"Louis Varland has the attitude and arsenal to be a successful closer. His fastball sat at 98 mph last season, and he generated ground balls at an elite 53.3% rate. He showed throughout the playoffs that he has a rubber arm and, more importantly, a short memory. Hoffman often let his struggles snowball; Varland may be better equipped mentally to turn the page after a shaky outing."
"While all signs point to the Toronto Blue Jays keeping Jeff Hoffman in the closer role to begin 2026, they would be wise to let a few of their other relievers audition for the job-someone might step up and force their way into it. As just about every Blue Jays fan knows, Hoffman's first season in Toronto was a rollercoaster."
Jeff Hoffman enters 2026 as the projected Blue Jays closer despite a 2025 season that included seven blown saves, a 4.37 ERA, and 15 home runs, many surrendered in late innings, setting a franchise record. Hoffman also showed stretches of dominance and durability, making 71 appearances. The Blue Jays would benefit from holding a competition for the closer role. Louis Varland offers a 98 mph fastball, elite 53.3% ground-ball rate, playoff durability, and mental resilience but lacks strikeout dominance and allowed four playoff homers. Tyler Rogers posted a 1.98 ERA and 0.944 WHIP last season and deserves consideration.
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