one of the most extraordinary achievements in Major League Baseball history. Marshall secured the National League Cy Young Award by pitching an astonishing 200 innings in relief, setting a new benchmark for what a reliever could achieve in a role traditionally dominated by starting pitchers. His remarkable accomplishment paved the way for other relievers to make significant contributions and be recognized in categories often monopolized by starters.
The idea that a reliever could dominate was further solidified by Sparky Lyle in 1977 when he captured the American League Cy Young Award. This trend gained momentum with Bruce Sutter winning the National League Cy Young in 1979, establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
Another significant milestone came in 1981 when Rollie Fingers distinguished himself by securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, having pitched 78 innings that season. His dual accolades underscored the crucial role relievers could play not just in securing saves but also in dominating games.
Willie Hernandez followed suit in 1984 by winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. With a stellar 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched, Hernandez’s performance provided further evidence of the invaluable contribution of relievers to their teams' success.
In 1987, Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award with an impressive 40 saves in 48 opportunities and a robust 89 innings pitched. His achievement was soon followed by Mark Davis in 1989, who won the NL Cy Young with 44 saves in 48 opportunities and 92 2/3 innings pitched.
The idea of a reliever being recognized with such prestige was cemented once again in 1992 when Dennis Eckersley claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. Eckersley pitched 80 innings of relief that season, proving the efficacy and dominance a reliever could have over the course of a season.
Fast forward to 2003, and we find Eric Gagne’s exceptional performance earning him the NL Cy Young Award. Notably, Gagne remains the only reliever to have secured a Cy Young post-Eckersley, highlighting the rarity and difficulty of such an achievement in the modern era of baseball.
Relievers such as Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have continued this legacy in different ways. Since being drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel has been a stalwart in the bullpen. His consistency was only briefly interrupted by a rehabilitation stint in 2016, during which he did not start a single game in the minors. Chapman, on the other hand, transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has been a dominant force ever since.
The story of standout relief performances continues with Emmanuel Clase, who saved 38 games out of 41 chances. Clase’s 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, along with 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, underscore his effectiveness on the mound. Despite such impressive statistics, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans are rated higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR, showing the continuous high level of competition and skill in the league.
Fedde has transitioned to the National League, signaling a new chapter in his career. Skubal is expected to adopt a cautious approach through September due to his recent performance metrics. Anderson, pitching with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, continues to be a reliable presence on the mound. Meanwhile, Ragans is anticipated to maintain his strong performances despite a recent injury, further showcasing the resilience and tenacity that define elite pitchers.
The legacy of these relievers is not just in their statistical achievements but also in the way they have transformed perceptions of their roles. From Marshall’s groundbreaking season in 1974 to Clase's current dominance, relief pitchers have repeatedly proven their worth, fundamentally altering the landscape of Major League Baseball.