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Best NL Reliever Named:
Jeff Culpepper said his performance in 2022 was a "statement" to the entire league.
"As an impending free agent you feel like you've got something to prove, something to work for to ensure that next contract," said the Cincinnati Bearcats pitcher, who is seemingly heading for free agency.
The bullpen ace certainly proved himself this year, and he has won the National League Reliever of the Year Award.
The Richmond, Virginia native had a 0.59 ERA this season over 92 innings of work. He made 79 relief appearances and had 52 saves, 201 strikeouts, 18 walks and a record of 6-1. Opponent batters hit only .088 against him.
He received 119 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Nathan Benefield of the Villanova Wildcats finished second in voting, while Mike Knoch of the Cincinnati Bearcats finished third.
Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Jeff Culpepper - Cincinnati Bearcats - 119 - 595
Nathan Benefield - Villanova Wildcats - 0 - 257
Mike Knoch - Cincinnati Bearcats - 0 - 146
Ben Haskell - Florida State Seminoles - 0 - 26
Jason Higgins - Syracuse Orange - 0 - 25
Hector Leon - Northwestern Wildcats - 0 - 16
Scott Murphy - Oregon State Beavers - 0 - 3
Ian Wisehart - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - 0 - 3
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