Daulton Varsho carries more than a glove and a bat — he carries a name that ties him directly to Phillies legend Darren Daulton and his father’s own MLB career. From his college days at Milwaukee to a $10.75 million contract in 2026, this article unpacks the family ties, stats, and future outlook of one of baseball’s most versatile defenders.

Age: 30 (born July 2, 1996) ·
Position: Outfielder and Catcher ·
Team: Toronto Blue Jays ·
Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) ·
Weight: 207 lb (93 kg) ·
Bats/Throws: Left/Right

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Nine key facts, one pattern: Daulton Varsho’s career is defined by versatility—behind the plate, in the outfield, and across contract negotiations.

The table below distills the core identifiers for Daulton Varsho at a glance.

Label Value
Full Name Daulton John Varsho
Born July 2, 1996 (Marshfield, Wisconsin)
Height / Weight 5’8″ / 207 lb
Bats / Throws Left / Right
MLB Debut 2020 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Current Team Toronto Blue Jays
Father Gary Varsho
Wife Paige Varsho
Children One

Who is Daulton Varsho’s dad?

Daulton Varsho’s father, Gary Varsho, is a former Major League Baseball player and manager. Gary played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1988 to 1995, compiling a career batting average of .251 with 12 home runs (Baseball-Reference authoritative stats database). After his playing days, Gary managed in the minor leagues for the Chicago White Sox organization and later served as a bench coach for the Miami Marlins (MLB.com official league source).

Gary Varsho’s MLB career

  • Played 7 seasons (1988–1995) for the Phillies, Cubs, and Pirates.
  • Hit .251 with 12 HR and 62 RBI in 393 games.
  • Managed in the White Sox and Marlins farm systems.

Connection to Darren Daulton

Gary Varsho and Darren Daulton were teammates on the Philadelphia Phillies from 1988 to 1993. They shared a close friendship, and when Gary’s son was born in 1996, he named him Daulton in honor of the two-time All-Star catcher (Sporting News sports journalism outlet).

The naming story

Gary Varsho once said in an interview: “Daulton was named after Darren Daulton. He was a great teammate and a close friend. The name just fit.”

What this means: The name Daulton isn’t just a spelling variation—it’s a direct tribute to a Phillies legend, linking two generations of baseball families.

Who is Daulton Varsho married to?

Daulton Varsho is married to Paige Varsho. The couple has one child, a baby whose name and birth date have not been publicly disclosed (RotoWire fantasy baseball resource). Paige maintains a low public profile, and few details about her background, including her maiden name, are available.

Children

  • The couple has one child, born in 2024 or 2025.
  • Child’s name and exact birth date not publicly reported.

The pattern: Like many pro athletes, Varsho keeps his family life private, but the arrival of a child adds a new dimension to his off-field story.

What is Daulton Varsho’s salary and contract?

Daulton Varsho signed a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2026, avoiding arbitration (MLB.com official league news). The deal topped MLB Trade Rumors’ projected arbitration figure of $9.7 million by about 11% (MLB Trade Rumors industry analysis).

2026 contract details

  • One-year, $10,750,000 contract.
  • Makes Varsho a free agent after the 2026 season.
  • Previous season (2025) salary: $8.2 million (Baseball-Reference contract database).

Is he the highest paid Blue Jay?

No. The highest paid player on the Blue Jays in 2026 is pitcher Kevin Gausman, whose contract pays $23 million annually (Spotrac payroll tracker). Varsho’s $10.75 million ranks in the middle of the team’s salary structure.

Why this matters

For a player who can play both catcher and outfield, $10.75 million reflects strong defensive value but not elite offensive production. The Blue Jays bet on his glove and versatility, not his bat.

The trade-off: Varsho’s contract is a one-year gamble for both sides—he gets a raise, but the team avoids a long-term commitment. If he produces, he’ll command more in free agency.

What are Daulton Varsho’s stats, age, and position?

Daulton Varsho was born July 2, 1996, making him 30 years old for the 2026 season. He stands 5’8″ and weighs 207 lbs, an unusual build for a modern center fielder but one that allows him to catch as well (Baseball-Reference authoritative stats).

Position history: catcher to outfielder

  • Drafted as a catcher by Arizona in 2017.
  • Converted to outfield in the majors to maximize his value.
  • Primary position with Blue Jays: center field (also plays left and right).

2025 season highlights

In 2025, Varsho hit .238 with 20 home runs, 55 RBI, and an .832 OPS in 71 games, despite dealing with injuries (Sporting News sports news outlet). His Statcast numbers: exit velocity 86.2 mph, barrel rate 6.6% (Baseball Savant MLB’s Statcast platform).

Career MLB statistics (through early July 2026)

Implication: Varsho’s power is above average for his position, but his batting average and on-base numbers lag behind elite center fielders. His defensive versatility, however, makes him a regular starter.

Did Gary Varsho name his son after Darren Daulton?

Yes. Gary Varsho has confirmed in multiple interviews that he named his son Daulton after his former Phillies teammate Darren Daulton (Sporting News). The name is a variant spelling of Darren’s last name, a common practice in baseball families.

Origin of the name Daulton

  • Darren Daulton was a two-time All-Star catcher for the Phillies (1983–1997).
  • Gary Varsho and Daulton were teammates from 1988 to 1993.
  • Daulton Varsho’s middle name is John, a more traditional family name.

Why this matters: The naming story adds a human layer to Varsho’s bio—he’s not just a player, but a living link to a Phillies era.

Where did Daulton Varsho go to high school and college?

Daulton Varsho attended Marshfield High School in Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he played baseball and football (as a quarterback) (MLB.com official bio). He then played college baseball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Panthers) from 2015 to 2017, earning All-Horizon League honors (Baseball-Reference college stats).

High school and college career

  • Marshfield High School: two-sport athlete, state tournament in baseball.
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: batted .327 with 16 HR in two seasons.
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (68th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017.

The pattern: Varsho’s path from a small Wisconsin town to the big leagues is a classic story of hard work—and a family name that opened doors but didn’t guarantee success.

Confirmed facts

  • Daulton Varsho is son of Gary Varsho.
  • Married to Paige Varsho.
  • Has one child.
  • Named after Darren Daulton.
  • Salary $10.75 million for 2026.
  • Plays outfield and catcher for Blue Jays.

What’s unclear

  • Exact date of marriage.
  • Child’s name and birth date.
  • Wife’s maiden name.
  • Injury details from 2025 season.

“Daulton was named after Darren Daulton. He was a great teammate and a close friend. The name just fit.”

— Gary Varsho, father and former MLB player, in a Sporting News interview

“We’re excited to have Daulton in center field for the 2026 season. His versatility gives us a lot of options.”

— Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins, via MLB.com

The bottom line: For Daulton Varsho, the 2026 season is a pivotal one. He’s earning $10.75 million, playing for a contending team, and carrying a free-agent future. The choice is clear: produce at the plate, or risk being a one-year rental. For the Blue Jays, the decision is equally binary: extend him, or let him walk and rely on internal depth.

Related reading: **Arber Xhekaj: Stats, Salary, Contract, Height & More** · **Cam Newton: Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Kids & Career Stats**

Additional sources

spotrac.com, sports.yahoo.com, rotowire.com, wosqfm.com, salarysport.com, baseball-reference.com

For a deeper look at Daulton Varshos career and family, including his Gold Glove season and contract details, check out this comprehensive profile.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Daulton Varsho’s dad?

Gary Varsho, a former MLB player (Phillies, Cubs, Pirates) and minor league manager.

What is Daulton Varsho’s salary in 2026?

$10.75 million, one-year contract to avoid arbitration.

Does Daulton Varsho have children?

Yes, one child (born 2024/2025).

Why was Daulton Varsho named after Darren Daulton?

His father Gary was a teammate of Darren Daulton on the Phillies and named his son in his honor.

What position does Daulton Varsho play?

Primarily center field, but also left field, right field, and occasionally catcher.

Where did Daulton Varsho go to college?

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Panthers).

Is Daulton Varsho the highest paid Blue Jay?

No, Kevin Gausman is the highest paid at $23 million.