First-half relief pitcher MVPs, busts and waiver w...
Key takeaways
- Toronto Blue Jays RHP Louis Varland, however, was mostly ignored by fantasy managers, and for good reason.
- It is then of little surprise that Varland earns our early nod for MVP relief pitcher of the first half of the season, and he might be the overall free agent pickup of the season, as well.
- Varland should be among the AL All-Stars, and there is little in his peripheral numbers to scare us.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Louis Varland, who entered the week with 15 saves on the season, is the most surprising success story among relief pitchers this season. Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire Eric Karabell Multiple Authors Jun 23, 2026, 07:07 AM ETEmail Print Open Extended Reactions. A trio of relief pitchers entered Monday's games with 223 ESPN fantasy points, tops for the position. Two of them -- San Diego Padres RHP Mason Miller and Cleveland Guardians RHP Cade Smith -- were among the first several closers selected in ESPN average live drafts, thus expected to provide significant fantasy numbers. They have done so and perhaps even exceeded expectations. Only nine starting pitchers boast more points.
Toronto Blue Jays RHP Louis Varland, however, was mostly ignored by fantasy managers, and for good reason. Varland, 28, was a struggling starting pitcher with the Minnesota Twins as recently as 2023. His role adjusted to relief, where he added velocity and command, and the Blue Jays acquired him last summer. He posted a 2.97 ERA and 23 holds, but he was not among the top 65 relief pitchers in fantasy points. This season, with a 0.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 35.4% strikeout rate and 15 saves, no reliever has more points.
It is then of little surprise that Varland earns our early nod for MVP relief pitcher of the first half of the season, and he might be the overall free agent pickup of the season, as well. Miller and Smith were supposed to be awesome, and they have been. Varland, entering this season with a career 4.66 ERA and nary a save, was not. ESPN fantasy managers have made Varland the No. 9 closer in roster percentage, but only at 77.3%. Keep adding this fellow!