Add StudioX as a preferred source on GoogleTwo Toronto Blue Jays pitchers, Dylan Cease and Louis Varland, have been named finalists for major American League end-of-season awards, according to MLB.com.
Cease is one of three finalists for the AL Cy Young Award, while Varland has been selected as one of three finalists for the AL Reliever of the Year Award. The finalist selections were announced by the Baseball Writers of America during a broadcast on MLB Network.
Cease Named AL Cy Young Award Finalist
The 30-year-old Cease excelled in his debut campaign with Toronto after agreeing to a seven-year contract worth $210 million during the offseason. The deal represents the largest free-agent contract ever awarded in Blue Jays franchise history.
In his first year with the club, Cease registered a 2.40 earned-run average and struck out 239 batters over 169.0 innings pitched. His strikeout total ranked as the second-highest tally across the American League.
Cease led the AL in multiple statistical categories, including complete game shutouts with one, fielding-independent pitching at 2.56, hits allowed per nine innings at 5.8, home runs allowed per nine innings at 0.6, and strikeouts per nine innings at 12.7.
This recognition marks the second time in Cease’s career that he has reached the finalist stage for the Cy Young Award. He previously placed second in voting in 2022 while playing for the Chicago White Sox, and later finished fourth in voting in 2024 during his initial season with the San Diego Padres.
The other two finalists alongside Cease for the AL Cy Young Award are New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler and Cleveland Guardians right-hander Parker Messick.
Pitchers representing the Blue Jays have previously captured the Cy Young Award five times. Pat Hentgen became the franchise’s first winner in 1996, followed by back-to-back honours for Roger Clemens in 1997 and 1998. Roy Halladay received the award in 2003, and Robbie Ray was the most recent Toronto recipient in 2021.
Varland Up for AL Reliever of the Year
The 28-year-old Varland delivered a stellar season out of the bullpen for Toronto, accumulating a 1.27 ERA and 97 strikeouts across 78.0 innings of work.
Varland secured 35 saves on the season after being elevated to the closing role late in April. His strong performance led to a selection to the MLB All-Star team, where he represented the Blue Jays alongside Cease and second baseman Ernie Clement.
Should Varland win the award, he would become the first pitcher in Blue Jays history to secure the AL Reliever of the Year honour.
The remaining finalists competing for the relief honour are Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays and Canadian right-hander Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians.
Source: MLB.com
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