A Historic Legacy: Relievers Making Their Mark in the Cy Young Race
Major League Baseball boasts a rich history of extraordinary performances, but few are as notable as Mike Marshall’s 1974 season. Marshall’s feat remains a hallmark of excellence, as he claimed the National League Cy Young Award by pitching an astounding 200 innings in relief. This accomplishment underscored that relievers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate what was primarily a starter-centric award category.
Marshall’s achievement in ’74 set a precedent, paving the way for future relievers to shine in the Cy Young race. Sparky Lyle followed suit in 1977, capturing the American League Cy Young Award, further establishing that relievers could indeed hold their own among the game’s best starters. Bruce Sutter, one of the most formidable closers of his era, solidified this trend by winning the 1979 NL Cy Young Award.
Rollie Fingers took it a step further in 1981, securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards after an incredible season that saw him pitch 78 innings. This dual accolade was a testament to his dominance and value to his team. Fingers’ success was mirrored by Willie Hernandez in 1984, as he captured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with a remarkable 1.92 ERA across 140 1/3 innings pitched.
The late 1980s saw further recognition for relievers with Steve Bedrosian clinching the NL Cy Young in 1987, showcasing his prowess with 40 saves in 48 chances over 89 innings. Mark Davis continued the trend in 1989, winning the NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings.
The early ’90s were marked by Dennis Eckersley’s dominance, as he claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with 80 innings of masterful relief work. Eckersley's achievements demonstrated the immense impact a closer could have on a team's success.
Eric Gagne’s 2003 season highlighted the continued relevance and significance of elite relievers, as he earned the NL Cy Young Award. Remarkably, Gagne remains the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley, underscoring the rarity and difficulty of this accomplishment in modern baseball.
Fast forward to the recent era, and pitchers like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have become stalwart figures in the bullpen. Kimbrel’s journey is notable as he did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, solidifying his role as a dedicated reliever. Similarly, Chapman transitioned to the bullpen in 2010, where he has made his mark as a dominant closer.
In present times, Emmanuel Clase has emerged as an exceptional closer, boasting a 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, with 38 saves in 41 opportunities. His impressive stats include 53 strikeouts and just seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings. Despite this, pitchers such as Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR, illustrating the competitive nature of the game.
Fedde has transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to take a cautious approach through September, ensuring he maintains peak performance. Anderson, pitching with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, continues to be a reliable arm, and Ragans is anticipated to sustain his strong performances despite recent injury concerns.
The legacy of elite relievers in the Cy Young race is a testament to the evolution of the game. From Mike Marshall to Emmanuel Clase, these pitchers have shown that excellence in relief work can earn them a spot among baseball's elite, continuing to challenge the traditional views of what defines a Cy Young-worthy campaign.