Daulton Varsho has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball as a remarkably versatile player. He’s shown off his skills both as an outfielder and a catcher.
Right now, Varsho plays for the Toronto Blue Jays and has caught the attention of fans with his defensive abilities and a bat that keeps getting better. His knack for handling multiple tough positions makes him a real asset in today’s hyper-specialized game.
In 2025, Daulton Varsho’s net worth sits somewhere between $3 million and $5 million, mostly thanks to his MLB earnings and some endorsement deals. He got a big financial bump when he signed a one-year, $8.2 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. That’s a hefty jump from his previous $3.05 million deal in January 2023, which let him skip salary arbitration.
The Arizona Diamondbacks originally drafted Varsho, but his career shifted gears after they traded him to the Blue Jays. He keeps developing his game in Toronto. Baseball runs deep in his family—his dad, Gary Varsho, played in the big leagues too. You can see he’s just getting started, even if his .229 batting average in 2023 shows he’s still working on adjusting to top-level pitching.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Varsho’s path to pro baseball started well before his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks. Those early years really set him up to become the flexible player he is today.
Childhood and Family Background
Daulton Varsho was born on July 2, 1996, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Baseball is in his DNA—his dad, Gary Varsho, played eight seasons in the majors, including stints with the Phillies and Pirates.
Growing up in that kind of household, Daulton naturally gravitated toward baseball. His dad’s experience gave him some pretty unique advice and guidance as a kid.
The Varsho family cared about more than just sports—they wanted Daulton to do well in school too. Winters in Wisconsin weren’t easy, but he spent those cold months training indoors, sharpening his skills despite the weather.
High School Journey
At Marshfield High School, Daulton quickly became a standout multi-sport athlete. He didn’t just play baseball—he also joined football and basketball, which helped him become a better all-around athlete.
His versatility really started to shine during high school. He played several positions, but catcher became his main focus. Scouts noticed his left-handed swing and how much it improved each year.
By his senior year, Varsho had earned All-State honors and led his team to some regional wins. His mix of speed, power, and defensive versatility made him a rare find—catchers with his athleticism don’t come around often.
College Baseball Experience
Varsho chose the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for college, and that’s where things really took off for him as a baseball prospect. Playing for the Panthers, he kept getting better every season.
His junior year was huge. He hit .362, knocked 11 home runs, and drove in 39 runs. That earned him Horizon League Player of the Year and put him on the radar as a top MLB draft prospect. He even stole 46 bases in college, which is pretty wild for a catcher.
Scouts loved that he could handle both catching duties and outfield spots. That kind of flexibility set him apart from more traditional catchers like Carson Kelly. Teams looking for roster options really took notice.
Professional Baseball Career
Daulton Varsho has built a reputation as an MLB player who can handle both catching and outfield duties. His journey has taken him from Arizona to Toronto, and he keeps showing off his defensive chops and improving bat.
MLB Draft and Entry
The Arizona Diamondbacks picked Varsho in the 2017 MLB Draft, 68th overall, right out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. With his dad’s MLB background, Daulton brought some serious baseball pedigree.
He worked his way up through the minors and made his MLB debut on July 30, 2020, during that weird, pandemic-shortened season. Adjusting to major league pitching wasn’t easy at first, but scouts liked his athleticism and flexibility.
Most prospects can’t pull off playing both catcher and outfield at a high level, but Varsho made it happen—a rare combo in today’s game.
Arizona Diamondbacks Tenure
Varsho spent 2020-2022 with the Diamondbacks, growing from a prospect into a real MLB contributor. In 2021, he hit 11 home runs in 315 at-bats, splitting time between catcher and center field.
He really broke out in 2022, hitting 27 homers and stealing 16 bases while playing top-notch defense in the outfield. His defensive stats were among the league’s best, especially in right field, where his range and arm strength stood out.
Arizona used him all over the field, but he started spending more time in the outfield. His mix of power, speed, and defense made him one of the team’s key players.
Transition to the Toronto Blue Jays
In December 2022, the Diamondbacks traded Varsho to the Toronto Blue Jays for Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. That move landed him in the tough American League East.
When he joined Toronto, Varsho signed a one-year, $3.05 million contract for 2023 and avoided arbitration. He mostly played outfield that season, getting used to a new team and league.
For 2024, Varsho scored a big pay raise with an $8.2 million contract. That jump in salary shows the Blue Jays really believe in what he brings to the table.
Toronto values his defensive skills in the outfield, and he keeps showing why his versatility matters.
Contract Details and Salary Breakdown
Daulton Varsho’s MLB career has included some major financial milestones. His ability to play both outfield and catcher has boosted his value in a big way.
Initial MLB Contract Terms
Varsho came up with the Diamondbacks after being drafted in 2017. Like most rookies, he started out earning the league minimum during his pre-arbitration years.
In those early seasons, he made close to the minimum while proving himself as a utility player. Being able to play both catcher and outfield made him more valuable than most rookies.
By 2022, Varsho had shown enough with his defense and bat to set himself up for a nice pay bump as he became arbitration eligible.
Trade Implications and Extensions
After the trade to Toronto in January 2023, Varsho signed a one-year, $3.05 million contract to avoid arbitration. That was his first big MLB payday.
After 2023, he and the Blue Jays avoided arbitration again, with Varsho signing a one-year, $8.2 million contract for 2024. That’s nearly a 170% raise, a clear sign the team values him.
This salary jump shows how Varsho’s versatility and production have paid off financially. The Blue Jays clearly see his defensive and offensive upside.
Free Agency and Future Projections
Varsho will stay under team control through the 2026 season, with two more arbitration years left before he can hit free agency. If he keeps trending upward, his salary could keep climbing.
Should he maintain or boost his production—especially with power and defense—he could land a big multi-year deal once he’s a free agent. Teams love versatile defenders who can also hit.
A few things will shape his future earnings:
- His offense over the next couple of years
- Keeping up his defensive excellence at different spots
- The overall MLB free agent market in 2026
- Whether the Blue Jays try to extend him before free agency
If the timing’s right and teams are looking for players like him, Varsho could really cash in.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Daulton Varsho has built up some real wealth during his MLB career, thanks to his contracts, bonuses, and a few off-field ventures. His finances have kept growing since he first made it to the majors.
Estimated Net Worth Over Time
By 2025, Varsho’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $5 million. That’s a solid jump from when he first debuted with Arizona in 2020.
Some sources say he’s worth around $5 million, which lines up with his steady progress. These estimates shift a bit for pro athletes, especially as new contracts and endorsements roll in.
His move to Toronto has helped him boost his financial standing, thanks to better performance and more visibility.
Earnings from Contracts
Looking at Varsho’s salary history, you can see his earnings have risen fast. He started out with modest pay, but that changed as he gained experience.
In 2023, Varsho brought in a $3,050,000 salary (no signing bonus there). For 2025, he signed a one-year deal worth $8,200,000 with the Blue Jays.
That’s a massive increase, and it’s all guaranteed, so he’s got some financial security.
Endorsements and Off-Field Income
Besides his player salary, Varsho has picked up some extra income from endorsements and off-field work. Details about his endorsement deals aren’t really public, but his marketability has grown with his on-field success.
Brands, especially equipment makers, like his ability to play both catcher and outfield. That unique skill set makes him a good fit for companies looking for authentic athlete partners.
Varsho keeps a pretty low profile compared to some MLB stars. He focuses on baseball, not on building a huge social media following or entertainment brand. That fits with his reputation as a hard worker.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Daulton Varsho has become one of baseball’s best defensive outfielders while still working on his offense. His ability to play both catcher and outfield at a high level makes him a rare player in today’s game.
Awards and Honors
Varsho has picked up some impressive defensive accolades during his career. With the Diamondbacks, he quickly became one of their top young players before heading to Toronto in 2023.
He’s been a finalist for the Gold Glove Award in the outfield, which is no small feat. That kind of recognition usually goes to players with years in the league, but Varsho got there fast after debuting in 2020.
Being able to handle both catcher and outfield jobs so well has earned him respect as one of the most versatile defenders in baseball. You just don’t see that very often.
Gold Glove Award and Defensive Accomplishments
Varsho’s defensive metrics keep landing him near the top of baseball’s rankings. He reacts fast in the outfield, takes sharp routes, and throws with real power and accuracy.
If you watch him in the outfield, you’ll notice his exceptional range. He just finds ways to make those highlight-reel catches, again and again.
His Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA) usually put him right up there with the best MLB outfielders.
Honestly, what makes Varsho stand out even more? He started as a catcher. Not many players actually pull off that transition, but Varsho’s nailed it. That kind of versatility gives his teams a ton of options, whether they’re building a roster or making moves during a game.
Out in the field, his arm strength and accuracy really show. Runners often think twice about taking the extra base, and he’s picked up plenty of big outfield assists along the way.
Offensive Metrics and wRC+
Defense might still be Varsho’s main strength, but you can see his offense coming along. If you just glance at his batting average of .229 in 2023, you’ll miss a lot of what he brings to the plate.
Let’s talk about wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus). This stat gives a better sense of his offensive value because it takes everything into account—ballparks, league averages, all that stuff. Here, 100 means league average.
Varsho has started to show some real power. He’s hitting more home runs, which makes a difference in tight games. Plus, his speed adds another layer—he steals bases and grabs extra ones whenever he gets the chance.
You can see his left-handed bat come through in big moments. He’s not just padding stats in low-pressure at-bats. Lately, he’s been more disciplined at the plate, and you notice that growth as he faces more big-league pitching.
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