Varnell went 4-10 with a 4.09 ERA over 27 appearances, including 17 starts, for the Fort Wayne Wizards. In 112.1 innings he allowed 143 hits, walked 19 and struck out 63. He also notched one save while opponents hit .304 off him for the year.

2005

Grant Varnell went 0-2 with a 3.21 ERA in eight appearances for the Eugene Emeralds, including four starts. In 28 innings he allowed 28 hits and two walks while striking out 24.

Varnell went 0-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 14 games for the AZL Padres. He struck out 26 while walking just two.

Varnell was selected by the Padres in the 25th round of the 2005 draft out of Texas-Arlington.