Mike Marshall’s 1974 season stands as a hallmark of endurance and excellence in Major League Baseball history. Throughout the tumultuous summer and fall, Marshall logged an eye-popping 200 innings exclusively from the bullpen, an achievement that remains unmatched and unlikely to be surpassed. This marathon-like performance not only earned him the prestigious National League Cy Young Award but also underscored the potential impact a reliever could have on a sport historically dominated by starting pitchers.
Marshall's unprecedented feat paved the way for future relievers to challenge for the Cy Young, an honor once thought reserved for starters. Sparky Lyle picked up the baton in 1977, clinching the American League Cy Young Award, further highlighting the crucial role of relief pitchers. Bruce Sutter followed suit in 1979, winning the National League Cy Young and solidifying his status as one of the most intimidating closers of his generation.
The early 1980s continued this trend, with Rollie Fingers achieving a dual distinction in 1981 by winning both the AL MVP and the Cy Young Award. Fingers’ 78 innings pitched demonstrated his dominance on the mound, effectively challenging the traditional metrics of success for pitchers. Just a few years later, in 1984, Willie Hernandez replicated this remarkable double accolade in the American League with his sterling 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings.
As the decade progressed, Steve Bedrosian took home the National League Cy Young Award in 1987 by converting 40 saves in 48 attempts while pitching 89 innings. Mark Davis followed in 1989, also securing 44 saves in 48 chances and delivering 92 2/3 innings of solid performance.
The early 1990s saw Dennis Eckersley put an emphatic stamp on the reliever’s growing importance in baseball. In 1992, Eckersley not only bagged the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards but also etched his name in the annals of baseball lore as one of the most consistent and reliable closers. His 80 innings of work in relief that season epitomized his reliability and skill.
Fast forward to 2003, Eric Gagne swooped in to become the last reliever to win a Cy Young Award thus far, post-Eckersley. Gagne’s prowess on the mound was nothing short of electrifying, captivating fans and setting a high benchmark for future closers.
Contemporary relief pitchers like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman continue to carry the torch, managing to make their mark despite an evolving game. Kimbrel, who was drafted as a reliever, exemplified consistency by not starting a single game in the minors, a streak that only broke during a rehab stint in 2016. Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, further emphasizing the strategic shift towards specialized pitching roles.
Among the new guard is Emmanuel Clase, who has been making waves with his outstanding performances. Clase's 38 saves in 41 chances, accompanied by a dazzling 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, underscore his dominance in the bullpen. Additionally, his impressive tally of 53 strikeouts versus only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings speaks volumes about his control and effectiveness. Yet, even with such stellar numbers, he faces stiff competition from starting pitchers such as Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans, positioning higher on the AL pitcher WAR leaderboard.
Fedde’s recent transition to the National League, Skubal’s cautious approach due to his health concerns, Anderson’s balanced 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans' resilience through injury highlight the competitive landscape that rewards versatility and endurance. Despite their different roles and responsibilities, both starters and relievers continue to push the boundaries of pitching excellence.
The landscape of Major League Baseball continues to change, with relievers like Clase making a compelling case for their critical importance. As these pitchers redefine what it means to dominate from the bullpen, the legacy of earlier Cy Young-winning relievers provides both inspiration and a benchmark for excellence.