Dylan Cease and Louis Varland Named AL Award Finalists
Dylan Cease was named a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award, while Louis Varland secured a spot among the contenders for the AL Reliever of the Year Award. The announcements, made by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), highlight the duo’s standout performances during the 2026 season.
Cease’s Stellar Season and Injuries
In his initial season with the Blue Jays, Cease, 30, recorded a 2.40 ERA with 239 strikeouts and 78 walks over 169 innings. His performance included two no‑hit bids in July, though his fastball velocity dipped after those starts. Before a complete‑game one‑hitter against the Red Sox on July 25, Cease’s four‑seam fastball averaged 97.4 mph, but it dropped to 95.5 mph afterward. His final start of the season saw his first pitch at 91.1 mph, the slowest of his career, leading to a 2.2‑inning outing and a 15‑day injured‑list stint due to right‑shoulder inflammation.
Your 2026 @officialBBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Award finalists:Bryan Baker, RaysCade Smith, GuardiansLouis Varland, Blue Jays pic.twitter.com/zq9VzwntB4
The 2026 season marked Cease’s second career Cy Young finalist appearance, following a second‑place finish in 2022 with the White Sox. He also finished fourth in 2024 while with the Padres. His 2.56 fielding‑independent pitching (FIP) and 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings ranked among the league’s best, though his walk rate was the highest among qualified pitchers.
Varland’s Record‑Breaking Reliever Season
Varland, 28, emerged as a key figure in the Blue Jays’ bullpen, setting an MLB post‑season record for relief appearances during Toronto’s World Series run. He took over the closer role from Jeff Hoffman in late April. Over 78 innings, Varland posted a 1.27 ERA, 35 saves, and 97 strikeouts, the lowest ERA among qualified relievers. His performance earned him a spot on the All‑Star team alongside Cease and second baseman Ernie Clement.
Absolute DAWG 🐶Louis Varland is a Reliever of the Year Finalist! pic.twitter.com/qDE04zDAJP
Varland’s 2026 season could make him the first pitcher in franchise history to win the Reliever of the Year Award. The other finalists for the award were Bryan Baker of the Rays and Canadian right‑hander Cade Smith of the Guardians.
Blue Jays’ Cy Young Legacy
The Blue Jays have a storied history with the Cy Young Award, having awarded it to five pitchers since 1996. Pat Hentgen won in 1996, followed by Roger Clemens in 1997 and 1998. Roy Halladay claimed the honor in 2003, and Robbie Ray won in 2021. Cam Schlittler of the Yankees is currently considered a frontrunner for the award.
Cease’s 2.40 ERA ranked third in MLB and second in the AL, while Schlittler’s 31.4% strikeout rate and 25% K‑BB% were strong metrics. Cease’s command issues, which led to shorter starts, further complicated his case.
What’s Next for the Finalists?
The winners of the AL Cy Young and Reliever of the Year Awards will be announced next week.
The Blue Jays’ double recognition highlights their pitching achievements, but Cease’s injury impacted their season. His 2026 season was a key factor in Toronto’s late-season push.
FAQ
Who are the other Cy Young finalists besides Cease?
The remaining contenders for the AL Cy Young Award include New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Cam Schlittler and Cleveland Guardians righty Parker Messick.
Talk about a first impression 👨🏻Dylan Cease is a Cy Young Finalist! pic.twitter.com/3NFpM2fRw7
What record did Varland set during the 2026 season?
Varland set an MLB post‑season record for relief appearances during the Blue Jays’ World Series run.
How many Blue Jays pitchers have won the Cy Young Award?
Five Blue Jays pitchers have won the Cy Young Award: Pat Hentgen (1996), Roger Clemens (1997, 1998), Roy Halladay (2003), and Robbie Ray (2021).
Your 2026 @officialBBWAA AL Cy Young Award finalists:Dylan Cease, Blue JaysParker Messick, GuardiansCam Schlittler, Yankees pic.twitter.com/VWgyu4GQHb
Did You Know?
The Blue Jays’ 2026 season saw Dylan Cease post a 2.40 ERA, the third‑lowest in MLB, but his walk rate was the highest among qualified pitchers. This contrast highlights the nuanced metrics that voters consider when evaluating Cy Young candidates.