Blue Jays' All-Star Louis Varland opens up about Toronto, Yankees and his remarkable rise

When the Toronto Blue Jays acquired Louis Varland at last season's trade deadline, the expectation was that he'd strengthen the bullpen for a postseason push. Less than a year later, he's become one of the most important pieces of the entire roster.

Varland has developed into one of the American League's premier relief pitchers, earning his first All-Star selection of his career while emerging as one of the biggest reasons Toronto reached the midsummer break still within striking distance of the playoff race. Given the way he's pitched in 2026, it wouldn't be surprising if he even received down-ballot consideration in the American League Cy Young race.

He leads all relief pitchers in the AL with a 2.2 fWAR. He owns a 1.10 ERA and 1.43 FIP in 49 innings pitched while producing a 12.31 K/9 which has resulted in a league leading 67 strikeouts, with only 13 walks.

Speaking exclusively with FanSided's Adam Weinrib (Co-host of the Baseball Insiders Podcast) during All-Star Game media day, Varland reflected on coming to Toronto at the 2025 Trade Deadline. The 28-year-old from Saint Paul, Minnesota says Toronto has become home.

"I would say I'm pretty comfortable in Toronto now," Varland said. "It took me a couple of weeks over there to really find my groove. But I'm comfortable now. It's a great spot to be, very comfortable over there. It's a great group of guys, great coaches and support staff. Really happy there."

Those comments are exactly what Blue Jays fans want to hear from a player who has quickly become one of the organization's most valuable pieces. The Blue Jays sent an intriguing pitching prospect in Kendry Rojas as well as young outfielder Alan Roden who started the season on the Blue Jays' big league roster. Varland pitched in 23.2 innings for the Blue Jays after the trade and poted a 4.94 ERA with a 3.56 FIP. He recorded a 10.65 K/9, but it was in the playoffs that he really shined and started to establish himself as one of baseball's elite bullpen arms.

Varland pitched in 15 of the Blue Jays' 18 playoff games, throwing a total of 16 innings with a 3.94 ERA and 3.88 FIP. He racked up 17 strikeouts and only three walks in some of the biggest moments of his career to that point. He was also on the mound to open Game Four of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium. With the Blue Jays up 2-1 in the best-of-five series, Toronto trusted Varland to get through the top of the order at least once, and get them stated on the right foot.

Varland did exactly that, striking out two batters and surrendering one hit, while throwing 12 of his 20 pitches for strikes in the 1.1 innings in which manager John Schneider needed him. That moment helped cement his place in Blue Jays lore, as they would go on to clinch the Division Series against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

"It definitely felt big beating them at Yankee Stadium," Varland said. "That's a great spot to clinch a postseason series. It's not as good as doing it at home, but I would say it's the next best spot."

Varland will be needed as Blue Jays look to gain ground in second half

As much as they have relied on Varland already this season, once the All-Star break is over he may be needed even more in the second half. The Blue Jays are 45-51 entering the break and dead last in the AL East. However, they are only 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, something that can easily be made up with one good week. However, the Blue Jays likely don't have that one good week in them, unless Varland is a huge part in securing those games.

Varland has done his job to this point and the fact that he isn't a free agent until the 2031 season seems like the best deal in baseball right now. It's time for the rest of the team to pick up the slack and show their All-Star closer that he isn't in this thing alone.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow