Blue Jays’ Varland wins AL Reliever of the Year Award
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Louis Varland has been named the inaugural American League Reliever of the Year. Varland recorded 35 saves and a 1.27 ERA during his standout 2026 season.
Why it matters
Recognizing top individual performers in professional baseball is a key aspect of sports journalism and league history.
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Louis Varland has won the inaugural American League Reliever of the Year award. Varland finished with 16 of 30 possible first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). Cleveland’s Cade Smith placed second and Tampa Bay’s Bryan Baker was third in the voting.
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