Louis Varland Sets Postseason Record with 14 Appearances in 2025 World Series

Louis Varland’s usage out of the bullpen this October has reached historic heights

Ingress: Louis Varland has emerged as a crucial figure for the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, setting a postseason record by matching 14 appearances. Acquired midseason from the Minnesota Twins, Varland has demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency, earning the trust of Blue Jays manager John Schneider. As the series heads into its decisive Game 7, Varland is poised to play a pivotal role in Toronto’s bid for their first championship since 1993.

Key points: - Louis Varland tied the record for most appearances in a single postseason with 14 games pitched, matching Paul Assenmacher (1997) and Brandon Morrow (2017). - Varland’s electric fastball, reaching 98.1 mph, and reliability have made him a manager John Schneider favorite throughout the playoffs. - Acquired from the Twins during the trade deadline on July 31, Varland has not allowed a run in nine of his 14 postseason appearances. - Toronto’s bullpen, including Varland, paid tribute to Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia by wearing his No. 51 on their caps during Game 6. - The Blue Jays are preparing for an all-hands-on-deck approach in Game 7, with key pitchers like Kevin Gausman and Jeff Hoffman ready to contribute.

Louis Varland’s historic postseason workload

Louis Varland’s role in the Blue Jays’ bullpen has reached unprecedented levels this October. During Game 6 of the World Series at Rogers Centre, Varland replaced Kevin Gausman in the seventh inning. Despite the pressure, he delivered a perfect inning and quickly recorded an out in the eighth, maintaining Toronto’s slim deficit. His fastball velocity peaked at an electric 98.1 mph, showcasing his explosive pitching even after heavy usage.

With this 14th appearance, Varland tied the MLB postseason record for most games pitched by a reliever, sharing the accolade with Paul Assenmacher and Brandon Morrow. Manager John Schneider has expressed exceptional confidence in Varland's durability and consistency, labeling him "a different animal" and a key acquisition at the trade deadline alongside Ty France.

A bullpen united beyond baseball

In a display of solidarity during these tense World Series moments, both Toronto and Los Angeles bullpens paid homage to Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia, currently away due to a personal family matter. Blue Jays relievers including Seranthony Domínguez, Chris Bassitt, Mason Fluharty, and Varland wore the No. 51 on their caps during Game 6, mirroring the Dodgers’ gesture of wearing caps with the number throughout the series.

Preparing for the ultimate Game 7 showdown

Heading into the decisive Game 7, the Blue Jays are readying the entire pitching staff for action. Starter Max Scherzer will begin on the mound, but relief appearances are expected from all available pitchers, including Game 6 starter Kevin Gausman, who threw 93 pitches in an eight-strikeout performance despite taking a tough-luck loss. Schneider confirmed a full bullpen effort, stating that “everyone that is active on the roster will be available to pitch, maybe even Kev.”

For closer Jeff Hoffman, Game 7 presents a chance to earn the Blue Jays’ first save of the World Series and add to his postseason accolades after clutch saves in the ALDS and ALCS. Hoffman confirmed that the possibility of clinching the championship with a save is on his mind, especially as the series reaches its peak.

From Twins prospect to playoff mainstay

Varland’s journey from Minnesota Twins prospect to Toronto Blue Jays postseason stalwart is remarkable. Drafted in the 15th round by the Twins and developed over several years, he was blindsided by the mid-season trade. Yet he quickly adapted and has flourished, pitching in 10 of the Blue Jays’ 11 playoff games to date. His 3.27 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 11 innings during the postseason highlight his value in high-leverage situations.

Before the trade, Varland transitioned from starter to full-time reliever with the Twins, finishing the regular season with a 2.02 ERA over 51 games. His toughness and effectiveness have been on full display throughout the postseason, with only four runs allowed, all via home runs.

The pressure and excitement of postseason play

Varland admits the playoffs bring a special kind of pressure, calling his appearances against the New York Yankees the "peak" of that intensity so far. Yet he embraces the opportunity, describing the experience as “crazy, fun, extremely exciting.” Still adjusting to pitching this deep into October, Varland reflects on how surreal it is to be part of the World Series at all.

Broader Twins and MLB offseason context

Varland’s departure from the Twins coincided with significant changes in Minnesota baseball. The Twins parted ways with manager Rocco Baldelli, signaling a consequential offseason where the club will seek to rebuild efficiently. Several other MLB teams have also made managerial changes, including the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, and Texas Rangers. Meanwhile, Varland’s brother Gus continues his own MLB career with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Louis Varland’s unusual workload and standout performances have made him one of the breakout stars of the 2025 postseason. As the Blue Jays strive for their first World Series title in decades, the right-handed reliever’s resilience and consistency will be instrumental in Game 7 and beyond. All eyes will be on Varland and the Toronto bullpen as they aim to dethrone the defending champion Dodgers and fulfill a historic dream.