Blue Jays' Louis Varland admits what every Yankees fan already knew about 2025 ALDS

Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland arrived midseason in Toronto in 2025, but made himself indispensable almost immediately, going from controllable trade deadline wild card to viable Jeff Hoffman alternative in a snap. He's further blossomed this year, making the All-Star Game as a converted post-Opening Day closer. If the Jays right the ship and charge towards the postseason again, he'll be a key reason why they'll feel even more comfortable in the later innings.

Last year, it was Hoffman standing between the Jays and tense October victories and, against our wishes, it was Hoffman who closed out the Yankees in the Bronx to end the ALDS in Game 4. Varland, for all his talents, actually faltered in that four-game set, allowing the Aaron Judge Game 3 home run that sent (all too brief) shockwaves through the series.

Sadly, the series ended with the Canucks crowned, followed by more, "Theeeee YANKEES lose!" shouts than we thought the FCC was allowed to put on television. In case it wasn't already obvious based on their behavior, Varland admitted to Yanks Go Yard's Adam Weinrib at the All-Star Game that, yeah, the Jays really liked how things turned out.

"It definitely felt big beating them at Yankee Stadium," Varland told YGY. "That's a great spot to clinch a postseason series. It's not as good as doing it at home, but I would say it's the next best spot."

Blue Jays, Yankees set for grudge match this year ... as Louis Varland's struggles vs. Yankees continue?

The Yankees and Jays are on opposite poles to begin the second half this time around. Last year, the Jays were fairly fresh off an early July four-game sweep of the Yankees that felt like it represented an AL East changing of the guard. This time around, the Jays are still languishing at six games under .500 and last in the AL East — though this year, that means you're 2.5 out of the Wild Card, hanging with the Red Sox and Orioles. Cool!

Maybe this year, it'll be the Yankees' turn to turn the tides? Varland allowed an unearned run against them on May 20, then surrendered the game-winning Paul Goldschmidt bomb on June 13. He's been nigh untouchable against the rest of the world — 1.10 ERA on the year — but the 2026 Yanks have gotten him twice.

There's no better place to clinch than Yankee Stadium, and hopefully we don't have to find out what it's like to clinch at the Rogers Centre. Ideally, that stadium won't even be alighted come October.

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