Mussels alum shines | Varland named AL Reliever of Year, to All-MLB First Team

Mussels alum shines | Varland named AL Reliever of Year, to All-MLB First Team Nov 12, 2026 4 min read Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Alum Louis Varland named AL Reliever of the Year. PHOTO PROVIDED Fort Myers Mighty Mussels’ alum Louis Varland was honored by both Major League Baseball and the Baseball Writers Association of America, receiving end-of-season honors on Wednesday night. Varland earned All-MLB First Team recognition from the league office and was named the inaugural BBWAA American League Reliever of the Year. Varland dominated throughout 2026, recording a 1.27 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 78 innings of work. He tied for third in the AL in saves with 35. This summer, he became the first Mussels’ era (since 2020) alum to earn an All-Star selection. Varland becomes the third franchise alum to earn an All-MLB honor, joining RHP Sonny Gray (2023 and 2026) and DH Nelson Cruz (2019-2020). Both Gray and Cruz played in Fort Myers on rehab assignments, while Varland climbed through the Minnesota Twins’ organization as a prospect. He received 16 of the 30 first place votes from the BBWAA, beating Cleveland’s Cade Smith for the inaugural award. Fellow Fort Myers’ franchise alum Jhoan Duran was the runner up in the National League, taking 24 second place votes behind Mason Miller of the Padres, who won unanimously. MLB has been awarding All-MLB selections since 2019. The BBWAA Reliever of the Year award is a new honor from the writers who vote on awards such as MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year. It is the association’s first new award since they added MOY in 1983. This new award is not the only current hardware for relievers. Since 2014, MLB has been awarding its own Reliever of the Year awards, named after Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera (AL) and Trevor Hoffman (NL). Liam Hendriks (rehab assignment) is the lone franchise alum to earn the MLB award, doing so twice in his career. Varland debuted in the majors with the Twins in 2022 and was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2025 deadline. A 15th round selection in 2019, Varland spent half of the 2021 season in Fort Myers. The righty compiled a 2.09 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 47.1 innings pitched during his time with the Mighty Mussels. New ticket packages announced for 2027 season The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have unveiled a revamped assortment of ticket packages for the 2027 Florida State League season, highlighted by the new 239 plan. The 239 plan features 19 games in the “TV Zone” behind home plate. Several plans will include the new 239 hat as the franchise looks to further its connection with the SWFL community. Those looking to purchase a ticket package can contact Pierceton Agdamag at 239-533-7662 or [email protected] . “We are proud of the new season ticket packages we are offering in 2027,” Agdamag said. “This is something we put a lot of time and thought into, with the goal of elevating the experience for our fans.” Highlights for each plan include: Full season: All 66 home games… annual road game bus trip… VIP on-field experience… pre-season meet and greet with players… only plan with free parking… new annual on-field party… new season ticket holder pin… early entrance at Gate 3… Mussels 239 adjustable hat Half season: Covers 34 games… includes Opening Day…. includes every Friday and Saturday game, with a choice between Thursdays or Sundays… VIP on-field experience… pre-season meet and greet with players… new annual on-field party… Mussels 239 adjustable hat The new 239 Plan: Covers 19 games… includes Opening Day, Friday fireworks and Saturday giveaway games… includes Independence Weekend Firework game… pre-season meet and greet party… Mussels 239 adjustable hat… seats in “TV Zone” Silver Sluggers (55+): Covers 11 Wednesday games…. special Wednesday discounted parking rate… pre-season meet and greet party… special Silver Slugger’s t-shirt… option to purchase Sunday package at Silver Slugger rate Flex Plan: 10 undated tickets Fort Myers plays its home opener on Tuesday, April 6th against the reigning League Champion Jupiter Hammerheads.