Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Louis Varland has built a compelling case for MLB All-Star selection after a dominant first half.
The 28-year-old has been a stabilizing presence in the bullpen, stepping into the closer role after Jeff Hoffman struggled.
>>> Don Mattingly Leads Phillies to Victory After Thomson Firing
Varland has secured 11 saves and leads all qualified big league relievers with a 0.26 ERA across 34 2/3 innings.
Dominant Metrics
According to data from The Athletic's Dan Jennings, Varland has accumulated a 1.6 fWAR, tying him with San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller.
He has racked up 45 strikeouts while allowing just one earned run all season.
Jennings highlighted Varland's exceptional performance, noting his high probability of representing Toronto in the Midsummer Classic.
>>> Brewers Outlast Athletics 15-14 in 12-Inning Las Vegas Opener
“Ernie Clement could represent the Blue Jays (the field at second base is thin), and both Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease are definitely in the mix among AL starting pitchers, but Varland is worth highlighting,” Jennings wrote.
Jennings further noted that Varland has the highest fWAR and most Win Probability Added of any big-league reliever.
“He has the highest fWAR and most Win Probability Added of any big-league reliever — better, even, than Mason Miller — which makes for a pretty compelling case,” Jennings wrote.
Statcast metrics reveal Varland ranks in the 100th percentile in xERA and the 99th percentile in Barrel percentage at 1.3.
>>> BMW iM3 Spied at Le Mans After 5,000 Miles of Nürburgring Testing
His increased use of the changeup, which rose to 15.5% this season compared to 4.7% last year, has driven his success.
