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Louis Varland took the Blue Jays’ closer job in April and ran with it
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Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Cynthia Ryley Delaney
Oct 24, 2026, 09:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 24, 2026, 03:00 EDT
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It’s been a long time since the Toronto Blue Jays have had a closer as dominant as Louis Varland.
The team has had some solid closers over the years, such as Jordan Romano for the early portion of the 2020s, as well as Ken Giles for a couple of years. On top of the pedestal is Tom Henke, who has a franchise record 217 saves, while Duane Ward’s 121 saves rank second.
But with the emergence of Varland, it looks like the team has a closer who can give Henke a run for his money.

Louis Varland’s 2026 season

The Minnesota product was enjoying his start to the 2025 season with his home state Twins, authoring a 2.02 ERA and 2.93 FIP in 49 innings of work over 51 games. Before the 2025 trade deadline, the Blue Jays sent Alan Roden and Kendry Rojas to the American League Central team for Varland and Ty France.
Varland had a tough August 2025, but returned to John Schneider’s circle of trust thanks to a solid September. That led to the right-handed pitcher breaking the record for most appearances in a single postseason, appearing in 17 games for the Blue Jays as they went to Game 7 of the World Series.
The 28-year-old’s numbers were okay in the playoffs, but Varland emerged as one of the best relievers in baseball last season.
Over 71 appearances, Varland posted a 1.27 ERA and 1.83 FIP in 78 innings of work. No pitchers with 50 or more innings pitched finished with a lower ERA than Varland’s, and it wasn’t particularly close either. Tampa Bay Rays’ closer (and former Blue Jay) Bryan Baker had the next best ERA, 1.44. Varland also had the third-best FIP, behind Mason Miller (1.17 FIP) and Jhoan Durán.
A hard-throwing righty, Varland generated plenty of whiffs, with his 31.6 K% ranking tied for 11th in MLB among relievers with 50 or more innings pitched. He also limited free passes (6.6 BB%) and gave up just two home runs, the latter category ranking in the top 10.
Varland didn’t start the season as the team’s closer, but by the end of the season, he was one of the best closers in baseball. On April 21st, Varland notched his first career save, replacing Jeff Hoffman with the bases loaded and one out. It took one pitch to generate a double play, and Varland never relinquished the role.
From April 21st onward, Varland completed 35 saves (tied for fifth) while blowing just two chances. There aren’t many in the business better than Varland.
Cynthia Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, DFOEdmonton, and DFOCalgary. She can be followed on Twitter @CynthiaRDelaney.
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