Why this Blue Jay will be a first time All-Star this season

As of now, the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster will consist of 11 former All-Stars. One of the players who is absent from that list is outfielder Daulton Varsho.

That might not be the case for much longer.

Varsho has been a solid contributor in his two seasons with Toronto. He has displayed tremendous defense and baserunning, but an inconsistent bat has limited his full potential. However, we think this is the year he turns it around and becomes a first time All-Star.

Varsho's hot start in spring training, brings optimism to the 2025 season

In his first seven Grapefruit League appearances, Varsho has hit four home runs despite still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. His slashline of .350/.391/1.100 is impressive. If Varsho carries this momentum into the regular season, he'll put himself in great position to nab his first career All Star bid.

Although his hot start in spring training may seem surprising, Varsho appeared to turn a corner during the second half of the 2024 season. It appears an adjustment in his batting stance may have helped him unlock his potential as a hitter.

If Varsho can pair a plus bat with his otherworldly defense, he'll put the rest of MLB on notice as he works to become one of the best outfielders.

FanGraphs projects Varsho will smash 23 homers to go along with a 102 wRC+. These projections are similar to the numbers Varsho put up in his two seasons with Arizona prior to being traded to Toronto. Blue Jays fans would welcome those numbers with open arms.

Although those projected numbers would make Varsho one of the most valuable players on the Blue Jays, we believe he can do even better.

The biggest thing that could impact Varsho's quest to become an All-Star is his aforementioned shoulder injury. He's only been playing at designated hitter so far this spring, and is still a question mark for Opening Day.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, and Anthony Santander will start at the season at the top of the lineup, and they're as talented of a trio as you'll find in baseball.

Their presence at the top of the lineup should alleviate some pressure for Varsho. The 28-year-old should slot into the middle of the Blue Jays lineup, where he will have plenty of protection — and could make him the forgotten man among opposing scouting reports. Those factors could enable him to have the offensive breakout Blue Jays fans have been hoping for.

All signs point toward this being to a breakout season at the plate for Varsho, which could put him in position to earn his first ever All-Star nod. 

If Varsho is picked, he'd be be the first Blue Jays outfielder selected to the Midsummer Classic since George Springer in 2022.