Louis Varland is officially a top-five fantasy closer for 2027, and if you haven’t seen his 2026 numbers yet, get ready. The dude posted a mind-bending 1.27 ERA over 78 innings with five wins for Toronto, a performance that’s got everyone talking about what he means for the back end of bullpens next season. It is a massive breakout, especially when you look at how wild and unpredictable the reliever market was just last year.
The Relief Pitcher Roller Coaster: Varland Ascends, Others Fall Hard
Trying to lock down a reliable closer is like hitting a walk-off grand slam blindfolded. It feels impossible sometimes. Out of the 11 relievers drafted in the top 100 on average in 2026, only Mason Miller, Cade Smith, Jhoan Duran, David Bednar, and Aroldis Chapman actually delivered. Mason Miller for SDP was a beast, going 70 innings with 5 wins, a 1.67 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 129 strikeouts, and 38 saves. Cade Smith from CLE put up 74 innings, 6 wins, a 1.95 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 107 strikeouts, and 41 saves. These guys were fantastic.
Then there is the other side of the coin, and it is rough. Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Daniel Palencia, and Jeff Hoffman all either lost their closer jobs or got hit with injuries. Some even had both. It is a brutal reminder of just how thin that line is for relievers. And then you have guys like Andres Munoz, who managed 28 saves, but the source says he “slogged through the season.” For the premium you likely paid for him, 28 saves just doesn’t cut it. It shows why this position is such a minefield.
The Volatility Is Real: Betting On Bullpens for 2027
The problem with relievers isn’t just predicting their performance. It is also about job security. Managers pull the plug fast when things go south, and it often feels like one bad week can send a closer to the setup role, or worse. Raisel Iglesias had a typically effective season, which is a rare beacon of stability in this chaos. But then you look at Pete Fairbanks, Carlos Estevez, Ryan Walker, and Dennis Santana, who were all “pretty much disasters” at a “costly price point.” Talk about a punch to the gut for anyone who invested heavily there.
There is just no good way to guarantee saves, period. The year-to-year correlation for these guys is almost nonexistent, which means your breakout star this year could be a massive disappointment next. With Varland’s huge 2026 showing, and the struggles of so many others, 2027 is going to be another wild ride for anyone trying to figure out which bullpen arm to trust. Get ready, because these rankings are going to be a battle all year long.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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