Blue Jays, Diamondbacks Complete Blockbuster Trade

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired the left-handed hitting power bat for the outfield that they've been seeking, in a blockbuster deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

BREAKING: The Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a trade that will send outfielder Daulton Varsho to the Blue Jays for a package that includes top catching prospect Gabriel Moreno, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 23, 2022

The additional player is outfielder Lourdes Gurriel.

Gabby Moreno is very, very good. Elite bat-to-ball. Enormous arm behind the plate. All-Star-caliber talent.

D-backs trade from an OF surplus with Varsho, who has power, versatility and, as a lefty, fits perfectly for Jays. https://t.co/dz3EkEoOQr

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 23, 2022

According to MLB Insider Jeff Passan, the Jays will be sending a package of top catching prospect Gabriel Moreno and left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to the D-Backs in return for Daulton Varsho.  

Varsho blasted 27 home runs while stealing 16 bases last season for the Snakes, is an elite defensive outfielder and can also play defensively behind the plate as well. He had an OPS of .745, while driving in 74 runs. He also comes to the Jays with four years of team control, not eligible for free agency until 2026.

The Diamondbacks had a glut of LH-hitting outfielders so were dealing from a position of strength, though Varsho was the one they had wanted to hang onto. 

In Moreno, Arizona receives one of the elite young hitters in the game. Gurriel had an off-year for Toronto in left field, hitting just five home runs, though he still managed an OPS+ of 113 (13% better than league average), while batting .291.

PHoto: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports