Daulton Varsho doesn’t need a perfect regular season to become Toronto’s favorite in 2025. He just needs the postseason.
In the historic run to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to their first American League pennant in over 30 years, Varsho emerged as an emotional icon. Not because of his sky-high batting average, but because of his well-timed shots, his tireless runs, and the feeling that whenever he appeared, something was about to happen.
Through 18 playoff games, Varsho only hit .227 — a number easily overlooked at a glance. But that was accompanied by 3 home runs, 8 extra-base hits, 12 runs, and 10 RBIs. It’s the kind of contribution that doesn’t need to look good on the statistics, but it’s etched into viewers’ memories. Varsho doesn’t steal the spotlight — he steals the moment.
This is even more remarkable when compared to his regular season. In 2025, Varsho struggled with injuries and only played 71 games. However, in that short time, he still showed his damage output: .238 AVG, .833 OPS, 20 home runs, and 55 RBI. Not the numbers for a full season, but enough to remind us that Varsho’s bat never disappeared — it was just interrupted.
Joining the Blue Jays from the Diamondbacks in a major late 2022 trade (in exchange for Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.), Varsho has always been a controversial player. Elite defense, high energy, real power — but inconsistent batting averages meant he was never an “easy” pick. The 2025 postseason changed that. At least in the eyes of the fans.
And MLB fans have officially spoken out.
In MLB’s latest poll of the Top 10 center fielders heading into the 2026 season, Varsho was ranked No. 5 overall, behind only Pete Crow-Armstrong, Julio RodrÃguez, Byron Buxton, and Ceddanne Rafaela. A respectable ranking—especially for a player who just went through a regular season plagued by injuries.
Interestingly, the MLB Network was more reserved. According to The Shredder system, Varsho only ranked 8th. This difference speaks volumes: Varsho is being more strongly favored by fans than by analysts. Not because they overlook his weaknesses, but because they remember what he did when things mattered most.
Toronto understood this. The two sides avoided arbitration and finalized a one-year, $10.75 million contract for 2026—a deal of “wait and see.” No long-term commitment, no blind pledge. But not indifference either. That’s how the Blue Jays are saying: we believe in you, but you need to be on the court.
Entering the 2026 season, Varsho doesn’t need to transform into a perfect hitter. What Toronto needs is a full presence: healthy, top-notch center-field defense, and powerful shots. If he can deliver that, the fans’ Top 5 ranking won’t be so subjective anymore.
The Blue Jays will open the new season at Rogers Centre on March 27th, hosting the Athletics, aiming to replicate their World Series run. And if Toronto goes far again, it’s very likely Varsho’s name will reappear — not loudly, not flashy, but at the right time.
Leave a Reply