Sports · Baseball · 24 mins ago
Blue Jays closer Louis Varland named AL Reliever of the Year
Louis Varland was named the American League Reliever of the Year.
Varland is a closer for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The award recognizes a reliever in the American League.
The announcement names Varland as the award’s recipient.
The honor is tied to his role in the Blue Jays bullpen.
No further details about the award or what happens next were provided.
Louis Varland of the Toronto Blue Jays was named the American League Reliever of the Year in the first year of the BBWAA award.
His 1.27 ERA led qualified relievers in 2026, and his 3.1 WAR was the highest in the American League.
Varland struck out 87 batters in 78 innings and recorded 35 saves.
The award is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and considers regular-season performance.
- Who
- Louis Varland, closer for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- What
- He was named the American League Reliever of the Year, the first winner of the BBWAA award.
- When
- The award was announced on November 11, 2026.
- Where
- The American League.
- Why
- His 2026 regular-season performance included a 1.27 ERA, 3.1 WAR and 35 saves.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Blue Jays acquired Varland from the Minnesota Twins.
Varland drew national attention with his high usage.
BBWAA members submitted votes based on regular-season contributions.
Varland was named the first BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year.
- Award
- First BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year
- Team
- Toronto Blue Jays
- ERA
- 1.27
- WAR
- 3.1
- Strikeouts and innings
- 87 strikeouts in 78 innings
- Saves
- 35