Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays were active to say the least this winter, adding a lot of names to the roster, however they still need to a find a closer to replace Jeff Hoffman, while Tyler Rogers may seem like the obvious choice, Louis Varland might prove to be more productive in that role.
The reliever had a split season between the Minnesota Twins and the Blue Jays, and he could end up being a surprise candidate to close out wins for the Blue Jays.
Louis Varland might be the best candidate for the Toronto Blue Jays closer.
Caleb Kerney of the Heavy crunched the numbers and found that Varland would be extremely efficient as the late game reliever for the Blue Jays. While Hoffman had a decent season last year, he isn't built for the role of the closer, and it was shown in game 7 of the World Series.
"Varland's three positive Run Value pitches are his four-seam fastball (2), curveball (3), and sinker (2). Conversely, Hoffman's positive Run Value pitches in 2025 were his slider (4) and sinker (1). His fastball's value was -6, in large part due to the 10 home runs hit off his fastball pitches."-Kerney
Hoffman simply gives up too many home runs to close out games, while Varland on the other hand doesn't give up as many opportunities. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays they missed out on a lot of potential candidates to be their closer throughout free agency.
"Edwin Diaz was connected to Toronto before signing a three-year pact with the Dodgers. The Atlanta Braves came and scooped up Robert Suarez shortly after the Diaz signing. Devin Williams, Emilio Pagan, Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, Raisel Iglesias, and Kenley Jansen were all linked to the Blue Jays to various degrees. Ultimately, they all decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Or, they weren't high enough on Toronto's list to be their top target in the reliever market."-Kerney
The only candidate that remains is Pete Fairbanks, but his age and health are concern, especially his issues with cold weather do not mix well with Canada's team. The Blue Jays are going to have to get creative then, and Varland would be a creative pick.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 19|308 ANSWERS Blue Jays may have finally found Jeff Hoffman's replacement Should Louis Varland take on the closer role for the Toronto Blue Jays instead of Jeff Hoffman? | ||
| Yes | 249 | 80.8 % |
| No | 59 | 19.2 % |
| List of polls | ||