MLB’s top relievers are set to get their due in 2026 and beyond.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) announced Saturday that it will be adding a Relief Pitcher of the Year Award in both the American and National Leagues at the end of next season.
The BBWAA adds the award to its list of existing end-of-year honours, which includes the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year in both leagues.
MLB has awarded a Reliever of the Year — named after Mariano Rivera in the AL and Trevor Hoffman in the NL — since 2014. Previously, the MLB honour was named the Delivery Man of the Year Award, and was first introduced in 2005. Those awards are voted on by a panel of retired relievers.
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and former St. Louis Cardinal Ryan Helsley were the 2024 winners of the Reliever of the Year in their respective leagues.