He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[1] He returned in 2021 to pitch for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and Cedar Rapids Kernels.

[2][3] He was named the Twins minor league pitcher of the year after going 10–4 with a 2.10 earned run average (ERA) and 142 strikeouts.

After Jake Jewell was designated for assignment on September 7, Varland was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.

[6] On October 5, Varland earned his first career win after pitching five scoreless innings in a 10–1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.