Louie Varland’s Exciting Journey from North St. Paul to World Series

Louie Varland, a promising pitcher originally from North St. Paul, is navigating an astonishing journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) as he approaches the World Series. Varland was drafted in the 15th round, marking the beginning of his professional career with the Minnesota Twins. However, on July 31, just before the trade deadline, he received news that he was being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, a moment that caught him by surprise.

Transition to the Toronto Blue Jays

After the unexpected trade, Varland reflected on his feelings of being “blindsided.” He stated, “The trade caught me off guard. But it all happened for a reason.” Despite the shock, Varland embraced his new role and quickly settled into the Toronto team.

Impact on the Team

Varland’s adaptability is evident as he prepares to help the Blue Jays pursue their first World Series title since 1993. In the playoffs, he has been vital to the team’s performance, appearing 10 times out of 11 playoff games. His experience includes pitching in six games during the gripping seven-game American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners.

• Varland has a 3.27 earned-run average (ERA) in the postseason.
• He has recorded 13 strikeouts over 11 innings pitched.
• Varland allowed four runs, all from home runs during these playoffs.

Toronto is now set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Varland’s performances have shown a range of roles, from starting bullpen games to crucial late appearances. He described his playoff experience as “crazy, fun, and extremely exciting,” especially noting pitching against the New York Yankees as a peak moment of pressure.

A Season of Evolution

Before his trade, Varland’s 2024 season saw his role transition from starting pitcher to a reliable relief option. He had impressive stats, with 2.02 ERA across 51 games and durability noted with 74 regular-season appearances. This work led to his full-time shift to the bullpen in 2025, where he continued to excel.

Looking Forward

As Varland stands on the brink of potentially winning a World Series, he notes the improbability of his position, saying, “I never thought I’d be pitching in the World Series, but here we are.” His journey from North St. Paul to this crucial moment in MLB history epitomizes not only his individual talent but also the unpredictability of a sports career.