The Toronto Blue Jays bid farewell to veteran elite defender Daulton Varsho, who was traded to the Houston Astros on Monday. While the move was heartbreaking for fans, the trade will provide more playing time for Myles Straw. 

Varsho's departure will allow for Straw to get more deserved reps in the outfield. Straw has been a bench player/defensive replacement, but he's demonstrated how he's worthy of being an everyday player. 

When the Blue Jays initially acquired Straw from the Cleveland Guardians in 2025, the move was overlooked. But it's proven to be an underrated trade that has massively benefited the team. 

In the Blue Jays' 3-1 victory over the Astros on Monday, Taylor Trammel hit a ball deep to right center field and Straw raced to make a leaping catch at the wall to rob Trammel of a home run. Trammel didn't realize that Straw caught the ball and thought he hit a home run.

While Varsho's defense will forever hold a special place with Blue Jays fans,  Straw's ability to play all three outfield positions is a significant bonus. Straw also owns a five Outs Above Average (OAA) that sits in the 90th percentile and his elite sprint speed of 29.7 feet per second ranks in the 97th percentile. The defense in the outfield will remain strong despite losing Varsho. 

Straw has illustrated all season-long how he deserves more recognition and while he is known for his Gold Glove defense, the Varsho trade will allow for Straw to elevate his offense as well.  

Not normally recognized for his offense, Straw has already provided clutch-at-bats for the Blue Jays and playing more consistently will provide him with the opportunity to utilize his speed on the basepaths. He will try to prove he can flourish offensively with a more consistent role.

In his last seven games, Straw has compiled a .333 batting average with three stolen bases. If the Blue Jays can capitalize on his speed by getting him to steal more as well as advancing from first to third on base hits, this will amplify both his and the Blue Jays' offensive output.