Daulton Varsho's Struggles Only Adding to Astros' Outfield Uncertainty

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Daulton Varsho's Struggles Only Adding to Astros' Outfield Uncertainty

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew Jamieson | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 10:36 AM ET

The Houston Astros‘ lone major move at the MLB trade deadline was acquiring outfielder Daulton Varsho from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.

However, through 30 games with his new team, Varsho has struggled to improve Houston’s outfield production at the plate. The 30-year-old is hitting just .173 with a .242 on-base percentage, three home runs, 12 RBI, three stolen bases, and a lackluster .542 OPS.

Over 129 total games this season, Varsho is slashing .226/.291/.357 with 10 home runs, 38 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. His slugging percentage (.357) and OPS (.648) are both on pace to be career-lows.

Despite Varsho’s elite defense, highlighted by a +6 Outs Above Average, his offensive woes have only added to the instability in the Astros’ outfield. Since August 3, Houston’s outfielders rank last in batting average (.181) and on-base percentage (.238), and 29th in slugging percentage (.344).

WHAT A CATCH BY VARSHO pic.twitter.com/Et2LScTLmV
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 6, 2026

Houston has kept searching for solutions even after the MLB trade deadline, but has yet to find consistent production.

Cam Smith has hit just .213 with 17 home runs, 50 RBI, and a .666 OPS over 140 games in 2026, while lefties Taylor Trammell and LaMonte Wade Jr. haven’t fared much better. Trammell is hitting just .205 over 86 games this season, whereas Wade Jr.’s batting average sits at .211 over 46 games.

Additionally, Nelson Velázquez, who was claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on August 10, has gone 2-for-20 with a home run and five RBI over 11 games in an Astros uniform so far.

The Astros shook up their outfield corps further on Sunday, claiming outfielder Jorge Barrosa off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In a corresponding move, outfielder Jake Meyers was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Barrosa is slashing .201/.285/.343 with two home runs and 12 RBI across 97 games this season.

The Astros claimed switch-hitting outfielder Jorge Barrosa off waivers from the Diamondbacks. He will join the team in Philadelphia. Jake Meyers was optioned to Triple-A to clear a spot on the 26-man roster.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 6, 2026

American League MVP frontrunner Yordan Alvarez can play outfield if needed, but his -3 Outs Above Average suggests he’s better off as the designated hitter. He has also played just 23 games in left field this season, compared to 120 starts as the designated hitter.

Varsho, along with the rest of Houston’s outfield, must increase their offensive production to lengthen the Astros’ lineup beyond Alvarez. That is even more crucial given how close the American League West race is.

Entering Tuesday, Houston (73-71) sits just two games ahead of the Texas Rangers atop the division.

The Astros open a pivotal six-game road trip on Tuesday, beginning with the first of three against the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:40 pm ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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