A Look Back at Historic Reliever Performances in MLB
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of Major League Baseball's most remarkable feats, setting an enduring standard for relief pitchers. Marshall’s unprecedented achievement of 200 innings in relief earned him the National League Cy Young Award, demonstrating that relievers could indeed dominate in a traditionally starter-focused category.
This milestone by Marshall paved the way for future relief pitchers to be considered for top accolades. Notably, Sparky Lyle captured the American League Cy Young Award in 1977, further cementing the critical influence of relievers in the game. Two years later, Bruce Sutter won the 1979 NL Cy Young, establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
Rollie Fingers took the recognition of relievers to another level in 1981 by securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, despite pitching only 78 innings. Similarly, Willie Hernandez achieved dual honors in 1984 with a stunning 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched, showcasing his exceptional value to his team.
In 1987, Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award with an impressive 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Two years later, Mark Davis followed suit by winning the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings.
Dennis Eckersley’s triumph in 1992, when he claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with 80 innings of relief work, solidified the elite status of relievers in major awards discussions. However, after Eckersley, there was a significant gap until Eric Gagne broke through to win the NL Cy Young Award in 2003. Gagne remains the last reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, underscoring the rarity of such achievements in recent times.
Relievers like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have made significant contributions to their teams' bullpens in modern baseball. Kimbrel, a stalwart in the bullpen since being drafted as a reliever, did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has been a formidable presence ever since.
Emmanuel Clase has also emerged as a dominant force in the bullpen. With 38 saves in 41 chances, a dazzling 0.59 ERA, and a 0.67 WHIP, Clase recorded 53 strikeouts against just seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings. These statistics highlight Clase's impressive control and efficiency as a closer.
Despite these performances, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in American League pitcher WAR. Fedde has since transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September to manage his workload. Anderson, pitching with a 4.46 FIP and a 1.23 WHIP, continues to be a reliable arm. Ragans, despite recent injury concerns, is expected to maintain his strong performances moving forward.
The landscape of Major League Baseball continues to evolve, yet the extraordinary contributions of relievers remain a cornerstone of pitching success. From Marshall’s historic 200 innings in relief to Clase's incredible efficiency, each era has witnessed remarkable achievements from the bullpen. These milestones not only highlight the versatility and endurance of relievers but also their indispensable role in the ever-dynamic world of baseball.