The Toronto Blue Jays could be making an intriguing decision at the backend of their bullpen.
Toronto entered the offseason with hopes of adding a high-leverage reliever to compete for the closer’s role. The Blue Jays ended up only adding Tyler Rogers, who is more of a setup man, meaning Jeff Hoffman likely is back as the team’s closer.
However, Blue Jays analyst Aidan Sinclair of BlueJaysNation believes Louis Varland should be the team’s closer in 2026.
“Jeff Hoffman was inconsistent at best in the regular season, serving up 15 home runs, more than the 14 he allowed in his previous three seasons combined,” Sinclair wrote. “His seven blown saves tied him for the fourth most blown saves in the regular season, and though he was remarkable until Game Seven of the World Series in October, he simply does not possess the elite tools to be a reliable full-time closer.
“Only one reliever on the current 40-man roster does, and has the potential to reach 100mph with their fastball and 90mph+ with their offspeed pitches: Louis Varland.”
Hoffman had his struggles last season in the closer’s role. So, Varland could very well be a great option as his fastball reaches 100 MPH, which is what you want from the backend of the bullpen.
Meanwhile, Varland showed throughout the playoffs that he has the tools to be an effective high-leverage reliever, which should translate to being the closer.
Varland has the Tools to be Blue Jays Long-Term Closer
Not only would Varland be the closer for the Blue Jays in 2026, but he’d also solidify the role for years to come.
Varland is under team control for five more seasons, allowing Toronto to have a set option at the backend of the bullpen for years.
“Varland ranks in the 92nd percentile in extension and 86th percentile in chase rate, making his fastball appear even quicker to opposing hitters,” Sinclair added. “… Varland possesses the tools to become a formidable closer if given the opportunity. Under team control through the 2030 season, Varland could develop into a reliable closing option, something the team has been seeking for years.
“The Jays may not need to look elsewhere for a young flamethrower to secure the closing role. They may already have their man in Louis Varland, who could surprise many in the 9th inning of 2026 Blue Jays games.”
Varland finished the year going 4-3 with a 2.97 ERA in 74 games. In the playoffs, he was 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA in 15 games.
Toronto Didn’t Commit to Hoffman
The Blue Jays signed Hoffman last offseason to be the team’s closer, and he had mixed results.
At times, Hoffman was dominant, but he also had a home run problem, which ended up costing the team in Game 7 of the World Series.
So, entering the offseason, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins didn’t commit to Hoffman as the team’s closer.
“The great thing about Jeff is he’s not married to that,” Atkins said on Nov. 6. “Talking about the cohesion and team approach (of the Jays), he epitomizes that. I think he would be open to anything that makes us better.”
Hoffman finished the year going 9-7 with a 4.37 ERA in 71 games last season, including going 33-of-40 in save opportunities.
Blue Jays Predicted to Replace Jeff Hoffman With 100 MPH Righty as Closer