Prospect Blue Jays traded for Louis Varland on the verge of making his MLB debut for Twins

Initially, it looked like the Toronto Blue Jays' trade for Louis Varland and Ty France would age poorly. The reliever pitched to a 4.94 ERA down the stretch of the 2025 season, while the first baseman played sparingly en route to a 92 wRC+.

Then, October rolled around, and Varland became one of John Schneider's most trustworthy options out of the bullpen, appearing in 15 out of the team's 18 postseason contests. France, meanwhile, won a Gold Glove award for his work at first base.

The Minnesota Twins, meanwhile, haven't reaped any benefits quite yet from the deal. Outfielder Alan Roden didn't play much after the trade, while pitching prospect Kendry Rojas has been plying his trade in Triple-A... until now. The Twins are finally calling him up for his expected MLB debut this week.

Varland is more than earning his keep in Toronto, but Rojas has a chance to make the Blue Jays feel some buyer's remorse with the Twins.

Louis Varland's brilliance is a major Blue Jays silver lining ahead of Kendry Rojas' MLB debut

Despite some ugly stats at Triple-A last year, Rojas has blossomed into one of the Twins' top pitching prospects since the trade, and he's been particularly effective this year while tossing 7.1 scoreless innings in the minors. Given the Blue Jays' massive needs in the starting rotation, there's surely some regret festering in the front office right now. Rojas isn't known for his durability or inning-eating capabilities, but his presence could have allowed the team to keep Eric Lauer in the bullpen.

If there's a silver lining, at least Varland is dominating in relief this year. The 28-year-old has tossed 11 scoreless innings, pitching to a brilliant 1.04 FIP along the way. If he can maintain his absurd 39.0% strikeout rate, he may very well displace Jeff Hoffman as the team's closer in due time.

Even if that doesn't happen, though, his presence at the end of games has been a saving grace for Blue Jays manager John Schneider. The trio of Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher has been the best, most reliable aspect of this team, bar none.

Perhaps the biggest regret the Blue Jays have from the trade is letting France walk. He's been hitting well in San Diego this year (106 wRC+) and playing more good defense at the cold corner. He wouldn't have started in Toronto, but he would have been a valuable depth option amidst all of the injuries the team is dealing with.

Alas, hindsight is 20/20, and thanks to the work Varland is doing, there's a good chance the Blue Jays wouldn't take this deal back, even if they could.

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