THE APEX TIMES
BBWAA announced the 2026 finalists for its end-of-season awards, including a new Relief Pitcher of the Year category in the National League. Miller’s 2026 closer production put him in the short list and, per MLB’s awards preview, as the likely favorite.
Baseball’s writers’ awards season is nearing its midpoint with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America naming the 2026 finalists for its major end-of-season honors. Included is a brand new Relief Pitcher of the Year award, with top National League vote-getters now set for consideration.
The National League Relief Pitcher of the Year finalists are Mason Miller (Padres), Jhoan Duran (Phillies), and Trevor Megill (Brewers). The group reflects three different bullpen profiles, but Miller’s 2026 case stands out in the closest-to-the-league’s definition of “closer” impact.
In his first full season with San Diego, Miller posted a 1.67 ERA and struck out 129 batters in 70 innings. He also finished tied for the NL lead with 38 saves, going 38-for-41 in save opportunities (92.7%). MLB’s awards preview characterizes Miller as the likely favorite for the inaugural NL honor.
Duran’s path to the finalist list came from a breakout full-time season with Philadelphia, where he posted a 1.82 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings. He converted 33 saves in 35 chances (94.3%) and earned his first All-Star selection.
Megill, meanwhile, enters the discussion as an established high-leverage reliever for Milwaukee. He saved 30 of 33 games in 2026 (90.9%) while striking out 69 in 61 2/3 innings, and he finished with a 2.80 ERA across four Brewers seasons.
BBWAA’s winners are set to be announced during the week of Nov. 9, beginning with the Rookie of the Year awards. The Relief Pitcher of the Year outcome is still to come, even if Miller’s season has positioned him as the front-runner in the category’s inaugural year.