Blue Jays' Louis Varland arguably put up one of the top closer seasons in franchise history

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Louis Varland. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blue Jays' Louis Varland arguably put up one of the top closer seasons in franchise history

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 27, 2026 11:22 PM ET

Despite the Toronto Blue Jays finishing in the cellar in the AL East division, their closer Louis Varland has arguably put up one of the top closer seasons in franchise history.

Acting as a massive bright spot, Varland capped off his dominant breakout campaign by finishing the MLB regular season leading the league with a 1.27 ERA. An ERA lower than San Diego Padres ace relief closer Mason Miller.

In early September, he reached a new franchise milestone, successfully recording 32 of 33 save opportunities, placing him with elite company by tying Tom Henke.

Varland has cemented his status as one of the top closers in the game by recording 35 saves across 78 innings pitched, complemented by a stunningly low 0.23 HR/9 rate (only two home runs surrendered).

Louis Varland finishes the season leading the league in ERA pic.twitter.com/GBl0CZSi04
— MLB on Real (@MLBonReal) September 27, 2026

Louis Varland's dominant campaign is comparable to elite company in franchise history

Since Varland became the Blue Jays' primary closer following struggles from former Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman, he showcased his ability to take on the high-leverage role. He also did it in elite fashion by remarkably finishing this season with only two blown saves, illustrating his efficiency.

Varland's 2026 historic campaign also measures up almost evenly with former closer B.J. Ryan's stellar 2006 season. He notched 38 saves with a 1.37 ERA and a franchise-record 3.6 bWAR, setting the tone among elite Blue Jays closers.

But Varland has tied Ryan by reaching the 3.6 bWAR mark this season, and his 97 strikeouts also lead Ryan's 86. Their walk rates are evenly matched (Varland's 7.6 % vs. Ryan's 7.4%), but Ryan's 0.86 WHIP tops Varland's 1.00. All things considered, they both served as weapons for the Blue Jays bullpen, and Varland has the prime opportunity to put up even stronger numbers next season.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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