MLB Announced Monthly Award Winners for September 2026
The league recognized standout individual performers across both the American and National Leagues.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball
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Major League Baseball has named its player, pitcher, rookie, and reliever of the month award winners for September 2026. The selections highlight key performances that defined the final stretch of the regular season.
Why it matters
These monthly honors recognize the specific athletes who dominated the final month of the regular season, providing context for individual momentum heading into the postseason. The awards reflect statistical excellence in hitting, pitching, and relief performance.
Carter Jensen led with a 1.194 OPS in September, while Cade Smith secured 13 scoreless innings during the month. Jared Jones dominated his appearances by not allowing a run in four of his five September starts.
The players
Carter Jensen
He is a 23-year-old athlete who earned dual honors as the American League Player and Rookie of the Month.
Elly De La Cruz
He is an infielder for the Cincinnati Reds who achieved a 30-30 home run and stolen base season.
Jared Jones
He is a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who led the National League with 40 strikeouts in September.
Cade Smith
He is a relief pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who recorded 41 total saves during the season.
Freddy Peralta
He is a pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who was acquired by the team in early August.
The details
Carter Jensen claimed both AL Player and Rookie of the Month honors, while Elly De La Cruz was named NL Player of the Month after reaching the 30-30 home run and stolen base milestone. Freddy Peralta, Jared Jones, Cade Smith, Mason Montgomery, and Cole Carrigg were also recognized for their exceptional contributions on the mound.
Timeline
September 2026 was the period of performance for all monthly award winners.
August 2, 2026, marked the date the Rays acquired Freddy Peralta via trade.
Season Trajectory
These awards serve as a formal capstone to the 2026 regular season, often acting as a reliable bellwether for postseason performance and year-end accolades. By identifying the hottest players entering the playoffs, the league highlights the shifting competitive balance among contenders.
The recognition of Cade Smith with 41 season saves confirms his status as a top-tier fantasy closer and critical relief asset for the Guardians. For Jared Jones, the 40-strikeout month cements his role as the anchor of the Pirates rotation heading into future series.
The takeaway
These monthly awards underscore the importance of hot streaks in defining a player's season narrative. Fans tracking team success should look at these individual metrics as indicators of potential performance in the upcoming postseason games.
Further reading
For more information on the current standings and league leaders, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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