Despite missing a good chunk of this season Daulton Varsho continues to dominate hitting for power looking and showcasing resiliency. In his last 15 games, he has hit five and has batted .311. In 152 plate appearances this season, Varsho is only batting .235, but with a power-driven approach. He’s also recorded a .884 OPS and 34 RBIs. A couple of weeks ago, 19 of his 29 hits were recorded as extra-base hits. A couple of weeks ago, he also recorded 11 home runs and 30 RBI across 28 games, which is impressive.
Varsho also has 13 home runs on the season, which isn’t that far off from George Springer, who has hit 20. If Varsho weren’t on the injury list twice this season, he would likely have similar numbers to Addison Barger and Springer. Varsho hit two home runs against the Texas Rangers on August 16, when the Blue Jays scored 14 runs.
Varsho Dominating Hitting for Power
Figuring It Out At the Plate
Varsho has figured something out at the plate this season. Hard-hit balls have been a friend to Varsho. He was hitting for power in spring training, which was a big sign. But that was spring training, and he was still recovering and missed the start of this season.
However, Varsho was smoking the ball when he finally got back, but then he injured his hamstring. But Varsho continued to showcase his resilience by smoking the ball in rehab starts. Since his recent return, he continues to hit bombs and be a threat at the plate.
Despite injuries still hitting the ball hard. He recently hit a home run at 467 feet in the upper deck at the Roger’s Center earlier in the season.
Why Varsho Has Been Successful
Hitting coach David Popkins has contributed to the Blue Jays’ hitting success this season and helped Varsho return to his form from 2022 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he hit 27 bombs, which was a career high for the Gold Glove.
If Varsho avoided landing on the IL this season, he would be on pace to hit 30 home runs. With there being fewer than 40 games left, and if he continues to be productive with his bat, he could reach the 20 home run mark or close to it. Last season, he hit 18, but he wasn’t hitting for power as consistently as he has this season.
Adjustments Are Important
By simply adjusting his batting stance and reverting to his former dominant hitting performance, his enhanced offensive output has been recognized. When it comes to his defense, he continues to be a star, which is no surprise.
Varsho has made spectacular defensive plays, which make him a valuable asset. Recently, Varsho expressed his desire to remain with the Blue Jays, indicating why the team should consider signing him to a contract extension. Following shoulder surgery, Varsho has put in a lot of rehab work to get where he is today. Fans have finally got the Varsho that the Blue Jays traded for.
Although Varsho’s two stints on the IL affected his numbers, the Blue Jays have received support from Myles Straw and Jonathan Clase in the outfield, as well as Addison Barger when he’s used in the outfield.
This season, his bat speed (75.4 mph) and barrel rate (18.5 %) have been solid. In addition, his xSLG (.554) has also been impressive.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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