The Toronto Blue Jays installed Louis Varland as their closer after Jeff Hoffman endured some early-season struggles.
Varland wasn’t among the preseason baseball betting favourites for the AL Cy Young Award at the BetMGM online sportsbook, but he’s excelled in the closer role and looks like one of the best relievers in the majors.
How Good Is Louis Varland?
Mason Miller is the only reliever with more fWAR than Varland. His ERA is third among relievers across both leagues, and his xERA is seventh among all relief pitchers.
All of Varland’s underlying metrics are elite, aside from his walk rate being in the 46th percentile. His fastball has become even more dominant, and he’s demonstrated better command than ever before, resulting in a 120 pitching+, which is tied for the sixth-best in baseball.
Against lefties, his changeup has been pretty much unhittable. Righties have a better chance when facing the slider, but they also have to contend with a nasty knucklecurve.
Varland, on the evidence of the 2026 season to date, is a truly elite closer. He’s having an All-Star season and has arguably been the best reliever in the American League.
Was Louis Varland a Starter?
Yes, Varland was drafted as a starter. Of his 80 minor-league appearances, 73 were starts.
He has also made 23 starts in the big leagues.
Is Louis Varland Related to Gus Varland?
Yes, Louis and Gus are brothers.
Gus is a year older than Louis and currently plays for the Washington Nationals.
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