2023 Blue Jays mid-season report cards with letter grades: Position players

Daulton Varsho: C

Daulton Varsho's first season in Toronto has been a bit of a mixed bag. He so far has just a .218 batting average and his .645 OPS is projected to be a career-low, although he does still have nearly half a season to rectify this.

On the positive side, Varsho is tied for the third-most home runs on the team, is also third in steals and fifth in walks. Despite not appearing to be particularly impressive on offence, he is also fourth on the team with a 1.9 WAR. (In fairness, he has been compromised by ongoing back spasms.)

The 27-year-old has proved reliable in the outfield, with a 0.995 fielding percentage, just one error and the third-most full innings on the team. He's tied first on the Blue Jays with a 1.5 DWAR and is second in the Majors with 16 Defensive Runs Saved.

Whit Merrifield: B-

This may seem like a strange way to describe someone with Whit Merrifield's resume, but he's been one of the feel-good stories of the season in Toronto. The consummate professional, he also adds invaluable leadership in the Blue Jays locker room.

Whitfield might not have the most explosive bat, but he is on course for his best batting average and OBP since 2019. This helps, as he has a team-leading 19 stolen bases, which includes a Major League second-best six steals of third base.

The three-time All-Star also offers versatility defensively, albeit mostly playing at second base and in left field, with a little right field sprinkled in. He is reliable enough and is third on the team in assists, although his -0.2 DWAR is one of the worst on the roster.