Uncertainty Remains Over the Outcome of Varsho-Moreno Trade
Sportsgrid Staff
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Early Conclusions on the Big Trade
There's still ample time for this trade to tilt in favor of one team or the other over the long term. At present, it's almost a tie. With Moreno's bat cooling down and his defensive metrics remaining solid but not quite at last year's level, it will be interesting to see if he can sustain his overall productivity. Although Varsho had a down year offensively last season, he appears to be rebounding well, with a promising performance in spring training suggesting this improvement is not a fluke.
Ultimately, this could be a win-win trade. The Diamondbacks eased their outfield congestion by moving a valuable asset while securing a long-term catcher. The Blue Jays addressed their own logjam and acquired the defensive star they needed, while also benefiting from Varsho's improving bat.
This trade will always evoke mixed emotions for Blue Jays fans, as watching their top prospect head to Arizona and appear in the World Series the following year was tough. However, the 2024 season could significantly shift the narrative surrounding this move.
The post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
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Varsho-Moreno Early Trade Thoughts
After the 2022 season, the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks struck a deal aimed at benefiting both teams in the short and long term. Arizona had an excess of outfielders but lacked a reliable catcher.
Toronto's top prospect, Gabriel Moreno (ranked No. 6 by Just Baseball), and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a strong hitter with limited defensive skills, were traded to the Diamondbacks. In return, Toronto acquired versatile catcher-turned-outfielder Daulton Varsho, who had excelled offensively for Arizona and made a smooth transition to the outfield after starting his career behind the plate. The Blue Jays expected Varsho to provide Gold Glove-level defense and hit around 30 home runs, as he had in 2022.
In the first year of the deal, the Diamondbacks appeared to be the early "winners," with Moreno and Gurriel delivering above-average performances that helped propel the team to the World Series. Meanwhile, Varsho struggled offensively and didn't immediately live up to Blue Jays fans' expectations.
However, this trade is unlikely to reveal a clear winner or loser right away. Let's delve deeper into this notable transaction and explore why it's too soon to determine who will ultimately come out on top.
The post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
Why Did the Diamondbacks Make This Trade?
In the outfield, Arizona had a strong lineup with Daulton Varsho, Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, and Jake McCarthy all capable of starting. Each had shown impressive form the previous year, leaving four everyday players competing for three spots.
Varsho, with his mix of power and defensive skill, became the most appealing trade asset for the Blue Jays, aside from Carroll, who was far less attainable.
The inclusion of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the trade raised eyebrows since the Diamondbacks were primarily looking to reduce their crowded outfield. Rumor has it that Toronto insisted Arizona take Gurriel to address the clubhouse culture, which some felt had become too relaxed, with the team aiming for a more focused approach.
Gurriel was a free agent at the time of the trade, but has since re-signed with Arizona. However, the deal is primarily viewed as a Varsho-for-Moreno swap, which is the lens through which this move is usually evaluated.
Why Did the Blue Jays Make This Trade?
Much like the Diamondbacks, the Blue Jays had a roster logjam that needed resolution. At the time of the trade, Gabriel Moreno, Danny Jansen, and Alejandro Kirk were all poised to claim full-time roles at the major league level.
Moreno had immense potential, while Jansen wielded a streaky but inconsistent bat. Kirk, fresh off an All-Star appearance and a Silver Slugger Award, added to the mix.
Initially, it seemed that Moreno would be the last catcher Toronto would trade. However, Arizona insisted he was the price if the Blue Jays were serious about acquiring Daulton Varsho over their other available outfielders.
Ross Atkins and his team believed Varsho's youth, athleticism, and potential made him a valuable acquisition. They were confident his bat would thrive at Rogers Centre and that he would evolve into a long-term star.
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How did Gabriel Moreno Do for the 2023 Diamondbacks?
Gabriel Moreno's remarkable rookie season left many in the industry believing the Diamondbacks had pulled off a one-sided deal. The slick-fielding catcher batted .284 with a .747 OPS and a 104 OPS+ over 111 games, though he managed just seven home runs. Throughout his minor league career, Moreno was known more for contact hitting than power, but even so, his home run total was somewhat low.
Defensively, he quickly established himself as one of the league's best catchers. Moreno ranked in the 94th percentile for Blocking, 100th in Caught Stealing Above Average, and 86th in Pop Time. With an impressive throwing arm, he effortlessly secured a Gold Glove Award in his first full season in the majors.
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How did Daulton Varsho do for the 2023 Blue Jays?
Daulton Varsho, however, struggled. Despite showing impressive durability by playing a career-high 158 games, he hit just .220 with a .674 OPS and 85 OPS+. There were fleeting moments of promise, but he never consistently made quality contact and often appeared lost at the plate.
Defensively, Varsho lived up to expectations, ranking in the 97th percentile for Outs Above Average and 90th for Arm Value last season. He posted a defensive WAR of 2.8 and led MLB in Defensive Runs Saved.
Due to his lack of offensive production, Varsho quickly lost the confidence of Blue Jays fans last season. This year, however, tells a different story.
2024 is Changing the Narrative Surrounding the Trade
As this season begins, perspectives on the Varsho-Moreno trade are starting to shift. Initially, it seemed clear that the Diamondbacks had won the deal, with Gabriel Moreno becoming one of the league’s best defensive catchers and showcasing a solid bat to match.
However, through 30 games this year, the young Venezuelan has managed just six extra-base hits and a .676 OPS. Although his offensive production has been lackluster, his defensive skills remain valuable. Moreno's Fielding Run Value of 1 ties him for third among catchers. Even if his offensive tools fade, his defense will continue to bolster his value.
Meanwhile, Daulton Varsho has significantly improved offensively compared to last season. In 35 games, he has seven doubles, six home runs, 16 RBIs, a .775 OPS, and a 122 OPS+. While he's struggled recently, hitting just .147 over the last 14 days, he's improved to .235 over the past week, indicating he may simply be streaky. His bWAR of 1.8 is three times higher than the combined contributions of Gurriel (0.2) and Moreno (0.4).
Defensively, Varsho is as strong as Moreno, playing both left and center field exceptionally well. He's in the 100th percentile for Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value, complementing Kevin Kiermaier, one of the best defensive center fielders of his era.
Varsho has been one of the best contributors to an otherwise disappointing Blue Jays offense. He's delivering more power, stealing bases, and beating out bunt singles, positioning himself for the first of many Gold Glove Awards in his career.
Early Conclusions on the Big Trade
There's still ample time for this trade to tilt in favor of one team or the other over the long term. At present, it's almost a tie. With Moreno's bat cooling down and his defensive metrics remaining solid but not quite at last year's level, it will be interesting to see if he can sustain his overall productivity. Although Varsho had a down year offensively last season, he appears to be rebounding well, with a promising performance in spring training suggesting this improvement is not a fluke.
Ultimately, this could be a win-win trade. The Diamondbacks eased their outfield congestion by moving a valuable asset while securing a long-term catcher. The Blue Jays addressed their own logjam and acquired the defensive star they needed, while also benefiting from Varsho's improving bat.
This trade will always evoke mixed emotions for Blue Jays fans, as watching their top prospect head to Arizona and appear in the World Series the following year was tough. However, the 2024 season could significantly shift the narrative surrounding this move.
The post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Varsho-Moreno Early Trade Thoughts
After the 2022 season, the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks struck a deal aimed at benefiting both teams in the short and long term. Arizona had an excess of outfielders but lacked a reliable catcher.
Toronto's top prospect, Gabriel Moreno (ranked No. 6 by Just Baseball), and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a strong hitter with limited defensive skills, were traded to the Diamondbacks. In return, Toronto acquired versatile catcher-turned-outfielder Daulton Varsho, who had excelled offensively for Arizona and made a smooth transition to the outfield after starting his career behind the plate. The Blue Jays expected Varsho to provide Gold Glove-level defense and hit around 30 home runs, as he had in 2022.
In the first year of the deal, the Diamondbacks appeared to be the early "winners," with Moreno and Gurriel delivering above-average performances that helped propel the team to the World Series. Meanwhile, Varsho struggled offensively and didn't immediately live up to Blue Jays fans' expectations.
However, this trade is unlikely to reveal a clear winner or loser right away. Let's delve deeper into this notable transaction and explore why it's too soon to determine who will ultimately come out on top.
The post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
