After Christian Vazquez inked a brand new cope with the Minnesota Twins, the Houston Astros have been closely linked to Daulton Varsho of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Whereas the Diamondbacks are in the midst of a rebuild, they’re loaded with left-handed hitting outfielders and are reportedly trying to transfer one or two to deal with different holes of their roster.
“Through Daniel Cunningham of Empire Sports activities Media: In the course of the Winter Conferences, the Yankees inquired about 2 separate blockbusters. They requested the Diamondbacks a few Zac Gallen/Daulton Varsho bundle and the Marlins a few Pablo Lopez/Jazz Chisholm bundle.” – @NYYNick_
The 26-year-old Varsho is an intriguing participant due to his defensive versatility, as he can cut up time between the outfield and catcher. Nonetheless, for groups pursuing the catcher/outfielder, the Diamondbacks have reportedly set a excessive asking value as he’s coming into his prime and is underneath group management till 2026.
In 151 video games with the Diamondbacks final season, Varsho hit 27 residence runs, 74 RBIs, and had 16 stolen bases. The breakout marketing campaign almost doubled his earlier profession highs in each statistical class.
Whereas his offensive manufacturing is intriguing, it is his potential to catch that makes him a goal for not solely the Houston Astros, but additionally the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays have all expressed curiosity in a deal for Varsho and the opposite Diamondbacks fielders.
“Per Experiences, The Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks have engaged in commerce talks about Dbacks outfielder Daulton Varsho. What would you be prepared to surrender with the intention to purchase him?” – ESPN 97.5 Houston
Whereas a number of names have been floated in potential offers for Daulton Varsho, gamers corresponding to Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and high prospect Hunter Brown have frequently been talked about as a part of the deal. If the Astros are unwilling to half with Brown, Javier could most definitely be headed to Arizona.
Javier is coming off an 11-9 season with the Astros which noticed him throw 148.2 innings, posting a 2.54 ERA whereas additionally recording 194 strikeouts. His strikeouts left him tied for seventh place within the American League with Tampa Bay’s Shane McLanahan and teammate Framber Valdez.
The highway to the MLB for Daulton Varsho
Varsho was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks within the 2nd spherical of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He would finally make his debut with the group in 2020, enjoying 37 video games for the “D-Backs” through the shortened season, earlier than being featured in a extra outstanding position in 2021.
By 95 video games through the 2021 season, Varsho hit 11 residence runs, 38 RBIs, and 6 had stolen bases. His .246 batting common that season stays his profession excessive. A defensive star with a rising offensive recreation, Daulton Varsho may very well be a key piece for any contending group.