Daulton Varsho: Blue Jays' Dynamic Defender and Power Hitter

Varsho's Defensive Prowess

Daulton Varsho has established himself as one of the premier defensive catchers in Major League Baseball. His quick reflexes, accurate arm, and ability to frame pitches have made him a valuable asset to the Toronto Blue Jays.

According to Statcast, Varsho led all catchers in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in 2022, with a total of 23. He also had the highest success rate in stolen base attempts, throwing out 40% of runners.

Impressive Framing Abilities

Varsho's exceptional framing abilities have significantly impacted the Blue Jays' pitching staff. In 2022, he converted 53% of called strikes, well above the league average of 47%. This ability to "steal" strikes has helped pitchers lower their ERAs and increase their strikeout totals.

Varsho's Offensive Production

In addition to his defensive prowess, Varsho is also a capable hitter. He displays a good eye at the plate and has shown power potential in his young career.

Solid Batting Average

Varsho has consistently maintained a solid batting average, hitting above .260 in each of his three full seasons in the majors. In 2022, he finished with a .279 average, which was 14th among all catchers.

Power Hitting Potential

While not a prolific home run hitter, Varsho has shown signs of developing power. He hit 11 home runs in 2022, including two games with multiple home runs. His exit velocity and hard-hit rate suggest that he has the potential to become a more consistent power threat.

Varsho's Value to the Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho is a key component of the Toronto Blue Jays' success. His defensive prowess behind the plate and his offensive contributions make him one of the most valuable players on the team.

As the Blue Jays look to compete for a World Series title in 2023, Varsho's dynamic skills will be crucial to their success.