Daulton Varsho just wrapped up his five innings in a Grapefruit League game, but his day isn't over yet.
"Just need to do my lift," Varsho mentioned before diving into a scheduled interview.
There's a buzz about the power Varsho has displayed this spring, and the Blue Jays are eager to see if he can bring it north as they defend their American League title.
Sure, Spring Training stats can be misleading, but Varsho's team-leading five home runs in Florida have fans excited. The Wisconsin native is entering his walk-to-free-agency season, and there's a real sense he could have a breakout year at the plate. His focus on adding a potent bat to his already stellar defense is evident.
Manager John Schneider sees a different Varsho this year. "He seems really comfortable and confident," Schneider said.
"He had a regular off-season and is picking up where he left off last year. His at-bats are more controlled than ever."
Varsho's journey to this point hasn't been easy. Like many hitters, he's constantly tweaking his approach, searching for that key to consistency.
He's leaned on veteran George Springer, a mentor in the clubhouse and a seasoned hitter in his own right. Most importantly, Varsho has learned to trust himself.
"It's about taking my at-bats seriously and having a good approach," Varsho shared during a game against the Phillies in Clearwater. "I'm not trying to hit homers right now. I'm using all fields and hitting liners where I want them."
Funny how that works, isn't it? Sometimes when you're not aiming for the fences, the ball just takes off, especially when you're packing Varsho's power.
"If you look at guys like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and even George (Springer), they don't chase pitches off the plate," Varsho explained. "They're hunting their pitch.
It's impressive how consistent they are. Even in slumps, they go 1-for-4, not 0-for-12.
I'm trying to learn from them and incorporate that into my game."
Varsho's evolution at the plate could be a game-changer for the Blue Jays, and if his spring performance is any indication, fans have plenty to look forward to this season.