Daulton Varsho Undergoes Wrist Surgery

The Astros announced Wednesday that outfielder Daulton Varsho underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist. He’d been plagued by a pair of cysts in that wrist, which had become increasingly uncomfortable as the final stretch of the season inched toward its conclusion. Varsho finished the season on the injured list and wasn’t on the Wild Card roster anyhow, but his season is over regardless of whether Houston advances.

Houston opened the Wild Card round of play with Yordan Alvarez, Joey Loperfido, Cam Smith, Lucas Spence, Taylor Trammell and Nelson Velazquez as their outfield options. Had they advanced and Varsho’s wrist improved, he might’ve jumped into that group and added some experience to an outfield that sorely lacks it.

The Astros acquired the 30-year-old Varsho at the trade deadline, sending righty Spencer Arrighetti back to the Blue Jays. He’d posted slightly below-average numbers on the season, hitting .243/.307/.375 in 365 plate appearances, but his production evaporated following the trade. In 161 trips to the plate with Houston, Varsho managed only a .172/.224/.311 batting line — just a 48 wRC+ (52% worse than league-average production).

It’s particularly poor timing all around for Varsho, who’s slated to become a free agent for the first time this coming offseason. He missed the early portion of the 2025 season following 2024 shoulder surgery but was a powerhouse upon returning, slamming 20 homers in just 271 regular-season plate appearances (plus another three in 81 postseason plate appearances). A strong showing in 2026 would’ve propelled Varsho into the upper echelon of this winter’s free agent class, but he’ll instead head to the open market on the heels of a career-worst showing at the plate and with a recent surgery under his belt.

The trade from Toronto to Houston ensured that Varsho can’t receive a qualifying offer (as did his play with the Astros). He’d have been a borderline case had he remained with the Jays and continued posting slightly below-average numbers in the batter’s box. Now, he’ll enter the market as a prominent rebound candidate who’s primarily looking at short-term offers — whether that be a one-year deal or a short multi-year deal with an opt-out opportunity.