"Still, Varsho needs to be extended as soon as possible. Varsho will begin the 2026 season as a 29-year-old, but he's still got plenty of years of being an important player in him. His defence in centre field alone is a reason for the Blue Jays to re-sign him, as he had 10 Defensive Runs Saved, 9 Outs Above Average, and 6 Fielding Run Value in just 550.1 innings in centre field last season."
"Due to injuries, it's down from past years, as Varsho finished with at least 20 DRS in the outfield in the past three seasons, as well as two seasons with an OAA above 14. Even with an injury-filled 2025 season, Varsho's 85 DRS, 50 OAA, and 52 FRV all rank first in the big leagues for outfielders over the past four seasons. He's simply in a class of his own in terms of outfield defence since Kevin Kiermaier retired."
Dylan Cease was signed to address the starting pitching priority. Other roster needs include adding a bat (Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker) and a high-leverage reliever or two. Varsho has one arbitration season remaining and is expected to earn $9.7 million this offseason, then reach free agency after 2026. Varsho's 2025 World Series moments overshadowed a strong, when-healthy season. Varsho will be 29 in 2026 but remains an impact player, highlighted by elite centre field defense: 10 DRS, 9 OAA and 6 FRV in 550.1 innings in 2025, and career-leading 85 DRS, 50 OAA and 52 FRV over four seasons.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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