Louis Varland has emerged as a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly in late-inning situations. The reliever adopts a fierce persona on the mound, with his entrance fueled by adrenaline and his warm-up song, “Animal I Have Become,” by Three Days Grace. Despite not officially holding the title of closer, Varland leads his team in saves since April 21.
Impressive Performance Metrics
Varland’s statistics highlight his dominance. In 29 appearances, he boasts a remarkable 0.28 ERA, the best among all relievers with a minimum of 10 games pitched. His ERA+ is a staggering 1,587 points above the league average, which showcases his exceptional performance in different park factors. Additionally, Varland’s win probability added (WPA) stands at 2.81, ranking third in the league, behind only stars Shohei Ohtani and Nick Kurtz.
The Transformation of Louis Varland
- Initially struggled with fastball velocity, averaging under 90 mph.
- Significant improvements made during the cancelled 2020 minor-league season.
- Transition to the bullpen in 2025 further enhanced his speed and effectiveness.
His competitive spirit has always been apparent. Varland’s eagerness to excel began during a 2019 pre-draft workout with the Los Angeles Angels. He asked about the record broad jump score, demonstrating his drive to outperform others, even though he was eventually drafted by the Minnesota Twins.
The Animal on the Mound
Varland’s demeanor shifts dramatically between the clubhouse and the field. Manager John Schneider noted that Varland remains easygoing in social settings but transforms into a fierce competitor when pitching. Blue Jays bullpen coach Graham Johnson recalled his first impression of Varland, noting the “pure electricity” during his warm-up before a minor league start.
Varland’s dedication is evident as he prepares for games. He typically starts warming up about halfway through the game, becoming increasingly focused as the situation intensifies. Fellow reliever Braydon Fisher remarked that Varland exhibits a distinct intensity, especially in late-game scenarios.
Memorable Game Moments
In a recent game against the Atlanta Braves, Varland continued to show his prowess. Entering in the eighth inning, he quickly retired Ozzie Albies with two pitches, maintaining the Blue Jays’ one-run lead. After Toronto added four more runs, he returned to the mound, retiring the next three batters in order.
Balancing Intensity and Camaraderie
Varland’s ability to compartmentalize is one of his greatest strengths. While he maintains a relaxed attitude in the clubhouse, he channels all his energy into late-game situations. Teammate Myles Straw highlighted this duality, describing Varland as both a calm figure off the field and a fierce competitor during games.
In conclusion, Louis Varland has solidified his role as a formidable reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays. With impressive statistics and an intense focus during games, he has truly unleashed his “inner animal” to conquer critical late-inning moments, showcasing the skills that make him a key asset to his team.
