The Toronto Blue Jays acquired versatile Daulton Varsho on Friday, who has played as a receiver and outfielder for the past few years with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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The Toronto squad made the announcement on social media. In return, she gave up receiver Gabriel Moreno, a good hope for the team, and handyman Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who headed south to the United States.
The 26-year-old Varsho began his major league career in 2020. Last season was his best by far, finishing with 74 RBIs, 27 homers – the second-best total for the Diamondbacks – and an average in .235 stick.
Hands down one of the best players for the D-Backs in 2022, he was a Golden Glove finalist as right fielder in the National League. In Arizona, he finished behind Christian Walker in hits, with 125.
The Diamondbacks’ 2017 second-round pick has a four-year contract and will become a free agent thereafter.
A sacrifice
Being able to play in two different positions, Varsho should be used as an outfielder since the Jays are well off at the receiving position, since they already have Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen. The good performances of these pushed the team of the Queen City to dispose of Moreno to obtain depth in another position.
In the event of an injury during the season, Varsho can be a luxury replacement for team manager John Schneider.
Moreno, just 22, was seen as the organization’s best prospect heading into the final season. In his first major league appearances, he homered and drove in seven runs.
Gurriel Jr., meanwhile, spent his last five seasons with the Blue Jays. In 2022, the left fielder, shortstop and second base player had a .291 batting average and produced 52 points in 121 games.
