Toronto Blue Jays have a serious contract conflict with Daulton Varsho
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Victor William
Jan 28, 2026 (7:23 PM)
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Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
This isn't about batting average; it's about preventing runs, stealing wins, and locking down the most elite defender we've seen since Kevin Kiermaier.
The clock is ticking louder than you think. Daulton Varsho is entering his final arbitration year in 2026, meaning he hits free agency right when the team can least afford another hole in the outfield.
We just avoided arbitration with a $10.75 million deal for 2026, but that's a temporary patch, not a solution.
Let's look at the facts: Varsho (Acquired via trade in 2022 from Arizona) is the undisputed king of defensive metrics.
Despite battling shoulder and hamstring injuries in 2025, he still posted elite numbers when on the field.
Since 2022, no one has saved more runs. He leads all MLB outfielders in Defensive Runs Saved (85) and Outs Above Average (50) over the last four seasons.
He turns 30 during the 2026 season, which is the perfect age to buy out his prime without committing to a decade-long anchor contract.
His bat? It's streaky, sure. But he hit 20 homers in just 71 games last year, proving the power is real even in a shortened season.
The market for elite defenders with pop is expensive. Look at what guys like Cody Bellinger and Brandon Nimmo command-$20M to $27M AAV.
Varsho isn't quite in that tier offensively, but he's superior defensively.
Here is the contract that makes sense for both sides:
Four years, $78 million (2027-2030).
Defense doesn't slump, and neither should our commitment
This deal pays him $19.5 million per season, buying out his first four years of free agency until his age-33 season.
It values him properly: an elite glove who gives you 20-25 homers and chaos on the basepaths.
Waiting is dangerous. If he has a monster 2026, his price tags goes up to $25M+ AAV easily.
We gave up Gabriel Moreno to get him. It was a steep price.
The only way to lose that trade twice is to let Varsho walk out the door for nothing but a draft pick.
Secure the outfield. Sign the man.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
3-player trade offer between the Blue Jays and Astros for World Series champion
3-player trade offer between the Blue Jays and Astros for World Series champion
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 28|298 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays have a serious contract conflict with Daulton Varsho Is Daulton Varsho worth a $20M/year extension based on his defense alone? | ||
| Yes | 235 | 78.9 % |
| No | 63 | 21.1 % |
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