Mike Marshall's 1974 season holds a special place in Major League Baseball history, standing out as a benchmark for relief pitchers. Marshall's Herculean effort of working 200 innings in relief earned him the National League Cy Young Award, setting an unprecedented standard for relievers in a domain that had been traditionally dominated by starters. His performance paved the way for other relief pitchers to be considered serious contenders for the prestigious award.
Several other relievers have since followed in Marshall's footsteps, capturing Cy Young Awards and further proving their critical role in the game. In 1977, Sparky Lyle garnered the American League Cy Young Award, showcasing his adeptness in closing out games. Just two years later, Bruce Sutter's dominance as a closer was recognized when he won the 1979 NL Cy Young Award.
The 1980s continued to highlight the significance of relief pitchers. Rollie Fingers not only earned both the AL MVP and Cy Young with 78 innings pitched in 1981, but he also illustrated the dual threat a top-tier reliever could be. Willie Hernandez matched this rare feat in 1984, winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young titles, backed by his extraordinary 1.92 ERA across 140 1/3 innings pitched. In 1987, Steve Bedrosian's impressive 40 saves in 48 chances over 89 innings earned him the NL Cy Young Award. Mark Davis kept the momentum rolling for relievers by capturing the 1989 NL Cy Young after successfully converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings.
Dennis Eckersley's 1992 season mirrored the multifaceted brilliance of earlier MVP-Cy Young Award winners, as he clinched both honors with 80 innings of sterling relief work. His success further cemented the reliever's role, bridging into the modern era.
The turn of the century saw fewer relievers honored with the Cy Young. However, Eric Gagne's 2003 season revived the conversation. Gagne remains the only reliever post-Eckersley to win a Cy Young, solidifying his place in the annals of baseball history.
Today's bullpen stalwarts continue to carry the legacy forward. Craig Kimbrel has been a force in relief ever since he was drafted, not making a single start in the minors other than a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Aroldis Chapman, another dominant closer, transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since.
In recent seasons, Emmanuel Clase has emerged as one of the most formidable closers. Saving 38 games in 41 chances, Clase boasts a 0.59 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. His command on the mound is evident through his 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings pitched.
While Clase's performance is stellar, some starting pitchers still edge ahead in terms of WAR in the American League. Pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher. However, with Fedde transitioning to the National League and Skubal adopting a cautious approach through the season's final stretch, the relievers' contributions remain invaluable.
Anderson's efforts have been substantial, with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans is expected to sustain his robust performances despite a recent injury. These dynamics underscore the evolving nature of pitching in MLB, where both starters and relievers play pivotal roles.
In summary, the legacy of outstanding relief pitching, initiated by Mike Marshall in 1974, continues to influence and inspire the baseball landscape today. From the dominance of Fingers, Hernandez, and Eckersley to the current exploits of Clase, Kimbrel, and Chapman, relief pitchers continue to prove their irreplaceable value, often outperforming and outlasting their starter-label counterparts.