Jeff Hoffman's continued struggles show why Louis Varland should take Blue Jays' closer role

Making the case for Louis Varland as closer

Blue Jays fans are all too familiar with how Hoffman blew saves in 2025. This was prevalent in Game 7 of the World Series. Hoffman came in the ninth inning hoping to protect a 4-3 lead. But with one out, Hoffman surrendered a solo home run to Miguel Rojas to tie the game. Hoffman had seven blown saves last season with a 4.37 ERA. 

Even with the win, the Blue Jays have won only three of their last 10 games, underscoring how hard wins have been to come by. 

The Blue Jays' offensive hustle on Tuesday evening was apparent, with a spark reignited from their latest addition, Lenyn Sosa. Sosa came into the game in the eighth inning, recorded a base hit and a steal while providing the Blue Jays with a chance of getting back into the game. 

If it weren't for Varland coming in to save Hoffman, the Blue Jays would have relived the Game 7 heartache from the World Series all over again.

Varland has been impeccable so far this season and has yet to give up an earned run. He also has 15 punchouts with a 0.97 ERA. He's proved his reliability in the bullpen, making him a better fit and stronger candidate as a closer. 

Hoffman's confidence has slid following difficulties finding the strike zone. It was a nail-biter situation, and while the Blue Jays were able to secure the win, Hoffman's performance was unwelcomed.

Varland has emerged as a strong candidate to be a closer. Overall, Varland has illustrated how he's able to perform in high-pressure situations. 

His advanced pitching metrics speak for themselves as he ranks in the 98th percentile with a 40.6 % strikeout rate.