Toronto New Jays: Varsho, Bassitt, Belt among key MLB players in new places

Baseball begins again on Thursday with opening day. For some players and managers, it's also their first regular-season game with a new team.

Here is a closer look at a couple people in new places who could have a big impact this year:

Varsho was acquired in a December trade after he set career highs with 27 homers, 74 runs batted in and 16 steals in 151 games with Arizona last year. He was selected by the Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2017 draft and spent his first three seasons with the team.

The 26-year-old Varsho should help balance Toronto's heavily right-handed lineup, which also includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman and George Springer. He also is a versatile defensive upgrade in the outfield who can even fill in at catcher in a pinch.

The Blue Jays signed the left-handed hitter to a one-year deal worth $9.3 million US after he spent the first 12 seasons of his major league career with the San Francisco Giants.

Belt, 34, was limited to 78 games last year due to a right knee injury that eventually required season-ending surgery. He hit .213 with eight homers and 23 runs batted in.

Belt gives the Blue Jays a left-handed bat who will likely serve primarily as a designated hitter and a backup to slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at first base.

Toronto began its off-season makeover with the December signing of the former New York Mets starting pitcher.

Bassitt is expected to contribute heavily to that special mix as the Blue Jays' presumptive third starter behind Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah.

He was 15-9 with a 3.42 earned-run average last season, setting career highs with 30 starts, 181 2/3 innings and 167 strikeouts.

An imposing six-foot-five and 220 pounds, the 33-year-old Bassitt has a