MLB insider on Daulton Varsho: "Probably the most underrated pickup of the off-season for me. Dude is a stud"

The Toronto Blue Jays might have picked up the bargain of the season with Daulton Varsho. The Jays acquired Varsho as part of a trade that sent outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Venezuelan catcher Gabriel Moreno to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Blue Jays have remained relatively quiet during the offseason, but the club has retained the majority of its stars. Varsho is a highly-rated hitter who can play multiple positions. Instead of spending big on the free agency market, the Jays have been shrewd and added key pieces to a strong roster.

MLB insider and podcast host Ben Verlander believes this is one of the most underrated trades of the season.

"Varsho probably the most underrated pickup of the off-season for me. Dude is a stud"

Verlander's latest Tweet emphasized Daulton Varsho's versatility as a key factor. Varsho is capable of playing in the outfield or as a catcher.

"Varsho probably the most underrated pickup of the off-season for me. Dude is a stud. Can play an incredible center field AND CATCH" - Ben Verlander

Varsho agreed to a $3.05 million salary for 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays, avoiding arbitration.

At 26 years old, the Wisconsin native has plenty of room to develop. Since being drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2017, he has quietly progressed to become one of the league's top utility players.

Daulton Varsho had a breakout season with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022

Daulton Varsho hits a solo home run against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park

Aside from being an excellent defensive player, Varsho is also pretty handy with the bat. He had a .235/.302/.443 slash line and a .745 OPS last season. He also recorded career-highs in home runs (27) and RBIs (74).

The Blue Jays have added a much-needed lefty hitter to their already potent offense. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Alejandro Kirk are all right-handed hitters.

"Daulton Varsho absolutely booked it around the bases for his inside-the-park-home run" - Talkin' Baseball

The New York Yankees are still the team to beat in the American League East. While the Yankees have spent big this offseason, the Jays have been relatively pragmatic and conservative. At $3 million, Varsho looks like a steal. The Jays will hope that their young but very talented team can finally fulfill its potential in 2023.