Brief Introduction of Louis Varland
Louis Dennis Varland is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). A St. Paul, Minnesota native, he is known for his inspiring journey from a relatively unknown 15th-round draft pick to a significant contributor at the major league level. Varland’s story is one of perseverance and development, having significantly increased his pitching velocity and refined his skills since his college days at Concordia University, St. Paul. He made his MLB debut with his hometown Minnesota Twins in 2022, realizing a childhood dream. His brother, Gus Varland, is also a professional baseball pitcher, making them a notable sibling duo in the sport. Throughout his career, Varland has been recognized for his work ethic and coachability, transforming from a mid-80s fastball thrower in high school to a pitcher touching the high 90s in the major leagues.
Louis Varland Overview
| Full Name | Louis Dennis Varland |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Husband/Wife | Madeline “Maddie” Varland (formerly Hentges) |
| Family | Wade Varland (Father), Gus Varland (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1 million and $2 million |
Early Life and Education of Louis Varland
Louis Dennis Varland was born on December 9, 1997, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Growing up in a baseball-loving family, his passion for the sport was nurtured from a young age. He attended North High Senior School in North St. Paul, where he was a standout three-sport athlete, earning letters in baseball, wrestling, and football. On the wrestling mat, he was a two-time MSHSL State Tournament participant and a four-time team captain. In football, he helped lead the Polars to a section championship. Despite his athletic versatility, his path in baseball was not straightforward. In high school, his fastball velocity was in the mid-80s, and he struggled with command, which limited his recruitment prospects. After graduating, Varland enrolled at Concordia University, St. Paul, a Division II school close to home, where his older brother Gus also played. Initially, Louis had hoped to play against his brother but ultimately joined him on the Golden Bears, a decision that would prove pivotal for his career. It was at Concordia that Varland began a remarkable transformation, dedicating himself to the weight room and honing his pitching mechanics.
Louis Varland’s Career
Varland’s collegiate career at Concordia University, St. Paul, was marked by significant growth. After his freshman year, he added significant muscle and saw his fastball velocity jump. By his sophomore year in 2018, he earned All-NSIC Second Team honors, and his 1.41 ERA was the second-best in school history. He continued to impress, playing summer league baseball for the Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League in 2017 and 2018, where he gained valuable experience against elite competition. His development caught the attention of MLB scouts, and in the 2019 MLB Draft, his hometown Minnesota Twins selected him in the 15th round with the 449th overall pick.
He began his professional journey with the Elizabethton Twins in the Appalachian League in 2019. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pause in his on-field progression. However, Varland returned stronger in 2021, having a breakout season pitching for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and the Cedar Rapids Kernels. He went 10-4 with a 2.10 ERA and 142 strikeouts, leading all Twins minor leaguers in ERA and strikeouts. This stellar performance earned him the Jim Rantz Award as the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year and a spot as an MiLB.com Organization All-Star.
Varland continued his ascent through the minors in 2022, starting the season with the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge. His impressive performance led to a promotion to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints and, ultimately, to the major leagues. On September 7, 2022, Louis Varland made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins against the New York Yankees, becoming the first player from Concordia University, St. Paul, to reach the big leagues. In his debut, he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out seven.
He split time between the majors and minors over the next few seasons, working to solidify his role on the pitching staff. On July 31, 2025, the Twins traded Varland and Ty France to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospects Alan Roden and Kendry Rojas, marking a new chapter in his career.
Louis Varland Personal Life & Family
Louis Varland maintains a close relationship with his family, who have been a constant support throughout his journey. He often helps his father, Wade, with the family’s drywall business during the offseason, a tradition he has kept since middle school. His older brother, Gus Varland, is also a professional pitcher, and the two share a special bond, having played together at North St. Paul High and Concordia University before training together in the offseason. His aunts, Denise and Sue, were also accomplished athletes as softball pitchers. Varland is married to his longtime college sweetheart, Madeline “Maddie” Varland (née Hentges). The couple got engaged in November 2023 and have been together for many years. Maddie is a dentist by profession. Outside of baseball, Varland enjoys fishing, lists “Rocky I” as his favorite movie, is a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and supports the Minnesota Vikings.
Awards and Achievements of Louis Varland
- Jim Rantz Award (Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year) (2021)
- MiLB.com Organization All-Star (2021)
- International League Post-Season All-Star (2023)
- FSL Pitcher of the Week (June 2021)
- NCBWA Preseason All-American Third Team (at Concordia, St. Paul)
- ABCA Preseason All-American Team (at Concordia, St. Paul)
- ABCA All-Central Region Second Team (2018)
- All-NSIC Second Team (2018)
Louis Varland Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Louis Varland’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 and $2 million. His income is primarily derived from his MLB contracts. In 2024, he signed a one-year deal worth $745,400 with the Minnesota Twins. For the 2025 season, his contract is valued at $768,150. According to Spotrac, his career earnings through the 2025 season are approximately $1.45 million. As a pre-arbitration eligible player, his salary is expected to increase as he gains more major league service time.
Legacy and Influence
Louis Varland’s legacy is that of a testament to hard work, perseverance, and continuous development. His journey from being a 15th-round draft pick out of a Division II school to becoming a major league pitcher is an inspiring story for many aspiring athletes. He is a scouting and development success story, having transformed his physical tools and pitching arsenal through dedication and coachability. Varland became the first player from his alma mater, Concordia University, St. Paul, to reach the major leagues, paving the way and setting a new standard for the program. His impact is felt in his hometown of St. Paul, where he is viewed as a local kid who made it to the big leagues, representing his community on a national stage. He is known for his humble nature and for staying connected to his roots, which contributes to his positive public image.
Interesting Facts about Louis Varland
- He was a three-sport athlete in high school, excelling in baseball, wrestling, and football.
- Varland has added nearly 15 miles per hour to his fastball since his freshman year of college.
- His older brother, Gus Varland, was also drafted into the MLB, selected in the 14th round of the 2018 draft by the Oakland Athletics.
- During the offseason, he works for his father’s drywall business.
- His favorite pregame meal is from Chipotle.
- He made his MLB debut pitching against the New York Yankees and faced slugger Aaron Judge.
Controversies
Information not publicly available. Louis Varland has maintained a clean public record with no notable controversies.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @louievarland
- Twitter – @LouieVarland
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Louis Varland
Louis Varland’s career is a powerful narrative of ambition and relentless improvement. From an overlooked high school prospect to a key arm in a Major League Baseball bullpen, his ascent is a model of what can be achieved when talent is paired with an unwavering work ethic. Having been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, he is poised to continue his development and contribute to his new team’s success. His journey highlights the idea that a player’s draft position is not the final word on their potential. With a solid foundation, a supportive family, and a demonstrated ability to adapt and grow, Louis Varland’s future in baseball appears bright as he continues to build his career and legacy, one pitch at a time.
