Next season, MLB relievers will get a new chance to earn some extra hardware, thanks to the new AL and NL Relief Pitcher of the Year Award that’s being added by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
While each league’s top relievers currently get some kudos thanks to the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award and Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award, those awards are decided by a panel of retired relievers, whereas the new award will be voted on by the same writers who decide all the other major awards in baseball. That news should be music to the Phillies' ears.
The BBWAA has voted to begin awarding the AL and NL Relief Pitcher of the Year Award in 2026.
— BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) August 23, 2025
Relievers Jhoan Duran, Orion Kerkering and José Alvarado all have a legitimate shot at winning next year’s NL Relief Pitcher of the Year Award.
These three Phillies could earn some new hardware next season
Jhoan Duran
Did you know that Duran’s never been an All-Star?
It’s hard to believe considering how dominant he’s been across his big league career, but for whatever reason, he’s failed to garner enough attention to earn an All-Star nod or any postseason award votes.
While that likely won’t change this year due to his mid-season switch to the National League, he should be the frontrunner for the NL version of this award next year, based on how the start to his Phillies tenure has gone.
Duran’s posted a 1.32 ERA in 13 2/3 innings so far this year with the Phillies and has recorded 17 strikeouts without allowing a single walk. He should rack up plenty of signature moments this postseason in the Phillies' (hopeful) march toward a World Series, and it seems like that momentum should carry over into next season.
Orion Kerkering
Two years ago, Kerkering introduced himself to the baseball world with 5 1/3 innings in the postseason after making just three appearances in the regular season. While his role (and production) has fluctuated since, Kerkering’s in the midst of another strong season and seems to be settling into a solid setup role behind Duran.
Even if he’s not getting nearly as much swing-and-miss this year (eighth percentile in chase rate), he’s still in the 98th percentile in average exit velocity, which shows how adept he is at limiting hard contact.
He may not have the stuff to be a full-time closer yet, but he’s become Rob Thomson’s favorite high-leverage fireman, which is the kind of role that garners attention from voters.
José Alvarado
Yes, this is a bit of a lost year for Alvarado due to his 80-game suspension for PEDs that will also keep him off the postseason roster, but that doesn’t mean he can't have a strong bounce-back season in 2026. Remember, we’re just two years removed from him posting a 1.74 ERA in 41 1/3 innings while getting some work as the Phillies’ closer.
His presence on the Phillies’ roster next season will depend on the team picking up his $9 million club option, but it seems like the kind of option that Dave Dombrowski and Co. seem poised to select.
Alvarado isn’t a perfect reliever and his lack of control is always going to be a bit scary, but he could also be the closer on more than half the teams in baseball.
Instead, he’s the third-best reliever in the Phillies’ bullpen. Champagne problems.