If you asked almost any Twins fan what their least-favorite deal of the 2025 trade deadline fire sale is, they would almost always say the Louis Varland trade. The players whom Minnesota acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the deal, left-hander Kendry Rojas and outfielder Alan Roden, still have plenty of time to change the narrative that the Twins made a massive mistake by dealing Varland. But for now, it appears the Blue Jays won the trade.
Varland, a St. Paul native, had an outstanding 2025 season with Minnesota, posting a 2.02 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 49 innings across 51 appearances. The right-hander had been a starting pitcher for most of his career before last season, and struggled in that role at the big-league level. But as a reliever, he emerged as one of the top bullpen arms in baseball last season.
Varland, 28, struggled a bit last season after being dealt to Toronto, finishing the season with a 4.94 ERA in 23 2/3 innings. However, he had a solid 3.56 FIP and 28 strikeouts, suggesting his numbers with the Blue Jays would improve in 2026. The Blue Jays clearly still had confidence in the right-hander, as he broke the record for most postseason appearances (15) in MLB history as Toronto made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series.
The former Twin's numbers with Toronto have certainly improved this year. Besides Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres, Varland has arguably become the best closer in the world in 2026.
Ex-Twin Louis Varland loves playing for the Blue Jays
FanSided's Adam Weinrib (Co-host of the Baseball Insiders Podcast) asked Varland how good it feels to have a home in Toronto where he made himself indispensable.
"I would say I'm pretty comfy now. It took me a couple weeks over there to really find my groove, but I'm comfortable now," Varland said. "It's a great spot to be. I'm very happy over there. It's a great group of guys, great coaches, great support staff, so it's been great.
Based on his performance this season, Varland is clearly comfortable with his new club. The right-hander ranks second among MLB relievers in fWAR (2.2), with only Miller ahead of him. In 39 2/3 innings this year, Varland has posted a 1.10 ERA with 25 saves and 67 strikeouts. He made his first All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday, allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth inning.
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