Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho could be a major key to the team’s success this season, and he could also make himself a lot of money in the process.
Varsho has long been a superior outfield defender, but last year, he tapped into his power in a major way. His career-high in home runs is 27, but in only 71 games last season, he pumped 20 balls out of the yard.
Per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, Varsho crushed a home run in live batting practice against righty Tyler Rogers in live batting practice on Tuesday. Bannon also reported that Varsho’s hitting sessions have been must-watch entertainment for many of his Blue Jays teammates.
“If the speedy outfielder can carry his 2025 adjustments and the power it unlocked into 2026, he could help replace the offence lost when Bo Bichette signed in New York, or any regression that may hit the rest of the roster,” Bannon wrote. “It could also earn Varsho a hefty payday, as he’s set to join a fairly weak-hitting market in free agency next winter.”
Varsho is entering his last year with the Blue Jays before his scheduled free agency. His power stroke is coming on at the right time, and he seems to understand some new things about how his swing mechanics work that are allowing him to access it more consistently.
“Since last year, I’ve understood that I’m really good at putting the ball in the air, I don’t need to do it, it naturally happens,” Varsho said, per Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star. “It’s more about me getting on top of the baseball, using my top hand and knowing that if I try to hit a ground ball to the pitcher, I’m probably going to elevate it.”
Varsho also knows he needs to stay healthy, as shoulder surgery recovery and a hamstring strain cost him half the regular season last year. But if all goes well, his next contract could make his $10.75 million salary this year look puny by comparison.
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