Louis Varland
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29 april 2026
Dominates BoSox for fourth save
Varland collected his fourth save of the season in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Red Sox, striking out the side in a perfect ninth inning.
Analyse
The Blue Jays called on Varland for the save opportunity for a fourth consecutive time. The 28-year-old right-hander didn't disappoint, getting each batter he faced to strike out swinging while tossing 13 strikes on 15 pitches. Varland has recorded two strikeouts or more in four of his last five outings and sits with a 0.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 26:4 K:BB across 16 innings this season. He's Toronto's clear closer, though Jeff Hoffman didn't have a bad night himself either, striking out two batters while earning a hold for his efforts in the seventh inning.
27 april 2026
Notches third save
Varland earned the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Guardians, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.
Analyse
Varland gave up a leadoff single to Chase DeLauter to start the ninth before rebounding to set down the next three Guardians, including back-to-back strikeouts of Steven Kwan and Angel Martinez. Varland looks to have earned the primary closing job in Toronto, as he's converted three straight save chances for the Jays. The right-hander has certainly earned the opportunity, posting a sparkling 0.60 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB through his first 15 innings this season.
25 april 2026
Shaky in second save
Varland recorded his second save of the season in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Guardians, allowing one run on three hits and a walk in the ninth inning. He struck out two.
Analyse
Getting his first save chance after Toronto manager John Schneider officially announced that Jeff Hoffman would no longer be viewed as the team's primary closer, Varland seemed to buckle under the pressure, throwing 19 of 30 pitches for strikes as he gave up his first earned run of 2026. The right-hander kept his focus, however, and fanned Bo Naylor and Brayan Rocchio to end the threat. Varland still sports a 0.64 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 21:4 K:BB through 14 innings, but a repeat of Saturday's performance might encourage Schneider to give other relievers a look in the ninth.
24 april 2026
Enters closer committee
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins announced Friday that Varland will be part of Toronto's closer committee with Jeff Hoffman being demoted as the club's primary closer, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analyse
Hoffman, who recorded 37 saves during the 2025 regular season, could still get some usage in the ninth inning, but Varland now appears to be the favorite for saves in Toronto. The right-hander's fantasy upside is still likely to be more limited than a traditional closer, however, with the Blue Jays expected to mix in other relievers for saves in addition to Varland and Hoffman. That being said, Varland has yet to allow an earned run and has a 19:3 K:BB across 13 innings this season, so he could take full reins of the job if he continues that level of dominance.