The MLB offseason is always full of surprises, and this year is no exception. On Tuesday, news broke that the Toronto Blue Jays had agreed to acquire outfielder/catcher Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The deal involved the Blue Jays sending young catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to the Diamondbacks.
Who is Daulton Varsho?
The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement to acquire Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Blue Jays are giving up young catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in exchange for Varsho.
Daulton Varsho is a 25-year-old outfielder/catcher from Portage, Wisconsin. He was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2017 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2020 and has appeared in 100 games for the Diamondbacks.
Varsho’s Career Stats and Accomplishments
Varsho’s career stats are modest given his limited playing time, as he has a .204 batting average with 8 home runs and 25 RBI in 324 plate appearances.
However, he has shown promise with his speed on the basepaths, stealing 14 bases in 16 attempts. Varsho was also named to the MLB Pipeline All-Rookie Teams in 2020, showcasing his potential as a young player.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Varsho’s Game
Varsho’s versatility as an outfielder and catcher adds value to his game. He has good speed and agility, which makes him a threat on the basepaths and a solid outfielder with good range. His strengths also include a solid on-base percentage and a willingness to take walks.
However, his overall hitting ability is an area that needs improvement. He has struggled with hitting for contact and striking out too often, which has contributed to his low batting average.
Varsho’s Potential Impact on the Blue Jays
The Blue Jays will likely use Varsho in a utility role, taking advantage of his ability to play both outfield and catcher. His speed and on-base skills could make him a valuable asset late in games, especially if the Blue Jays are trying to tie or win the game. Varsho’s youth and potential make him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition for Toronto.
The Blue Jays have acquired Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for young catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Varsho is a versatile player with solid speed and on-base skills, but he needs to work on his overall hitting ability. The Blue Jays will likely use Varsho in a utility role.
Who is Gabriel Moreno?
Moreno’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Catcher
Gabriel Moreno is a young catcher who was acquired by the Blue Jays in the international free agency in 2016. He has quickly climbed the ranks in the minors and is considered one of the top prospects in the organization.
He has shown promise both offensively and defensively, which has caught the attention of the Diamondbacks during trade negotiations.
Moreno’s biggest strength is his defense behind the plate. He is known for his exceptional arm strength and accuracy, allowing him to throw out base-stealers with ease. His quick reflexes and great glove work have also earned him acclaim among scouts and coaches in the minor leagues.
Moreover, he’s an excellent receiver with a soft but firm grip on the ball. He is also known for his outstanding pitch framing skills, which makes him a valuable asset to any team.
On the offensive side, Moreno has shown flashes of being a promising hitter. He has a compact swing that generates a lot of line drives, and his approach at the plate is very disciplined.
He is known for his ability to make contact consistently and has a good feel for the strike zone. Moreno does not have much power, but he can drive the ball to all fields and is an above-average baserunner.
However, Moreno still has some weaknesses in his game that he needs to work on. He needs to improve his plate discipline and become more selective when he swings at pitches out of the strike zone.
Additionally, Moreno needs to add more muscle to his frame to generate more power as he moves up the ranks in the minors. Nonetheless, these weaknesses are not major and can be corrected with coaching and some adjustments.
Overall, Gabriel Moreno is an exciting prospect for any team that has him. Moreno’s defensive skills are his biggest strength, but his potential as a hitter can make him a valuable catcher for any team in the long run.
The Diamondbacks will be receiving a promising young catcher with a lot of potential, and they will be looking to develop Moreno’s game further to maximize his talents.
Who is Lourdes Gurriel Jr.?
Strengths and Weaknesses of Gurriel’s Game
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a 27-year-old Cuban professional baseball outfielder and infielder who played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2018 to present. Gurriel debuted in Major League Baseball in 2018 and played as a shortstop, second baseman, third baseman, left fielder, and designated hitter during his career.
Gurriel is a right-handed batter, known for his quick and powerful swing. He has drawn praise for his ability to hit for power and average, making him a valuable asset for any team. Gurriel can also play multiple positions, which gives his team versatility and flexibility in their lineups.
During his 2020 season, Gurriel posted a career-high .308 batting average with 11 home runs and 33 runs batted in over 57 games. He also got selected as the American League Player of the Week twice in the same season.
In addition, Gurriel displayed strong outfield arm strength and range, allowing him to make accurate throws and cover a lot of ground.
However, Gurriel’s game also has its weaknesses. He is known to be a below-average fielder in terms of efficiency and positioning, particularly when he played as a shortstop in his early career. Gurriel has also had difficulty taking walks, which lowers his on-base percentage and hinders his ability to get on base.
How Gurriel Fits Into the D-backs’ Outfield Situation
The Arizona Diamondbacks will be acquiring Gurriel Jr. as part of a trade for outfielder/catcher Daulton Varsho. Gurriel is expected to play in the outfield for the Diamondbacks, who recently experienced an outfield shortage due to injuries and trades.
With outfielder Kole Calhoun still recovering from a hamstring injury, Gurriel’s arrival provides additional depth and strength to the team’s outfield. Gurriel’s versatility to play different positions adds to his value and helps the Diamondbacks shift around their lineup where needed.
Moreover, Gurriel’s experience as an infielder could come in handy for the Diamondbacks, who have faced challenges with injuries in that area as well. His wide range of fielding skills and big bat makes him a strong addition to the team, and he has the potential to boost their offense.
Analysis of the Trade
Pros and Cons of the Trade for Both Teams
For the Toronto Blue Jays, the acquisition of Daulton Varsho could be seen as a positive move. Varsho has experience playing both in the outfield and as a catcher, which provides the team with versatility and depth.
Additionally, Varsho has shown some potential at the plate, hitting .266 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 2021. However, the Blue Jays are giving up two young players with potential in Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel has been a key contributor for the Blue Jays in recent years, hitting .285 with 57 home runs in his career.
Moreno is a highly regarded prospect, who was recently named the Blue Jays’ top prospect by MLB Pipeline. In giving up these two players, the Blue Jays are taking a risk and hoping that Varsho can help them improve their playoff chances.
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the trade provides them with two young players who could potentially develop into key contributors in the future. Gabriel Moreno is a highly regarded prospect who has shown promise both offensively and defensively.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. provides the team with a proven performer at the plate. However, the Diamondbacks are giving up a versatile player in Varsho, who has shown some potential both offensively and defensively.
How the Trade Addresses Each Team’s Needs
For the Toronto Blue Jays, the acquisition of Varsho provides the team with some much-needed depth both in the outfield and at catcher. With George Springer and Teoscar Hernandez both dealing with injuries, Varsho could step in and provide some support.
Additionally, the Blue Jays have struggled defensively at catcher this season, and Varsho could help to improve this aspect of the team’s game. The trade also allows the Blue Jays to focus on their strengths and concentrate their resources on outfield and catcher positions.
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the trade addresses their need for young talent with potential. Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are both young players who could develop into key contributors for the team in the future.
Additionally, the Diamondbacks can use this trade to focus on their strengths and concentrate their resources on other positions.
Predictions for How the Players Involved Will Perform in Their New Roles
It is difficult to predict how the players involved will perform in their new roles. Daulton Varsho has shown some solid potential both offensively and defensively, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistent performer.
With the Blue Jays, Varsho should have an opportunity to play in more games and develop his skills. Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are both young players with promise, and they should have the chance to compete for starting positions with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Overall, both teams are taking a risk with this trade, and the success of the deal will depend on the performance of the players involved.
Who Did the Diamondbacks Get for Daulton Varsho?
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
The Diamondbacks received Lourdes Gurriel Jr., an infielder and outfielder who has played primarily for the Toronto Blue Jays for the past few seasons.
Gabriel Moreno
In addition to Gurriel Jr., the Diamondbacks also acquired Gabriel Moreno, a catcher who was considered one of the top prospects in the Blue Jays’ organization.
Varsho’s Potential
Although Varsho was a valuable player for the Diamondbacks, they likely made this trade in order to acquire two promising prospects who could potentially make a big impact in the future.
Gurriel Jr.’s Versatility
Gurriel Jr. has the ability to play both infield and outfield positions, making him a valuable asset for the Diamondbacks as they build their roster.
Moreno’s Catching Skills
Given Moreno’s strong defensive skills as a catcher, the Diamondbacks may be hoping that he can become a long-term solution at the position for the team.
Why is Daulton Varsho Good?
Daulton Varsho is an impressive athlete who possesses lightning-quick speed. He excels in a range of positions, including center field and right field. Varsho is also a skilled catcher, showcasing versatility on the field.
Last year, he demonstrated his impressive power, slamming 27 home runs. His underlying strength metrics suggest he can maintain consistent power output. Varsho’s speed and agility make him a valuable asset on defense.
He has demonstrated great instincts, making him effective in anticipating plays. Varsho’s power potential makes him a reliable offensive player. He shows promise as a key player in the lineup. Overall, Varsho’s combination of speed, defense, and power makes him a formidable force in the game.
Who Did Arizona Diamondbacks Trade?
The Arizona Diamondbacks did not make any trades with other teams. Instead, they released left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Bumgarner had a disappointing 2021 season, with a 6.48 ERA over 18 starts.
The move saves the Diamondbacks $14 million in salary for the 2022 season. The team also optioned outfielder Jake McCarthy to their Triple-A affiliate in Reno. McCarthy had struggled at the plate, hitting only .202 in 54 games.
In his place, the Diamondbacks called up third baseman Emmanuel Rivera from Reno. Rivera had performed well in Triple-A, hitting .305 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI. The 25-year-old will get a chance to showcase his skills at the major league level.
The Diamondbacks hope these moves will help them as they look to rebuild their roster for the future.
To Recap
All in all, the trade between the Blue Jays and the Diamondbacks has left both teams with players who can contribute to their respective strengths. Varsho’s versatility and skillset make him a valuable addition to the Blue Jays roster.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have acquired two young and promising players who can potentially help them in the future. It remains to be seen if this trade will pay off for both sides, but it certainly adds more excitement to the upcoming MLB season.
