Relievers in the Spotlight: A Retrospective on Cy Young Award Winners
In the storied history of Major League Baseball, few feats are as extraordinary as Mike Marshall’s 1974 season. His Herculean effort of pitching 200 innings entirely in relief not only won him the National League Cy Young Award but also set a new benchmark for what relievers could achieve. This unprecedented contribution demonstrated that relief pitchers could dominate in an award category traditionally dominated by starting pitchers.
This paradigm shift was further evidenced in 1977 when Sparky Lyle captured the American League Cy Young Award, solidifying the growing respect for relievers in baseball’s highest accolades. The trend continued with Bruce Sutter’s 1979 NL Cy Young win, establishing him as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
Rollie Fingers took it to another level in 1981 by not only securing the AL Cy Young but also the MVP award, despite pitching only 78 innings. His dual accomplishment was an emphatic statement about the impact a reliever can have on a game and a season.
Three years later, Willie Hernandez mirrored Fingers’ success in 1984, clinching both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. Hernandez's stellar performance, featuring a 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched, further entrenched the notion that relievers could indeed be the most critical players on their teams. Steve Bedrosian continued this trend by winning the NL Cy Young Award in 1987, with an impressive 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched.
Mark Davis followed suit in 1989, securing the NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities while pitching 92 2/3 innings. These accomplishments were a testament to the evolving role of the reliever in modern baseball.
The early 90s saw Dennis Eckersley claim both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with 80 innings of relief work. His ability to shut down games ushered in a new era where elite closers could be the difference-makers in a season.
In a more recent chapter, Eric Gagne’s 2003 NL Cy Young Award win showcased the persistent relevance of relievers in the Cy Young conversation. Gagne’s dominance on the mound continues to resonate, as he remains the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley.
Today’s bullpens are still heavily influenced by these trailblazers. Craig Kimbrel, ever since being drafted as a reliever, has been a stalwart in the bullpen. Interestingly, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, highlighting the specialized nature of his role.
Aroldis Chapman’s transition to the bullpen in 2010 further underscores the evolving dynamics of the game. Chapman, with his electrifying velocity, has cemented his place as one of the most feared relievers in baseball.
Emmanuel Clase, another contemporary example, saved an impressive 38 games in 41 chances. Clase’s metrics are equally astounding, boasting a 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His 53 strikeouts compared to only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings showcase his precision and effectiveness on the mound.
Despite Clase's exceptional statistics, it’s interesting to note that pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than him in AL pitcher WAR. Fedde has even transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to approach his September outings with caution. Anderson’s metrics include a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is anticipated to continue his strong performances despite recent injuries.
The trajectory of relievers in the game has undeniably shifted from Marshall’s groundbreaking 1974 season through to the present day. These elite players have not only redefined their roles but have also made history along the way. As baseball continues to evolve, the contributions of these remarkable athletes will forever be etched in the annals of the sport’s history.