The Toronto Blue Jays have traded with the Arizona Diamondbacks to acquire outfielder Daulton Varsho in a trade that involves young receiver Gabriel Moreno.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is also involved in the transaction.
Moreno was the No. 1 prospect for the Blue Jays, according to TSN.
The Blue Jays felt they could trade Moreno as they already have Alejandro Kirk and veteran Danny Jansen behind the plate. In addition, the Jays were looking for a left-handed hitter to add to the offensive lineup that already includes right-handers Kirk, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, George Springer and Matt Chapman.
Varsho can play outfield and at receiver. A left-handed batter, he hit .235 with 27 home runs and 74 RBIs last year.
Selected in the second round of the 2017 draft, Varsho is under contract for the next four seasons. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2026 season.
Varsho played in 151 games during the 2022 season, making 114 outfield appearances and 31 behind the plate. He was part of a talented group of young outfielders for the Diamondbacks. The latter are trying to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres in the West Division of the National.
Gurriel hit five homers and drove in 52 runs while maintaining a .291 batting average.
As for Moreno, he is seen as a player of the future at the catcher position in major league baseball. Last year, he played 25 games with the Blue Jays. He had 55 hits, homered and seven RBIs while posting a .319 batting average.
With Springer, Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier, who they signed as free agents, the Blue Jays should have one of the best outfield lines in baseball.
The Blue Jays finished the season seven games behind the New York Yankees and first in the American East Division. They’re having a busy offseason, as they try to change a few plays after being knocked out in the fourth ace round.
