TORONTO — When Daulton Varsho was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022, many weren’t too sure about how it would pay off.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Fast forward three years, and Varsho hits a game-tying home run in Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers to kick-start a comeback victory.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) hits a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Varsho’s game-tying home run against two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell was the first home run given up by Snell to a left-handed batter since Juan Soto took him deep on June 2, 2024.
The Blue Jays traded for Varsho due to his left-handed hitting and defensive versatility, which were exactly what the team needed at the time. While Toronto gave up outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and future Gold Glove-winning catcher Gabriel Moreno in the deal, the trade has ultimately paid off for the Blue Jays.
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) slides into third in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
While many didn’t like the trade, as the outfielder had become a fan favorite in the desert, Varsho now says he sees it as a good thing in hindsight.
“I just knew that, obviously, one of us outfielders [was] gonna get traded at that point because we kinda had a plethora of left-handed hitters,” he said post-game. “Fortunately, it was me because I love being here and it’s very fun to be here.”
Toronto has had some tough luck in the postseason since acquiring Varsho.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fans celebrate after a two-run home run by Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Blue Jays were swept by the Minnesota Twins in the AL Wild Card Series in 2023 and missed the playoffs entirely in 2024. This year, however, they won the American League East and are three wins away from their first championship since 1993.
While his 2025 regular season didn’t go as planned, having only played in 71 games due to injury, Varsho hit 20 home runs and had 55 RBIs. His power hitting against left-handers and plate discipline are what helped Toronto take home the first game.
“We didn’t play really well last year and the year before we were out of the playoffs,” Varsho said, reminiscing about his time with the team. “But I think overall I’ve enjoyed my time here and I’ve learned a lot about myself. It was a blessing in disguise.”
DAULTON VARSHO TIES UP #WORLDSERIES GAME 1! pic.twitter.com/VncyZk97ed
— MLB (@MLB) October 25, 2025
The Blue Jays and Dodgers play Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Former Diamondbacks star Daulton Varsho sparks Blue Jays’ rally in World Series Game 1
