The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) is set to expand its prestigious end-of-season awards portfolio, introducing the American League (AL) and National League (NL) Relief Pitcher of the Year awards beginning in the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. This significant addition, officially announced via the BBWAA’s X account (@officialBBWAA) following a formal vote by the organization, marks a pivotal moment in recognizing the increasingly vital role of relief pitchers in modern baseball.
With the inclusion of these new accolades, the BBWAA’s slate of annual awards will encompass the most coveted honors in the sport: Most Valuable Player (MVP), Cy Young Award (for the best pitcher in each league), Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, the Career Excellence Award (formerly the J. G. Taylor Spink Award, presented for meritorious contributions to baseball writing), and, starting in 2026, the AL and NL Relief Pitcher of the Year awards. This comprehensive collection of awards underscores the BBWAA’s commitment to honoring excellence across all facets of the game.
The decision to introduce the Relief Pitcher of the Year awards reflects the growing prominence of relief pitching in MLB. Over the past two decades, the role of the closer and setup men has evolved dramatically, with teams increasingly relying on specialized bullpen arms to navigate high-leverage situations and shorten games. These pitchers often face immense pressure and contribute significantly to their teams’ success, making their contributions worthy of individual recognition.
It is worth noting that MLB itself already bestows its own Reliever of the Year awards in both the AL and NL, established in 2014. The AL award is named in honor of Mariano Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees closer and all-time saves leader, while the NL award bears the name of Trevor Hoffman, the San Diego Padres icon and former saves king. The winners of these MLB awards are determined by a panel of nine retired relief pitchers, adding a unique peer-based perspective to the selection process.
The existence of MLB’s Reliever of the Year awards raises the question of how the BBWAA’s new awards will differentiate themselves. While the specific criteria and voting process for the BBWAA awards have yet to be fully unveiled, it is anticipated that the organization will leverage its extensive network of experienced baseball writers to provide a distinct and nuanced assessment of relief pitcher performance. The BBWAA’s reputation for rigorous evaluation and in-depth analysis suggests that its awards will offer a valuable complement to the existing MLB honors.
Historically, relief pitchers have often been overlooked when it comes to major awards like the Cy Young and MVP. While a few exceptional relievers have managed to break through and earn Cy Young recognition – notably Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and Eric Gagne in 2003 – such instances remain rare. The introduction of dedicated Relief Pitcher of the Year awards by the BBWAA aims to address this historical imbalance and provide a platform for consistently recognizing the top performers in this critical role.
One pitcher who has consistently garnered recognition for his outstanding relief work is Josh Hader, who has won the MLB Reliever of the Year award a record three times, all with the Milwaukee Brewers (2018, 2019, and 2021). Hader’s first win in 2018 was particularly noteworthy, as it marked the first time the award had been bestowed upon a pitcher who was not primarily a closer, highlighting the growing appreciation for relievers who excel in a variety of roles.
Several other prominent relievers have earned multiple MLB Reliever of the Year awards, including Craig Kimbrel (2014 with the Atlanta Braves and 2017 with the Boston Red Sox), Devin Williams (2020 and 2023 with the Brewers), Kenley Jansen (2016 and 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers), Liam Hendriks (2020 with the Oakland Athletics and 2021 with the Chicago White Sox), Edwin Diaz (2018 with the Seattle Mariners and 2022 with the New York Mets), and Emmanuel Clase (2022 and 2024 with the Cleveland Guardians). These pitchers represent a diverse range of styles and approaches, but they all share a common trait: the ability to consistently deliver dominant performances in high-pressure situations.
The introduction of the BBWAA’s Relief Pitcher of the Year awards is expected to spark lively debates and discussions among baseball fans and analysts alike. The criteria for evaluating relief pitcher performance can be complex and multifaceted, encompassing factors such as saves, earned run average (ERA), strikeout rate, walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP), win probability added (WPA), and leverage index (LI). The BBWAA voters will likely weigh these factors differently, leading to a diverse range of perspectives and potentially controversial decisions.
In addition to recognizing individual excellence, the BBWAA’s new awards are also likely to have a broader impact on the way relief pitchers are valued and compensated. As relief pitching becomes increasingly specialized and integral to team success, the demand for top-tier bullpen arms has skyrocketed, driving up salaries and contract values. The introduction of prestigious awards like the Relief Pitcher of the Year is likely to further elevate the status of these players and potentially influence their earning potential.
The BBWAA’s decision to introduce the AL and NL Relief Pitcher of the Year awards in 2026 represents a significant step forward in recognizing the vital role of relief pitchers in modern baseball. By providing a dedicated platform for honoring the top performers in this critical role, the BBWAA is helping to ensure that these players receive the recognition and accolades they deserve. As the 2026 season approaches, baseball fans can look forward to engaging in spirited debates and discussions about who will be the inaugural recipients of these prestigious awards.
The implementation of these awards also serves as a testament to the BBWAA’s adaptability and willingness to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of baseball. As the game continues to evolve, with new strategies and player roles emerging, the BBWAA remains committed to providing comprehensive and insightful coverage of all aspects of the sport. The addition of the Relief Pitcher of the Year awards is a clear indication of this commitment, and it is likely that the BBWAA will continue to adapt and innovate in the years to come.
Furthermore, the BBWAA’s decision could potentially influence other baseball organizations and award bodies to re-evaluate their own criteria and processes for recognizing player performance. The BBWAA’s reputation for integrity and thoroughness means that its decisions often carry significant weight within the baseball community. It is possible that other organizations may take note of the BBWAA’s move and consider implementing similar changes to better reflect the evolving nature of the game.
In conclusion, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s introduction of the American League and National League Relief Pitcher of the Year awards in 2026 marks a significant milestone in the recognition of relief pitchers’ contributions to Major League Baseball. This decision underscores the growing importance of specialized bullpen arms in the modern game and provides a dedicated platform for honoring the top performers in this critical role. As the 2026 season draws closer, baseball fans can anticipate engaging in lively debates and discussions about who will be the inaugural recipients of these prestigious awards, further enriching the baseball landscape and celebrating the excellence of relief pitching.