Louis Varland Named AL Reliever of the Year
The Toronto closer won the BBWAA award after receiving 16 first-place votes and 146 points.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Baseball
Louis Varland was named the BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year, receiving 16 first-place votes and finishing with 146 points. He finished ahead of Cade Smith, who had 133 points and seven first-place votes, and Bryan Baker, who had 111 points and six first-place votes.
Why it matters
The award recognizes Varland's performance as Toronto's closer, a role he took over from Jeff Hoffman last season. Voting determined the winner through first-place votes and total points across the field.
Varland posted a 1.27 ERA over 78 innings and saved 35 games, while finishing with 146 points and 16 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting. His point total ran 13 ahead of Cade Smith's 133 and 35 ahead of Bryan Baker's 111.
The players
Louis Varland
Louis Varland is a right-handed relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who took over as the team's closer last season.
Cade Smith
Cade Smith is a relief pitcher who finished second in the BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year voting with 133 points.
Bryan Baker
Bryan Baker is a relief pitcher who finished third in the BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year voting with 111 points.
The details
Varland received the most first-place votes and total points in the balloting for the BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year. He took over as Toronto's closer last season after Jeff Hoffman, and his 35 saves and 1.27 ERA over 78 innings led to the honor.
Timeline
Last season: Varland replaced Jeff Hoffman as Toronto's closer.
November 11, 2026: Varland was named BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year.
Season Trajectory
Varland's award follows Jeff Hoffman's role as Toronto's closer, marking a changing of the guard in the Blue Jays' bullpen. The honor places him among the top American League relievers in the current award cycle.
The award strengthens Varland's standing as one of the top American League relievers entering the offseason. For fantasy managers, his 35 saves and 1.27 ERA signal a reliable closer profile heading into next season.
The takeaway
Varland's 16 first-place votes and 146 points show a clear consensus on the top American League reliever this cycle. His combination of a 1.27 ERA and 35 saves underscores the value of a dominant ninth-inning arm.
Further reading
Explore more baseball coverage for context on the American League's top relievers and award races.
