Daulton Varsho extension less likely for Toronto Blue Jays heading into final season of free agency
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
If the Toronto Blue Jays were going to extend centerfielder Daulton Varsho, they probably should have got it done already.
Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Daulton Varsho got the Spring Training party started yesterday with the first homerun of 2026.
Daulton Varsho just turned around 98 MPH up in the zone and sent it oppo taco for the first Blue Jays HR this spring. This is a highly impressive swing. 97.7 EV/382 FT
Varsho could be looking at a big payday in free agency
A healthy Varsho could mean a big season at the plate for the gold-glover with the big stick.
It would be a real eye-opener if Varsho was extended as he heads into his final season before free agency.
This isn’t a reflection on how the Blue Jays feel about Varsho, but rather the fact that Varsho is represented by Scott Boras, whose clients almost always test the open market rather than opt for extensions.
General manager Ross Atkins has previously acknowledged the club’s interest in keeping Varsho beyond his current deal.
However, when speaking earlier this week with Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star, Varsho did not indicate that negotiations were underway.
“I stay out of those [extension] conversations, I don’t want to be in them,” Varsho said, emphasizing that he leaves contract matters to his representatives.
What he did make clear is how much he enjoys playing in Toronto.
“I love being here,” Varsho said. “They treat families really well and they do everything to kind of keep players here… I’ve enjoyed my time. I’m going to keep enjoying it.”
Even if there is mutual interest, timing could be a significant hurdle. Signing an extension now might mean sacrificing considerable earning potential.
As Chisholm pointed out, a healthy and productive 2026 season could position Varsho for a lucrative deal next winter.
In that sense, this upcoming campaign could serve as a platform year, an opportunity to maximize his value before hitting free agency.
From a performance standpoint, Varsho remains one of the premier defensive center fielders in the game.
His glove alone makes him immensely valuable, and he has added legitimate power at the plate, launching 85 home runs over the past four seasons.
That said, his offensive profile has been a mixed bag. Since the start of 2022, Varsho owns a .225/.292/.432 slash line, good for a 100 wRC+ — essentially league-average production.
His power has been counterbalanced by a low walk rate and a tendency to strike out, limiting his overall offensive ceiling.
Durability has also been a concern. Varsho appeared in just 71 games in 2025 after recovering from rotator cuff surgery in September 2024.
A subsequent hamstring strain sidelined him for an additional two months during the regular season.
Still, there’s something to be said for players in a contract year. Motivation rarely needs to be manufactured.
With free agency looming, players often elevate their focus and intensity, determined to prove their full value.
If that holds true, Daulton Varsho could be poised for a standout season — one that benefits both him and the Blue Jays, regardless of what the future holds.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Red Sox vs Blue Jays: Starting Lineup - Game Preview
Red Sox vs Blue Jays: Starting Lineup - Game Preview
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 22|117 ANSWERS Daulton Varsho extension less likely for Toronto Blue Jays heading into final season of free agency Will Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Daulton Varsho become a free agent in 2027? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 41 % |
| No, the Blue Jays will extend him | 69 | 59 % |
| List of polls | ||