Daulton Varsho Bio
Daulton John Varsho is an American professional baseball outfielder and catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2020 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Varsho was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2017 MLB draft. Notably, he received the Gold Glove Award in 2024 for his defensive skills. He is known for his versatility, playing both as an outfielder and catcher throughout his career. His father, Gary Varsho, also played in Major League Baseball.
Early Life and Background
Daulton John Varsho was born on July 2, 1996, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA. He attended Marshfield High School, where he graduated in 2014. During his high school years, Varsho was exposed to baseball and developed his skills, which would later lead him to a successful career in the sport. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he played college baseball for the Milwaukee Panthers. In his sophomore year, he was named the Horizon League Player of the Year in 2016 after achieving an impressive batting average of .381.
Path to Baseball
Varsho’s journey in baseball began in earnest during his college years. He played summer league baseball for the Eau Claire Express of the Northwoods League in both 2015 and 2016, where he was managed by his uncle, Dale Varsho. His performance in college and summer leagues caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2017 MLB draft. Varsho signed with the Diamondbacks and made his professional debut that same year with the Hillsboro Hops of the Low–A Northwest League, where he showcased his potential by batting .311 with seven home runs in 50 games.
Daulton Varsho Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
Daulton Varsho made his Major League Baseball debut on July 30, 2020, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his first MLB season, he played 37 games, finishing with a batting average of .188 and hitting three home runs. In 2021, he made headlines by catching Tyler Gilbert’s no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, a significant milestone in his early career. By 2022, Varsho had established himself as a versatile player, leading the majors in the percentage of balls pulled and finishing the season with 27 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
On December 23, 2022, Daulton Varsho was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno. He signed a one-year contract worth $3.05 million with the Blue Jays, avoiding salary arbitration. In 2023, Varsho had a solid season, batting .229 with 20 home runs and 61 RBIs, while also leading the American League in bunt hits. His performance continued to improve in 2024, where he played in 136 games and recorded 18 home runs and 58 RBIs. However, his season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
Notable Works and Milestones
Daulton Varsho’s signature work includes his impressive defensive skills that earned him the Gold Glove Award in 2024. He has also been recognized for his versatility, playing multiple positions effectively throughout his career.
Daulton Varsho Award Nominations
Daulton Varsho has received notable recognition for his achievements in baseball, including a Gold Glove Award in 2024, highlighting his defensive prowess on the field.
Daulton Varsho Awards Won
Daulton Varsho won the Gold Glove Award in 2024, a testament to his exceptional defensive abilities as an outfielder and catcher.
Daulton Varsho Family
Daulton Varsho is the son of Gary Varsho, a former Major League Baseball outfielder, manager, and coach. His family background in baseball has played a significant role in shaping his career.
Personal Life
Daulton Varsho is named after Darren Daulton, a teammate of his father’s on the Philadelphia Phillies in 1995. While details about his personal life are limited, his connection to a baseball legacy through his father is notable.