Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Daulton Varsho gets high praise for former teammate
Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier recently appeared on MLB Network, where he unveiled his list of the top five defensive outfielders heading into the 2026 season.
Among the names was his former Toronto Blue Jays teammate Daulton Varsho, who landed second overall.
The Marshfield, Wisconsin native consistently dazzled in center field and finished 29th in Major League Baseball in outs above average despite playing barely half a season.
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong topped Kiermaier’s rankings, followed by Varsho, Brenton Doyle, Jacob Young, and Michael Harris II.
Kevin Kiermaier's top five defensive center fielders:
1. Pete Crow-Armstrong
2. Daulton Varsho
3. Brenton Doyle
4. Jacob Young
5. Michael Harris II
1. Pete Crow-Armstrong
2. Daulton Varsho
3. Brenton Doyle
4. Jacob Young
5. Michael Harris II
Varsho is ranked the number eighth overall centerfielder on MLB Network’s Shredder Top 10 list.
Daulton Varsho is the No. 8 center fielder on @MLBNow's #Top10RightNow.
Offensively, Varsho’s shortened season still hinted at a potential breakout.
Now 29, Varsho’s 2025 campaign was cut short by injury, limiting him to just 71 games.
Even so, the left-handed hitter still showcased his power, blasting 20 home runs while driving in 55 runs and posting a .238 batting average.
Varsho remained a key contributor during the postseason, appearing in all 18 playoff games for Toronto.
He hit .227 with three home runs and 10 RBIs, reinforcing his value on the game’s biggest stage.
DAULTON VARSHO TIES UP #WORLDSERIES GAME 1!
Although his batting average and on-base percentage hovered around league norms, his slugging percentage stood well above average.
In fact, Varsho’s .548 slugging percentage in 2025 far exceeded the MLB average of .430.
Beyond power, Varsho’s athleticism adds another layer to his value.
His above-average sprint speed allows him to create runs on the bases, and at full health in 2022 and 2023, he swiped 16 bases. That ability could further elevate his impact in 2026.
Despite his accomplishments, Varsho still has room to grow. A healthy, uninterrupted season may be the key to unlocking his prime and could play a pivotal role for the Blue Jays going forward.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 7|110 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Daulton Varsho gets high praise for former teammate Do you think Daulton Varsho is the best centerfielder in baseball? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 70.9 % |
| No | 32 | 29.1 % |
| List of polls | ||