A Season to Remember: The Legacy of Relievers in Major League Baseball
The 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, largely due to Mike Marshall’s unprecedented performance. Marshall, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, captured the National League Cy Young Award by working an astounding 200 innings in relief, setting a precedent that relievers can significantly contribute and dominate in a mostly starter-centric award category. This exceptional feat shattered longstanding perceptions and opened doors for relief pitchers in award considerations traditionally dominated by starters.
Trailblazers of the Bullpen
The years following Marshall's groundbreaking achievement saw numerous relievers emerging as dominant forces in MLB. In 1977, Sparky Lyle of the New York Yankees captured the American League Cy Young Award. Lyle's success continued to build on the foundation Marshall laid, showcasing the critical role relievers play in securing victories.
Bruce Sutter further solidified the reputation of relief pitchers by winning the 1979 National League Cy Young Award. Sutter established himself as one of the era's most formidable closers, bringing unparalleled skill and precision to the mound. His dominance not only garnered personal accolades but also elevated the status of closers within the sport.
The 1980s saw more relievers earning recognition for their exceptional performances. Rollie Fingers, with his impressive 78 innings pitched, secured both the American League MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1981. Just three years later, Willie Hernandez achieved the same feat, boasting a 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched, further emphasizing the significance of relievers in the game.
Consistency and Excellence
The late 1980s featured more stellar performances from the bullpen. Steve Bedrosian clinched the National League Cy Young Award in 1987, with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis continued the trend, winning the 1989 National League Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings.
The 1992 season saw Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics achieve dual honors by claiming both the American League MVP and Cy Young Awards. Eckersley’s 80 innings of relief work underscored his dominance and further cemented the importance of relievers in achieving team success and individual accolades.
The Challenges of Modern Relievers
In 2003, Eric Gagne became the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, marking a significant achievement in the modern era. Gagne's success was a testament to the evolving role of relievers and their critical impact on the game.
Among today's prominent relievers, Craig Kimbrel has been a stalwart in the bullpen since being drafted. Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, highlighting his consistent role as a dedicated relief pitcher. Similarly, Aroldis Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, showcasing the evolving specialization within modern baseball.
The Emergence of Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase represents the new generation of dominant relievers, with a record that speaks volumes. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a minuscule 0.59 ERA and an equally impressive 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 1/3 innings, he recorded 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks, demonstrating exceptional control and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Despite Clase’s extraordinary performance, he ranks behind pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans in American League pitcher WAR. Fedde has since transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September. Anderson continues to pitch with a 4.46 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is expected to maintain his strong performances despite recent injury setbacks.
These developments highlight the ever-evolving dynamics of the bullpen and the increasing value placed on specialized roles within teams. As the game progresses, the contributions of relief pitchers like Clase continue to shape the landscape of MLB, following in the footsteps of legends like Mike Marshall, Sparky Lyle, and Dennis Eckersley.
The legacy of these relievers serves as a testament to their enduring influence and the crucial role they play in the fabric of Major League Baseball.