Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland has emerged as a dominant force in the bullpen following a pre-game ritual involving a “velo slap,” according to Shi Davidi. The 27-year-old right-hander’s 1.89 ERA and 14.2 strikeouts per nine innings since May 2026 underscore his impact, with analytics linking his performance to the unconventional routine. The Athletic first highlighted the practice, which coincides with a 15% spike in his average fastball velocity this season.
How the Velo Slap Alters Relieving Dynamics
Varland’s pre-game ritual—where a teammate slaps his arm to “ramp up velocity”—has become a focal point for analysts. While unconventional, the practice aligns with biomechanical studies suggesting localized muscle activation can enhance pitch intensity. According to MLB.com, Varland’s average fastball velocity has risen from 92.3 mph in 2025 to 94.1 mph in 2026, a 1.8 mph increase tied to the ritual. This mirrors the approach of former closer Rafael Soriano, who used similar pre-pitch routines to maintain peak performance.
Franchise Implications: Salary Cap and Managerial Stability
The Blue Jays’ decision to retain Varland through 2028, despite his $6.2 million salary, reflects confidence in his role as a high-leverage reliever. However, the team’s luxury tax burden—projected at $215 million for 2026—limits flexibility. Manager Charlie Montoyo acknowledged the challenge: “We’re balancing short-term wins with long-term sustainability. Louis is a key piece, but we need to evaluate how he fits beyond 2026.”
“Varland’s value lies in his ability to neutralize top-of-the-order hitters. That’s rare, but the Blue Jays’ payroll constraints could force a trade if the market shifts,”
said ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Fantasy Leagues: Varland’s 32 strikeouts in his last 24 innings make him a top-15 reliever in 5×5 formats, with a 42% chance of recording a save in high-leverage situations.
- Depth Chart Shifts: The Blue Jays’ lefty specialist, Jordan Romano, has seen his usage drop 18% since Varland’s emergence, per Fangraphs.
- Betting Odds: DraftKings lists Varland as a -120 favorite to record a save in Wednesday’s matchup against the Yankees, reflecting his 1.38 xERA in 2026.
Historical Context and Tactical Evolution
Varland’s success echoes the 2018-2019 reign of Zack Britton, who used similar pre-game rituals to maintain consistency. However, Varland’s 12.1% walk rate—above the league average of 8.7%—raises concerns about his control. Baseball Prospectus notes his “low-block” approach, where he targets the bottom of the strike zone to induce groundouts, has improved his groundball-to-flyball ratio to 1.8:1.
| Player | ERA | SO/9 | Velocity (mph) | Strikeout Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
