The Toronto Blue Jays are not playoff-bound in 2026. As disappointing as the season has been for the reigning American League champions, individual players could still be recognized for their performances this season. Let’s take a look at the most likely award winners for the Blue Jays in 2026.

Louis Varland is a favourite for the AL Reliever of the Year. He has the lowest ERA among AL relievers (1.29) and the highest fWAR (3.0).

Varland has easily been one of the biggest bright spots for the Blue Jays in 2026. He began the season in a fireman-type role for the Blue Jays. After a difficult start for Jeff Hoffman as the closer, Varland was moved into the position. He quickly became one of the best closers in MLB, racking up 34 saves and just two blown saves. He also earned his first All-Star nod.

The biggest challengers to Varland for the award are Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians and Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays. Both have 40 saves to Varland’s 34, though Smith has five blown saves, while Baker has three. Varland has the most appearances of the three (70) and the most innings pitched (77).

Varland has tough competition from Smith and Baker. However, his performance in 2026 has made him one of the most valuable players for the Blue Jays. For his first season as a closer, the Blue Jays couldn’t have asked for better from Varland.

Dylan Cease has spent most of 2026 as a close second to Cam Schlittler in the AL Cy Young race. He is second to Schlittler in ERA (2.40 vs. 1.94) and fWAR (5.5 vs. 6.1). He’s also second to Gavin Williams in strikeouts (239) in the AL.

While the two entered September in a tight race, Cease has struggled more in September. He’s posted a 2.89 ERA and 0.4 fWAR. Those numbers aren’t terrible, but Schlittler has posted a 1.00 ERA and 1.0 fWAR in September.

Cease’s strikeout rate dropped from 36.1 per cent from March to August to 26.2 per cent in September. Conversely, his walk rate also rose from 10.8 per cent to 15.5 per cent in September.

Cease has been dealing with right shoulder fatigue, which likely explains his drop in performance. The rest of his season was already in doubt, but with the Blue Jays officially eliminated from playoff contention, it’s unlikely he’ll make his final start.

Cease was already on the back foot in the Cy Young race entering September. His performance compared to Schlittler most likely means he will finish as the runner-up.

Despite likely missing out on the Cy Young award, Cease’s first season with the Blue Jays has been exactly what the team was looking for. If this is the level the Blue Jays can expect over the next six years with Cease, this could be one of the best free agent signings in franchise history.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s offensive struggles have been one of the biggest storylines of the Blue Jays’ season. Despite his struggles at the plate, Guerrero hasn’t let that affect his defensive performance, which could lead to his second Gold Glove nod at first base.

Guerrero is the favourite to win the Gold Glove at first base in the AL. He leads all AL first basemen in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with nine and Outs Above Average (OAA) with five. He’s also second to Christian Walker in Fielding Run Value (FRV) with five.

Guerrero’s season has been defined by a frustrating lack of power at the plate. He only has nine home runs this season, which is his lowest since a COVID-shortened season in 2020, in which there were only 60 games. Guerrero’s offensive struggles are one of the biggest reasons that the Blue Jays will miss the playoffs. However, he has had the best defensive season of his career. It doesn’t make up for the lack of offensive production, but it’s a small consolation that could earn him his second Gold Glove nod.

If Guerrero can maintain this defensive output while regaining his power heading into next season, the Blue Jays could be right back in the fight for 2027.

As long as he’s healthy, Andrés Giménez is almost always in the conversation for a Gold Glove award. He’s won three Gold Gloves throughout his career, all of which were at second base.

Giménez has spent most of his time at shortstop in 2026. He’s tied with Bobby Witt Jr. for first in FRV among AL shortstops (15). He’ll likely get a nomination for a Gold Glove, but he trails Witt in DRS (8 vs. 1) and OAA (21 vs. 19), so it’s unlikely he’d win.

Regardless of whether Giménez earns his fourth Gold Glove, he’s been the best defensive player for the Blue Jays in 2026, leading the team in both FRV and DRS.

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