Louie Varland Adjusts Quickly Ahead of World Series

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Louie Varland was caught off guard when his phone rang just minutes before the July 31 trade deadline. The 27-year-old right-hander, who had spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins, received news that he was being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

What was once a dream come true for Varland, who the Twins drafted in the 15th round, suddenly changed. “The trade caught me off guard. I’m sure it caught everybody off guard,” Varland said during a phone interview on Wednesday. “But it all happened for a reason. I kept telling myself that and trusted it.”

Varland, a North St. Paul and Concordia-St. Paul alumnus, quickly adapted to his new team, reaching the World Series with the Blue Jays. Toronto is seeking its first championship since 1993, when fellow St. Paul native Paul Molitor led them to the title.

The Blue Jays will face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are aiming for a repeat championship. Varland, integral to the Jays’ success, has pitched 10 times in their 11 playoff games, making him the most used reliever in the bullpen. “I wouldn’t say it’s what I expected, but it is what I wanted,” he stated. “I’m glad I’m in a position to pitch every day.”

With a 3.27 earned run average and 13 strikeouts in the postseason, Varland has proven to be a valuable asset. All four runs he has surrendered came from home runs, including one against his former teammate, Jorge Polanco, during the American League Championship Series against Seattle.

Varland has faced various situations this postseason, including pitching in high-pressure scenarios. “Pitching against the New York Yankees was the peak of the pressure,” he said. The intensity will only increase as the World Series approaches.

“It’s been just crazy, fun, extremely exciting,” he added. “We’re still playing baseball. It’s Oct. 22 now. I’m not used to it, that’s for sure.”

Previously, Varland made a brief playoff appearance with the Twins in 2023, pitching two games, both wins over Toronto. He transitioned to a relief role full-time this season, highlighted by a stellar 2.02 earned run average across 51 games before the trade.

As he prepares for the most significant games of his career, Varland reflects: “I’m blessed to be in this position. It’s been a crazy, fun ride. I never thought I’d be pitching in the World Series, but here we are.”