Louis Varland: The Blue Jays Unlikely Animal
It's not every day a baseball player's entrance music features a revving engine and lyrics about being "caged inside." But that's exactly the scene Toronto Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland brings to the mound and it's been a recipe for incredible success. Since April 21st, Varland has become one of the most dominant forces in baseball's bullpen, leading his team in saves and save opportunities. While he hasn't been officially named the closer, his performance speaks for itself, transforming him into a crucial weapon for the Blue Jays in those high-pressure late innings.
Varland's numbers this season are nothing short of astonishing. With an ERA of just 0.28 across 29 appearances, he boasts the lowest ERA among all relievers with at least ten outings. His ERA+, which adjusts for ballpark factors, is a staggering 1,587 percentage points above the league average, a testament to his dominance. Furthermore, his win probability added, sitting at 2.81, ranks third among all players, trailing only the widely recognized stars Shohei Ohtani and Nick Kurtz. This newfound dominance isn't just about raw talent; it's about a competitive fire that has always been there, now fully unleashed on the mound.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider describes Varland as "easygoing and about as nice and carefree as you can be in the clubhouse," but notes that "on the mound, it's a whole different animal for him." This duality is something his teammates have noticed. Bullpen coach Graham Johnson recalls seeing Varland pitch in the minors back in 2022, witnessing "pure electricity." He even recounts an instance where Varland's throw was so powerful it pierced the padding of an outfield wall, leaving the ball stuck. It's this raw power, combined with an intense competitive spirit, that sets Varland apart.
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His competitive drive isn't just limited to the baseball field. Varland was known to ask about records during pre-draft physicals, always looking for a benchmark to surpass. Teammate Myles Straw shares stories of Varland's intense dislike for losing, even in casual games like pickleball, where Varland reportedly ended a session after losing several consecutive games. This deep-seated desire to win fuels his performance, pushing him to excel when the pressure is highest and transforming him into a formidable presence for opposing hitters.
There's a clear shift in Varland's demeanor as his turn to pitch approaches. Fellow reliever Braydon Fisher notes that by the third inning, Varland begins to "lock in," separating himself from the game's distractions. This intense focus intensifies as the game progresses, culminating in his powerful entrances, often preceded by a motivational slap from coach Johnson and the now-iconic revving engine sound. Even in high-stakes situations, like preserving a one-run lead against the Atlanta Braves, Varland remains unfazed, retiring batters with remarkable efficiency.
This ability to compartmentalize and elevate his game under pressure is what makes Varland so valuable. Off the field, he can be seen joking around, even wearing a hockey helmet in post-game celebrations. But on the mound, especially in high-leverage moments, he embodies a different persona, which Straw affectionately calls his "dad mentality." He's the calm presence in the clubhouse and the fierce competitor on the field, a combination that has made him an indispensable part of the Blue Jays' bullpen this season.
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