Feature Photo: Daulton Varsho, C, Diamondbacks
Editor’s Note: We’ve added all of our recent scouting reports, spotlights, and live video from the Arizona Fall League to our 2018 sortable libraries at the links below:
Also, be sure to check out our podcasts page for episodes of Defensive Indifference (AFL Edition) with your hosts Ryan Sullivan and John “Uncle Jack” Eshleman.
Featured AFL Videos
- Andres Gimenez, SS, Mets (Scottsdale Scorpions)
- Nico Hoerner, SS, Cubs (Mesa Solar Sox)
- Bobby Dalbec, 3B, Red Sox (Mesa Solar Sox)
- Desmond Lindsay, OF, Mets (Scottsdale Scorpions)
- Arquimedes Gamboa, SS, Phillies (Scottsdale Scorpions)
Featured AFL Reports
- Nate Pearson, RHP, Blue Jays (Surprise Saguaros) -Adam McInturff
- Shed Long, 2B, Reds (Scottsdale Scorpions) -John Eshleman
- Danny Dopico, RHP, White Sox (Glendale Desert Dogs) -Adam McInturff
- Scott Blewett, RHP, Royals (Surprise Saguaros) -John Eshleman
- Miguel Diaz, RHP, Padres (Peoria Javelinas) -Adam McInturff
- Garrett Williams, LHP, Giants (Scottsdale Scorpions) -John Eshleman
- Justin Garza, RHP, Indians (Glendale Desert Dogs) -Adam McInturff
- Geoff Hartlieb, RHP, Pirates (Surprise Saguaros) -John Eshleman
AFL Notes From the Field
- Steven Sensley, OF, Yankees (Glendale Desert Dogs)
- Ben Holmes, LHP, Dodgers (Glendale Desert Dogs)
- Martin Cervenka, C, Orioles (Glendale Desert Dogs)
- Laz Rivera, SS, White Sox (Glendale Desert Dogs)
Featured AFL Spotlight
Daulton Varsho, C, Diamondbacks (Salt River Rafters)
Ht/Wt: 5’10”/190 lbs. B/T: L/R Age (as of September 1, 2018): 22y, 2m
Varsho played the entirety of his first full professional season with High A Visalia in the Cal League, slashing an impressive .286/.363/.451 with a mix of power and speed—an intriguing range of skills for a catcher. Arizona sent the athletic backstop to Fall League this year, where his well-rounded tool set impressed me during my weeklong coverage of Salt River this October.
Built like a fullback at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, he’s stocky and muscular with surprising athleticism for such a bulky frame. An above-average runner underway who stole nearly 20 bases this season, Varsho moves incredibly well for his size and can surprise defenses with infield hits or base-hit bunts. A left-handed hitter, he has an aggressive swing that looks to do damage, and he doesn’t show much willingness to shorten up with two strikes. Varsho puts a charge into the ball to both fields, but aspects of his approach could lead to more strikeouts higher up the ladder unless he starts to tone down at the plate. He has the strength and bat speed for raw power, though a level path limits the lift in his swing right now. Varsho shows occasional fly ball power but will need to emphasize putting the ball in the air to put up bigger home run totals. He’s developing as a receiver, but moves very well from side to side and blocks the ball well. Varsho is quick out of the crouch with solid strength and carry on his throws.
The son of eight-year big leaguer Gary Varsho (4 teams, 1988-95) the younger Daulton shows tools on both sides of the ball and strong overall instincts. Whether he could remain at catcher was a question early in his pro career, but he looks like he’s on his way to sticking there long term. Presuming he develops into enough of a defender to profile behind the plate, the offensive upside gives Varsho a good chance to be a solid big leaguer. -Adam McInturff
