Southern Maryland Blue Crabs starting pitcher Kyle Virbitsky was named the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball’s Pitcher of the Year following the 2026 season, the league announced Oct. 1, 2026. Virbitsky led the league with 12 wins and a 4.41 ERA while becoming the fifth Southern Maryland Blue Crabs pitcher to win the award.
Kyle Virbitsky Led the Atlantic League in Wins and ERA
Virbitsky finished first in the Atlantic League with 12 wins and a 4.41 ERA. He led in two key pitching categories but did not complete the pitching triple crown.
Virbitsky ranked fourth in the league with 132 2/3 innings pitched and fifth with 109 strikeouts. He also recorded eight quality starts.
Virbitsky Became Fifth Blue Crabs Pitcher to Win Award
Virbitsky joined Joe Gannon, Dan Reichert, Gaby Hernandez and Daryl Thompson as Southern Maryland Blue Crabs pitchers who have won the Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year award. Gannon won in 2008, Reichert in 2010, Hernandez in 2017 and Thompson from 2019-2022.
Virbitsky joined the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in August 2025 after spending time in the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles systems. The Oakland Athletics selected him in the 17th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
Kyle Virbitsky’s Baseball Background
Virbitsky played four college seasons at Penn State University before beginning his professional career. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are set to begin their 18th season at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland. The team’s announcement is available through the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Virbitsky’s league-leading win total and ERA earned him the Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year award and placed him fifth among Southern Maryland Blue Crabs pitchers to receive the honor.
Source: Original report
