A Season for the Ages: Relievers' Dominance in Cy Young History
The 1974 Major League Baseball season remains etched in the annals of history, thanks to Mike Marshall’s extraordinary performance. Marshall's dominance on the mound was underscored when he secured the National League Cy Young Award by pitching an astounding 200 innings in relief. This unparalleled achievement set a precedent, proving that relievers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate in an award category often reserved for starting pitchers.
Since Marshall's groundbreaking season, several other relievers have followed in his formidable footsteps, making their mark as dominant forces in a predominantly starter-centric category. Sparky Lyle was one such figure, capturing the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Just two years later, Bruce Sutter emerged as another top-tier closer, winning the 1979 NL Cy Young and establishing himself as one of the most formidable relievers of his era.
In the 1980s, the narrative continued as relievers consistently proved their worth. Rollie Fingers notably secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1981, with a commendable 78 innings pitched. Similarly, Willie Hernandez followed suit in 1984, boasting a remarkable 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings to claim both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards.
The trend of relievers clinching top honors did not wane as the decade progressed. Steve Bedrosian clinched the 1987 NL Cy Young Award, demonstrated by his 40 saves in 48 chances across 89 innings pitched. Two years later, in 1989, Mark Davis achieved a similar feat, converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings to win the NL Cy Young Award.
The early 1990s continued to witness the dominance of relievers with Dennis Eckersley shining brightly in 1992. Eckersley claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, with 80 innings of relief work solidifying his legacy as a key figure in baseball history.
Fast forward to the 2000s, and Eric Gagne emerged as the premier reliever of his time, winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2003. Gagne’s incredible season remains notable as he's the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, highlighting the increasing rarity of such accolades for bullpen warriors.
In today’s game, Craig Kimbrel stands out as a stalwart in the bullpen, ever since being drafted as a reliever. Kimbrel's commitment to the bullpen role saw him avoid starting a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. His journey mirrors that of other esteemed relievers like Aroldis Chapman, who transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has since carved out a notable career.
Among the more recent bullpen marvels, Emmanuel Clase's performance has been nothing short of exceptional. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, posting an astounding 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 1/3 innings, Clase recorded 53 strikeouts and issued only seven unintentional walks, highlighting his precision and dominance on the mound.
However, when evaluating Clase’s contribution, it's crucial to consider the broader landscape of American League pitchers. Pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans have posted higher WAR (Wins Above Replacement) than Clase. Skubal, in particular, is expected to adopt a cautious approach through the final stretch of the season, while Fedde has transitioned to the National League, potentially shifting the dynamics of AL pitching ranks.
Tyler Anderson's and Cole Ragans’ accomplishments on the mound further illustrate the competitive nature of AL pitchers. Anderson, with a 4.46 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and 1.23 WHIP, consistently contributes solid performances. Ragans, despite recent injuries, is expected to continue his strong showings, underscoring the depth of talent present in today's game.
The legacy of dominant relief pitching, initiated by Mike Marshall’s sterling 1974 season, continues to evolve. As the modern game leans on both starters and relievers to achieve success, the milestones set by relievers over the years serve as a testament to their invaluable role in the sport. With each passing season, new names emerge, further enriching the storied history of pitchers who’ve left indelible marks on Major League Baseball.