Blue Jays Pitcher Intentionally Balks to Prevent Sign Stealing

Just before the final out of World Series Game 4 on October 28, 2025, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Louis Varland made a surprising and strategic move. Varland intentionally committed a balk, a violation of pitching rules that allows the base runner to advance.

Varland's unconventional tactic was aimed at preventing the Los Angeles Dodgers from stealing his pitching signs. With the Blue Jays leading 6-2 and the Dodgers' Max Muncy on second base, Varland used the disengagement rule to force a balk. This rule allows a pitcher to disengage from the mound twice before a third disengagement results in a balk.

Varland made three consecutive motions as if to throw to second base, without actually delivering a pitch. This forced the umpire to call a balk, moving Muncy to third base. Varland explained that with a four-run lead, the 90-foot advancement didn't matter much. However, he wanted to prevent the Dodgers' hitter, Alex Call, from potentially stealing his signs from second base.

Even with pitches being relayed to Varland via a headset, the runner on second can still pick up on subtle cues like the pitcher's grip or the catcher's positioning. By moving Muncy to third, Varland eliminated that threat and protected his pitching strategy.