Louis Varland Wins Inaugural AL Reliever of the Year Award

Toronto Blue Jays closer Louis Varland won the inaugural BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year Award, receiving 16 of 30 first-place votes for 146 total points. Varland posted a 1.27 ERA with 35 saves, 78 innings pitched, and 97 strikeouts across 71 appearances in his dominant 2026 season. He edged out finalists Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians and Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays to capture the top relief honor.