Bryan Baker finishes third for BBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Award
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 5:17 AM
Last updated Nov 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker finished third in the Baseball Writers' Association of America's American League Reliever of the Year voting on November 12, 2026. Baker's strong season included 41 saves, tied for the most in the league, a 1.44 ERA, and a.161 batting average against. Despite not winning the BBWAA award, he secured the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award from a committee of former pitchers. His performance was key to the Rays reaching the World Series. Baker aims to continue building on this breakout year in the 2027 season.
- •Baker achieved a career-best 1.44 ERA in 2026.
- •He tied for the league lead with 41 saves.
- •Baker allowed only 35 hits and 22 walks this season.
- •His strong control limited opposing batters to a.161 average.
- •2026 marked Baker's first All-Star appearance.
- 5:17 AMYahoo Sports — BBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Voting
- 4:18 AMYahoo Sports — Bryan Baker Comes in Third for BBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Award
"Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker capped off an amazing season by finishing third in the American League Reliever of the Year race. 2026 was full of elite seasons from relievers. Baker advanced to the final stage with Louis Varland and Cade Smith. All pitchers had strong seasons and are among the game's best arms. …
"Total points on a 7-4-3-2-1 basis1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Points Louis Varland, Toronto 16 4 5 1 1 146 Cade Smith, Cleveland 7 15 8 - - 133 Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay 6 8
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 12, 2026, 5:17 AMBBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Voting
Total points on a 7-4-3-2-1 basis1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Points Louis Varland, Toronto 16 4 5 1 1 146 Cade Smith, Cleveland 7 15 8 - - 133 Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay 6 8
- Yahoo SportsNov 12, 2026, 4:18 AMBryan Baker Comes in Third for BBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Award
Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker capped off an amazing season by finishing third in the American League Reliever of the Year race. 2026 was full of elite seasons from relievers. Baker advanced to the final stage with Louis Varland and Cade Smith. All pitchers had strong seasons and are among the game's best arms. …
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Nov 12, 2026, 5:22 AMBrewers’ Jacob Misiorowski Has Major News Revealed During MLB Offseason
MLB•Nov 12, 2026, 5:07 AMCardinals' Walker Named All-MLB, While Burleson Snubbed at First Base
MLB•Nov 12, 2026, 4:49 AMWilliam Contreras takes home Flow Mayor Award as part of the MLB Awards show
MLB•Nov 12, 2026, 4:44 AMZack Wheeler and Yordan Alvarez earn MLB Comeback Player of the Year awards
MLB•Nov 12, 2026, 4:27 AMYankees’ Cam Schlittler, Ben Rice named to All-MLB Teams
MLB•Nov 12, 2026, 4:26 AMRays’ Erik Neander wins MLB Executive of the Year