Louis Varland has made a significant impact as the closer for the Toronto Blue Jays this season. He’s secured five saves and boasts an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 0.36, allowing just one earned run in 24.2 innings pitched. Varland has also achieved a strikeout rate of 35.7%, making him a key asset for the team.
WPA Leaderboard: Varland Surpasses Mason Miller
In terms of performance metrics, Varland stands out in the Win Probability Added (WPA) statistic. As of May 20, 2026, he leads the league with a WPA of 2.1. This metric indicates his significant contribution to the team’s chances of winning games. For context, a WPA of +1 signifies that a player has effectively added one win to his team.
- Louis Varland
- Mason Miller: Second in WPA; currently experiencing a notable pitching stretch.
- 2026 WPA Context: Varland’s performance mirrors the best seasons in recent history, potentially surpassing the 2024 achievements of Emmanuel Clase.
Historical Context
Varland’s performance is particularly noteworthy when considering the last Blue Jays pitcher to lead in WPA. Jordan Romano achieved a 3.8 WPA in 2021, while Roger Clemens led with a record 7.1 WPA in 1997. This puts Varland in elite company for the Blue Jays organization.
Consistency and Performance
Varland’s consistency has been evident throughout the season. Apart from a challenging outing against the Cleveland Guardians in late April, he has been unhittable, yielding only 16 hits and eight walks in 23.2 innings. His ability to remain effective in high-leverage situations makes him one of the top relief pitchers in baseball for 2026.
Given the significant injuries impacting the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, Varland’s presence in the bullpen has proven invaluable. His contributions are crucial for the team’s success as they navigate a challenging season.
