Relievers Shine in the Spotlight: A Historical Perspective on Cy Young Award Winners
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. Marshall, displaying an indefatigable spirit, won the National League Cy Young Award by working an astounding 200 innings in relief. This extraordinary feat set a precedent, demonstrating that relievers could contribute significantly and dominate in a mostly starter-centric award category.
Marshall's trailblazing performance opened the door for other relievers to be recognized for their excellence. In 1977, Sparky Lyle captured the American League Cy Young Award, further cementing the notion that relievers were instrumental in shaping a team's success. Two years later, Bruce Sutter won the 1979 NL Cy Young, establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
In 1981, Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young with 78 innings pitched, underscoring his exceptional value and influence on the field. Fingers' dual accolades spotlighted the pivotal role relievers played, a theme that continued in 1984 when Willie Hernandez also won both the AL MVP and Cy Young. Hernandez’s stellar performance, featuring a 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched, showcased the versatility and dominance top relievers could bring.
The trend continued with Steve Bedrosian, who clinched the NL Cy Young Award in 1987 by achieving 40 saves in 48 chances and pitching 89 innings. Similarly, Mark Davis won the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. Their achievements added further validation to the argument that relievers were as valuable as starters, if not more so, in certain scenarios.
Dennis Eckersley’s 1992 campaign stands as another testament to the impact a dominant reliever can have. Claiming both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, Eckersley’s 80 innings of relief work were emblematic of efficiency and effectiveness. However, since Eckersley, only one reliever has managed to secure a Cy Young Award. Eric Gagne's success in 2003 stands as a modern benchmark, highlighting the rarity and difficulty for relievers to receive such honors in recent years.
As we analyze contemporary bullpen aces, figures like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman represent the evolution and specialization of modern relievers. Kimbrel, who has been a stalwart in the bullpen ever since being drafted as a reliever, did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman made a similar transition to the bullpen in 2010, becoming a fixture of reliability and velocity.
Among today’s elite, Emmanuel Clase stands out with his remarkable 2022 season. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a minuscule 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His 53 strikeouts and merely seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings illustrate his superb command and dominance.
Nevertheless, despite Clase’s impressive statistics, several starting pitchers, such as Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans, currently rank higher in AL pitcher WAR. Skubal, taking a cautious approach through September, and the transitioning Fedde, highlight how the landscape is always shifting. Anderson's 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans’ continued strong performances despite recent injury, demonstrate the varying contributions pitchers can make, whether coming from the bullpen or starting the game.
The legacy of impactful relievers in Major League Baseball has been punctuated by iconic seasons and unprecedented achievements. From Mike Marshall’s groundbreaking 1974 campaign to Emmanuel Clase’s dominance today, the contributions of relievers remain a critical part of the game's fabric. As the role of the bullpen evolves, so too does the recognition of these pivotal players who are integral to their teams' successes. The enduring achievements of these relievers continue to enhance the narrative that pitchers, irrespective of their role, can leave an indelible mark on the sport.