Blue Jays Varsho’s Stellar Season Wins Him First Gold Glove

Summary:

• Toronto Blue Jays Daulton Varsho won the American League’s 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award in centre field. 
• He was nominated together with Jake Meyers of the Houston Astros and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. 
• Varsho is the sixth Blue Jays player to win a Gold Glove in the outfield.

Daulton Varsho’s stellar season on defense has culminated in his first career Gold Glove Award for the American League in center field.

The well-deserved recognition has been anticipated well ahead throughout the baseball season by Toronto Blue Jays coaches and teammates who continuously praised his presence in the outfield. 

Schneider: “Daulton Varsho Is the Best Outfielder in Baseball.” 

Manager John Schneider was among those who never hesitated to show his support, repeatedly declaring, “Daulton Varsho is the best outfielder in baseball”. 

Since Varsho never stopped shining, Scheinder never ran out of reasons to use his catchphrase. 

Now, with this Gold Glove award, the Marshfield, Wisconsin-born has the accolade to match his manager’s high praise and to confirm his status among the league’s elite defenders.

Known for his exceptional defensive skills and delivering one of Toronto’s finest defensive performances in recent memory, Varsho stood out among fellow nominees Jake Meyers of the Houston Astros and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox.

Varsho’s opportunity to anchor the outfield in centre came more consistently after the Trade Deadline when fellow defensive standout Kevin Kiermaier was sent to the Dodgers. 

With regular starts in centre field, Varsho’s defensive potential was fully unleashed, evident in his remarkable wall catches and overall field coverage. 

His season, although cut short by a shoulder injury that eventually required rotator cuff surgery, still showcased his defensive dominance. 

Before the injury, he led all MLB outfielders with a +17 Fielding Run Value, a metric that consolidates Statcast’s defensive metrics into a single ranking. His 16 Outs Above Average also placed him in the top five among all defenders.

Impressive Quickness and “Jump”

Daulton Varsho’s natural ball-tracking skills, which he credits to playing multiple sports, especially football, have set him apart. 

But it’s his reaction speed, or “jump”, that makes him exceptional. In the critical first three seconds after contact, Varsho covers 3.7 feet more than the average outfielder, a stat bested only by Jacob Young of the Washington Nationals at 3.8 feet. 

This quickness allows Varsho to reach difficult balls with ease, often making highlight-worthy plays look routine.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Varsho contributed offensively with a .214 batting average, 18 home runs, and a .700 OPS. 

Though modest, his offensive numbers didn’t overshadow his impact on the team’s success. His defensive contributions elevated his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) to 3.3, second on the team only to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

This recognition makes Varsho the sixth Blue Jays outfielder to earn a Gold Glove, joining a prestigious list that includes Kevin Kiermaier (2023), Vernon Wells (2004-06), Shawn Green (1999), Devon White (1991-95), and Jesse Barfield (1986-87). 

Varsho’s season may not be over just yet, as he remains a contender for the Platinum Glove Award, which will be awarded on November 8 to the top defensive player in MLB across all positions.

Get the latest baseball odds on the Platinum Glove award, as well as other MLB season ending awards.