A Look Back at Relievers Dominating the Cy Young Award
Mike Marshall's 1974 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. In an era dominated by starting pitchers, Marshall's unique accomplishment of working an astounding 200 innings in relief earned him the National League Cy Young Award. His achievement not only set a precedent but also challenged the conventional wisdom that relievers could not significantly contribute to or dominate in a category largely reserved for starters.
Marshall's milestone opened the door for relievers in Cy Young discussions. Sparky Lyle was next to seize the moment, capturing the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Lyle’s success was a testament to the growing recognition of bullpen specialists in the league.
The trend continued with Bruce Sutter, who won the 1979 NL Cy Young Award and established himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era. Sutter's dominance in the closer role highlighted the strategic importance of having a reliable finisher in tight games.
By 1981, Rollie Fingers had secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, thanks to his 78 innings pitched. Fingers proved that even with fewer innings compared to starters, a reliever could wield considerable influence over a team’s success in a single season.
Another pivotal moment came in 1984 when Willie Hernandez claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. His stellar season featured a 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched, underscoring the value of a dominant reliever in a high-leverage environment.
The late 1980s further demonstrated relievers' capacities to clinch Cy Young Awards. Steve Bedrosian won the NL Cy Young in 1987 with impressive numbers, converting 40 saves in 48 chances and pitching 89 innings. Two years later, Mark Davis clinched the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after successfully converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and completing 92 2/3 innings on the mound.
The early 1990s saw Dennis Eckersley follow in these footsteps, taking home both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992. Eckersley’s remarkable consistency over 80 innings of relief work confirmed his place among the elite pitchers of his time.
However, since Eckersley's win, only one reliever has managed to secure a Cy Young Award in the new millennium: Eric Gagne in 2003. His ability to dominate games from the bullpen has been unmatched in recent years, making him the sole reliever to earn the honor post-Eckersley.
Fast forward to the contemporary bullpen picture, and names like Craig Kimbrel come to mind. Drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel didn't start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, emphasizing his specialization and longevity as a bullpen stalwart. Aroldis Chapman’s transition to the bullpen in 2010 similarly highlights the shift towards nurturing pitchers explicitly for relief roles.
Among the current generation of dominant relievers, Emmanuel Clase stands out. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, maintaining an exceptional 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His precision on the mound is evident with 53 strikeouts against only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings.
Despite such remarkable stats, relievers like Clase often find themselves trailing behind starters like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans in the American League pitcher WAR rankings. Fedde’s transition back to the National League and Skubal’s cautious approach through September have been notable points of interest. Anderson’s performance, marked by a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans' resilience despite facing recent injuries, have added intriguing narratives to the league’s pitching dynamics.
As the role of relievers continues to evolve, the historical and contemporary accomplishments of these bullpen specialists remind us of their critical contributions. While starters often capture the lion’s share of the spotlight, the impact of a dominant reliever on the game’s outcome remains undeniably profound.