Daulton Varsho, born July 2, 1996, is a Canadian-American professional baseball outfielder and catcher currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s known for his versatility, defensive prowess, and developing offensive skillset.
Varsho’s journey to the majors began with a standout collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Competitive Balance A round of the 2017 MLB draft. Quickly moving through the Diamondbacks’ minor league system, Varsho showcased his athleticism and ability to contribute in multiple positions. His defensive flexibility, comfortable both behind the plate and in the outfield, made him a highly valued prospect.
He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2020. While his early seasons involved platooning and sporadic playing time, he gradually carved out a more consistent role. Known for his above-average arm strength and quickness, Varsho became a Gold Glove Award finalist in 2022, highlighting his defensive excellence in the outfield. His ability to play catcher also provided valuable depth to the Diamondbacks’ roster.
Offensively, Varsho has shown steady improvement. While he may not be a power hitter in the traditional sense, he displays a good understanding of the strike zone and has demonstrated the ability to hit for average and drive in runs. His speed is an asset on the basepaths, allowing him to steal bases and take extra bases on hits.
In December 2022, Varsho was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and catcher Gabriel Moreno. This trade was seen as a strategic move by the Blue Jays to bolster their outfield defense and add a left-handed bat to their lineup. Varsho’s arrival in Toronto brought considerable excitement, as fans anticipated his impact on both sides of the ball.
Joining a talented Blue Jays team, Varsho is expected to play a significant role in their pursuit of a World Series title. His versatility allows manager John Schneider to deploy him in various outfield positions, depending on matchups and team needs. His defensive capabilities are a welcome addition to a team seeking to improve its overall fielding performance.
As Varsho continues his career with the Blue Jays, he will look to solidify his place as a key contributor. Improving his offensive consistency and maximizing his on-base percentage will be crucial for his long-term success. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his natural athletic abilities, suggests a promising future for the young outfielder. Blue Jays fans will be closely watching to see how he develops and how he helps the team achieve its championship aspirations.