Astros trade grades: Houston finally gets its outfielder in Daulton Varsho; Blue Jays continue retooling
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Houston Astros are acquiring left-handed hitting center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti, aiming to add a lefty bat and improve defense.
- Varsho, a Gold Glove-winning outfielder, is batting .243/.307/.375 with nine home runs this season and provides a strong defensive upgrade and left-handed complement to Yordan Alvarez.
- The Astros, currently 58-55 and leading the AL West by 2.5 games, have lacked left-handed plate appearances this year and view Varsho as a key offensive and defensive addition despite his streaky hitting.
- The Blue Jays have traded two rental players before the trade deadline but gained pitchers with longer control in Arrighetti and José Soriano, with Arrighetti currently injured and holding a 4.66 ERA in limited MLB action.
- Trade grades assign a B to both teams: Houston gains valuable defense and potential offensive upside at a reasonable cost, while Toronto takes a chance on developing Arrighetti further.
