Toronto Blue Jays closer Louis Varland has been named the American League Reliever of the Year after a 2026 season in which he converted 35 of 37 save opportunities and led qualified AL relievers in earned-run average.

The honour was announced Wednesday, according to Sportsnet Staff. Varland finished ahead of Canadian Cade Smith and Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. This is the first year the BBWAA has handed out the award, with ballots cast before the post-season began.

Varland received 16 of the 30 first-place votes. He also appeared second on four ballots, third on five, fourth on one and fifth on another. Smith, Baker and Josh Hader collectively accounted for the remaining 14 first-place votes.

The 28-year-old right-hander took over Toronto’s closer role in late April and finished the regular season with a 1.27 ERA and 97 strikeouts across 78 innings.

Along with leading qualified American League relievers in ERA, Varland ranked first in FanGraphs wins above replacement, or fWAR. He also placed among the league’s top five relievers in strikeouts, saves, win probability added and home runs allowed per nine innings.

The award followed an All-Star selection in July. Varland pitched a scoreless eighth inning with one strikeout as the American League beat the National League 4-0.

Toronto acquired Varland from the Minnesota Twins at the 2025 trade deadline, sending outfielder Alan Roden and pitching prospect Kendry Rojas to Minnesota. His award-winning campaign was his first full season following that deal.

In the National League, San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller won the corresponding honour, finishing ahead of Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jhoan Duran and Milwaukee Brewers closer Tevor Megill.

Sources