MLB Announces Finalists for 2026 Major Awards
The Baseball Writers Association of America has revealed the top three vote‑getters for each 2026 award ahead of the postseason.
Overview of the 2026 Award Finalists
Major League Baseball, together with the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), has released the three leading vote‑getters for each of its major 2026 honors: Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Reliever of the Year and Manager of the Year.
All ballots were submitted before the first pitch of the playoffs, meaning the selections are based solely on regular‑season performance. The league office is now publicizing the top three candidates to generate interest ahead of the final award announcements.
New Relief Pitcher of the Year Award
This season the BBWAA added a distinct award for the top relief pitcher in each league. Previously, the league recognized the Mariano Rivera (American League) and Trevor Hoffman (National League) Reliever awards, but this is the first year a dedicated BBWAA accolade is presented.
Key Dates for Award Ceremonies
Monday, Nov. 9 – Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Awards
Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Manager of the Year Awards
Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Relief Pitcher of the Year Awards
Thursday, Nov. 12 – Most Valuable Player Awards
Most Valuable Player Finalists
Yordan Alvarez, Astros – Played 158 games, posting 34 doubles, 42 homers, 106 RBI, 105 runs and leading the majors with a .316/.432/.601 slash line (190 OPS+). He also topped the league in walks and intentional walks.
Junior Caminero, Rays – Appeared in all 162 games, hitting .276/.360/.524 (144 OPS+) with 42 homers, 101 RBI and 100 runs, and recorded a 5.7 WAR.
Bobby Witt Jr., Royals – Hit .281/.359/.441 (125 OPS+) with 33 doubles, 18 homers, 54 RBI, 94 runs, 45 steals and posted a 6.7 WAR.
Cy Young Finalists
Dylan Cease, Blue Jays – In his first season with the club, he went 11‑6 with a 2.40 ERA (184 ERA+), 1.10 WHIP and 239 strikeouts over 169 innings, earning a 5.5 WAR and starting the All‑Star Game.
Cam Schlittler, Yankees – At age 25, he recorded a 14‑6 mark, 1.95 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 239 strikeouts in 193 ⅔ innings, leading the American League in WAR and ERA.
Parker Messick, Guardians – In 32 starts he was 12‑9 with a 2.56 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 193 strikeouts over 186 ⅓ innings, helping his team secure the AL Central.
Rookie of the Year Finalists
Kevin McGonigle, Tigers – A 2023 first‑round pick who made the Opening Day roster, he logged an AL‑best 7.1 WAR, hitting .278/.376/.420 (126 OPS+) with 28 doubles, five triples, 18 homers, 72 RBI, 97 runs and 12 steals while playing shortstop and third base.
Parker Messick, Guardians – Retained rookie eligibility for 2026 and delivered a 12‑9 record, 2.56 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 193 strikeouts in 186 ⅓ innings.
Reliever of the Year and Manager of the Year
The finalists for the newly created Relief Pitcher of the Year award and the Manager of the Year award will be announced at the scheduled ceremonies on Nov. 11 and Nov. 10, respectively.
These finalists set the stage for the upcoming award presentations, highlighting the standout performers of the 2026 regular season across all major categories.
