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Daulton Varsho: MLB’s DRS Leader

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho currently leads MLB in DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) with 19. Varsho has consistently demonstrated all season that he is a solid defender for the Jays. He’s made many spectacular catches and throws with his strong arm. Best of all, he has saved a lot of runs for the Jays, helping to attain wins for them and keep them in games. Varsho has been a clutch addition to the Toronto lineup this season.

Daulton Varsho: MLB’s DRS Leader

A Solid Defender

Varsho has 12 DRS playing in right field and seven in left field. 19 runs saved for the Blue Jays is an impressive stat for him, leading the majors. Just behind him in second place with 17 is Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. To add to Varsho’s recent success, he was named the 2023 Heart and Hustle Award Winner for his team on August 3rd. According to MLB.com, “The Heart & Hustle Award is voted on by Alumni and active Major League players and is presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game.”

Varsho certainly deserved this nomination, as he has hustled all season making great plays in the outfield. There’s also no doubt that Varsho is a strong baserunner for the Blue Jays. We’ve recently witnessed his speed not only running the bases but also in the game in the Boston Red Sox series where he caught a fly ball in the outfield to make a spectacular sliding catch and help out his teammate Davis Schneider. If you saw the game, you witnessed how far Varsho had to run to make that play, and Varsho put up some noteworthy stats for himself making that catch.

Additionally, it is always nice when an experienced teammate can help out a rookie. Overall, Varsho’s defensive domination is fun to watch. And while some have criticized him this season for not having the most consistent offensive bat, we have seen that bat come alive recently. In his last five games, Varsho has six hits, including a home run. But let’s not forget, whenever Varsho is lacking offense, he usually makes up for it with defense.

A Valuable Asset

Playing in the outfield can be an adventure on its own, and it most certainly has been for Daulton Varsho, who makes every play look simple. His defense has been top-notch this season and we know he is going to continue to excel at this. In the Red Sox series, Varsho’s star-quality defense stood out. Chasing down fly balls is never an easy task as an outfielder. But as the leader in DRS, Varsho encompasses the natural charisma of a great defender. Not only does Daulton Varsho lead MLB in DRS, but he’s also top three in offensive runs saved. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Varsho earns major brownie points as a talented defender. It will be interesting to see what he will continue to do for the Blue Jays. Here’s hoping that he will continue to remain on the leaderboard in DRS. It is always a bonus when Varsho can utilize his role with the Jays both offensively and defensively, but even when his offense may be lacking he gives 110 percent effort in the outfield. Varsho deserves a lot of respect and recognition for his talents in the outfield.  He possesses the natural raw talent of a solid defender. Congratulations to Varsho on his high achievements so far this season.

 

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Players Mentioned: Daulton Varsho, Fernando Tatis Jr., Davis Schneider

Vanessa Serrao

Vanessa Serrao

Vanessa is a freelance baseball writer for Last Word On Baseball. She is also an author and is pursuing a career in sports journalism. She loves the Toronto Blue Jays, but covers MLB breaking news.

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