As the Toronto Blue Jays gear up for another exciting season, they've made some strategic moves to secure their future. Early in 2025, the team re-signed two key players who were instrumental in their World Series run.
The headline-grabber was Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s massive 14-year, $500 million extension, effectively making him a Blue Jay for life. This deal allowed the team to focus on the game, ultimately contributing to their success in 2025.
Alejandro Kirk also inked a five-year, $58 million deal, a savvy move for one of the league's top defensive catchers with a solid bat to match.
These extensions are particularly notable given the Blue Jays' conservative approach under Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins, who have only signed four extensions since taking over in 2015. José Berríos and Randal Grichuk are the other two players who have received extensions in this era.
Looking ahead to 2026, several key players are nearing free agency. On the pitching front, Kevin Gausman is open to an extension, while Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Eric Lauer, and Yimi García will all hit the market.
George Springer, their standout hitter in 2025, is also set to become a free agent. But there's one player who stands out as a priority for an extension: Daulton Varsho.
Varsho was acquired in a trade that sent top prospect Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to the Diamondbacks. He came with a reputation as one of the league's best defensive outfielders, boasting 20 Defensive Runs Saved and 17 Outs Above Average in 2022. However, his offensive numbers dipped in 2023, with a slash line of .220/.285/.389 and 20 home runs.
In 2024, Varsho rebounded defensively, earning his first Gold Glove with 28 DRS and 14 OAA. His bat showed flashes of promise, finishing with a 99 wRC+, though his average fell to .214. A rotator cuff surgery in September 2024 cut his season short, impacting his early 2025 performance.
Despite these setbacks, Varsho's potential was evident during Spring Training, where he hit four homers and posted a 138 wRC+. After returning from injury in late April, he slashed .238/.284/.548 with 20 home runs in 271 plate appearances, translating to a 123 wRC+. His defensive prowess remained strong with 10 DRS and 9 OAA in limited innings.
As the 2026 season approaches, Varsho's impressive Spring Training performance, highlighted by a .442/.489/.953 slash line and five home runs, suggests he's ready to elevate his game. His improved high-fastball coverage and reduced strikeout rate are promising signs.
At his core, Varsho is an elite defensive outfielder who adds power to the lineup. Securing him with an extension could be a game-changer for the Blue Jays, especially if he takes another step forward this season.