Blue Jays Could Trade Fan Favorite Varsho if Season Continues to Struggle

Toronto's star center fielder could be a deadline deal target if the team falls out of contention.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:19pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the colors of the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers uniforms.A cubist interpretation of a potential trade between the Blue Jays and Tigers involving star center fielder Daulton Varsho.Today in Detroit

The Toronto Blue Jays are off to a disappointing start in 2026, dealing with a rash of injuries and underperformance. If the team continues to struggle and falls out of playoff contention, they may consider trading away star center fielder Daulton Varsho, who is set to hit free agency after the season.

Why it matters

Varsho has been one of the Blue Jays' best players since joining the team, providing elite defense and power at the plate. Losing him would be a major blow, but the team may have to consider it if they are out of the playoff race by the trade deadline.

The details

According to a recent Bleacher Report article, the Detroit Tigers could be a potential trade partner for Varsho. The Tigers are in need of outfield help, and Varsho would be a significant upgrade. In the proposed deal, the Blue Jays would receive Detroit's top-10 prospect, Hao-Yu Lee, in return.

  • The Blue Jays are off to a slow start in the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Daulton Varsho

A 29-year-old center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who has been one of the team's best players since joining the club. Varsho is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season.

Hao-Yu Lee

A top-10 prospect in the Detroit Tigers' farm system who could be the centerpiece of a potential trade for Daulton Varsho.

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What they’re saying

“With 16.7 WAR since the start of the 2022 season, Daulton Varsho is a strong candidate for baseball's All-Underrated Team, and free agency awaits next offseason for the slugging outfielder.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

If the Blue Jays continue to struggle and fall out of playoff contention, they will have to decide whether to trade Varsho at the deadline or try to re-sign him in the offseason.

The takeaway

The potential trade of Daulton Varsho would be a difficult decision for the Blue Jays, as he has been a fan favorite and one of the team's best players. However, if the team is out of contention, they may have to consider moving him to get value in return before he hits free agency.