The Toronto Blue Jays made one of the biggest trades league-wide during the offseason. Acquiring outfielder Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks in return for Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno. With how much Lourdes meant to the franchise and the hype surrounding Moreno, Jays fans might be hesitant about this acquisition. However, Daulton Varsho is a very nice addition to this ball club for a plethora of reasons. The 26-year-old outfielder should bring a lot of highlight reel moments to the newly renovated Rogers Centre this summer.
The first reason Blue Jays fans should be excited about Daulton Varsho is what he can bring offensively. After spending the 2022 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Varsho hit twenty-seven home runs, a .235 batting average, and 4.9 wins above replacement, according to Baseball-reference.com. The 26-year-old not only brings power to the lineup but also hits from the left side. Last season the Blue Jays lacked an offensive bat from the left side, and it clearly showed. The addition of Daulton Varsho immediately makes the Blue jays harder to play against. Matchups and planning for lineups are as crucial as ever in modern baseball. Having a power bat from the left side certainly makes it tricky for opponents to plan against. A positive thing to note is that Daulton Varsho’s Sweet Spot percentage has increased season after season at the Major League level. Likely due to experience at the plate, but this is definitely an encouraging sign for the Blue Jays.
The next reason fans should be excited for Daulton Varsho is what he can bring defensively. Daulton Varsho was one of the league’s best defenders last season, scoring eighteen outs above average, according to Baseballsavant.mlb.com. That is significant, especially considering that lead MLB, with the new dimensions at Rogers Centre 2023, could lead to some really big things for Varsho. Blue Jays management clearly wanted to get better defensively this offseason, and it showed. Varsho shows excellent athleticism and brings good speed to the outfield. Another thing to note is that Varsho is extremely versatile! Mostly known for his work at the outfield position, Varsho can also play as a catcher behind the plate. Adding one of the league’s best defenders that packs a power bat and is versatile should have Blue Jays fans ecstatic for what’s to come in 2023.
The next reason Blue Jays fans should be excited for Daulton Varsho is his current contract status. With Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. being a free agent this winter, the Blue Jays opted to move Gurriel Jr. for a player with a lot of control; Daulton isn’t a free agent until 2027. Having Varsho under contract until 2027 should be huge for the Blue Jays down the road. With Guerrero, Bichette and some others needing a raise financially at some point in the near future, it’s good to know that the Blue Jays will have control over such an intriguing player. The offensive power, solid work on the other side of the ball, and versatility to play multiple positions should make Varsho a fan favourite in no time. With the addition of Daulton Varsho to a more balanced Blue Jays lineup, I expect quite the season from the 26-year-old.
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Very nice article
Great read