Daulton Varsho set to have breakout season for Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho set to unleash full power in 2026 

Based on his 2025 performance and projections for the 2026 season, Varsho is considered a strong candidate for a breakout season in 2026, especially if he remains healthy. He's continued to look sharp in spring at the plate. 

Despite an injury-plagued 2025 season where he was limited to 71 games, Varsho produced at a high level, hitting 20 home runs with an impressive .832 OPS. 

His success continued in the postseason, where he contributed with three bombs and 10 RBI across 20 games. 

While he showed big signs of improvement, the difference coming into the 2026 season is that he is in prime health. In addition to his new partnership, he is going into this season looking to make a statement.

But last season, the signs of renewed success were back. When Varsho played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, He was established for his power threat, which came alive in the final season with them. 

His renewed success was a combination of a revamped approach at the plate, along with a compact swing. This came with the help of hitting coach David Popkins. 

Essentially, his consistency with his swing provided him with an improved exit velocity and hard-hit rate. 

So, if Varsho can steer clear of landing on the shelf, he is poised to hit 30 or more home runs and drive in 100 RBIs. This would make him stand out as an elite outfielder. 

His defense has always been top-notch, and he has a strong track record for saving runs. In 2024, he was the defensive run value (DRS) leader (28) and tied fifth with an outs above average (OAA) of 16. 

These defensive metrics complemented his high-caliber defense. This was also the same season that he won his first Gold Glove Award. In 2023, he was robbed of the award despite leading in DRS, and Blue Jays teammates were shocked. 

Varsho and the Blue Jays' power outfield 

All in all, his defensive strengths in the outfield add to his value, which puts him in a good position for a contract extension. Also, since Varsho will be entering free agency following this season, he will want to put on his best performance during his walk year. 

Amplified power and his continued defensive upside will put him in a favourable position to return to a Blue Jays team that found themselves in game seven against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the staggering loss, the Blue Jays are in a great position to return to a World Series final with their new acquisitions and a healthy Varsho, who could make up for the loss of Bo Bichette. 

But the Blue Jays also have a strong contact hitter with Ernie Clement, who led the postseason with 30 hits. The Blue Jays also picked up outfielder Jesús Sánchez, who is also known as a power threat.

With Sánchez in left field and Varsho in center, this makes for a strong offensive pairing. They each carry their own strengths and complement each other's strengths. Sanchez is strong at playing in the corners of the outfield and is a power hitter. 

As well, Sánchez makes up for the loss of Anthony Santander. It also provides versatility in the lineup, as John Schneider can utilize different outfielders with Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw.