Mason Miller wins 2026 National League Reliever of the Year award

Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres was named the 2026 National League Reliever of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America, according to Yahoo Sports.

Miller received all 30 first-place votes for the inaugural award, reflecting his dominant performance throughout the season. He posted a 1.67 ERA, the best among National League pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched.

His advanced metrics also led the league, including xERA (1.70), FIP (1.17), xFIP (1.54), strikeout rate (47.4%), and saves (38 in 41 attempts). Miller's strikeout-minus-walk rate was 37.9%, further highlighting his effectiveness.

Miller was traded to the Padres in 2025 and became the team's official closer in 2026. He set a franchise record with 34 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, breaking a record set in 2006, and his streak ranks eighth longest among relievers since 1961.

Other top contenders for the award included Jhoan Duran of the Philadelphia Phillies and Trevor Megill of the Milwaukee Brewers, but Miller's performance was widely regarded as the best in the league.

Padres teammates and opponents alike praised Miller's pitching, with several relievers calling him the clear choice for the honor.