Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[L54]

Any chance this was a month ago? I mean...it's great to see him in the gym...but I unreasonably want him slimmer heading in to the season.

 

I guess I need to expect that this is a long term goal and small victories are important.

 

He will never fit your definition of slim

[Virgil_Hiltz]

Any chance this was a month ago? I mean...it's great to see him in the gym...but I unreasonably want him slimmer heading in to the season.

 

I guess I need to expect that this is a long term goal and small victories are important.

 

Agreed....I rather see small gains (errrrr loses) in his battle against weight all through good habits and not a gimmick or fad that lasts a short while.

[Krylian]

He will never fit your definition of slim

 

Of course. I understand that. Certain body types are going to have a certain look no matter what. Slim was probably the wrong word. I think healthy is all we can really hope for. He's going to be stalky...but ideally we'll be able to actually see his belt going forward. Core strength, Captain.

[Ray]

Rays Fangraphs prospects write up is 62 deep: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-62-prospects-tampa-bay-rays/

 

13 prospects with a 50FV or higher.

[Spanky__99]

Is Groshans the new Biggio?

 

Keith Law top 100 came out today. Pearson, Martin, Manoah, Orelvis, and Kirk all ranked.... No Jordan Groshans!

 

Wow, he was 73 on his list last season, no way he should drop that many spots because of covid?! No SWR either, hmm...

 

73. Jordan Groshans, 3B/SS, Toronto Blue Jays

 

Groshans was the Jays’ first-round pick in 2018 and got off to a terrific start in 2019 in the full-season Midwest League, hitting .337/.427/.482 in 23 games for Lansing before a left foot injury ended his year. Groshans has a pure hitter’s swing and has shown an elite ability to make adjustments to pitchers so far in his brief pro tenure. He rotates his hips early, and the power he has shown to date comes more from his hand strength than his legs — although that’s as much a timing issue as anything, and if it ever becomes an issue it’s probably fixable. A third baseman in high school and in 2018, Groshans moved to short last year and wasn’t terrible, but third or second remain more likely long-term positions for him. If he improves at short enough to stay there, his average/contact/OBP combination would make him a potential star even without big power. A full, healthy year in 2020 will help establish just how advanced his bat is and whether he has the power to be a star even in a corner.

Edited January 29, 2021 by Spanky99

[Ryu In My House]

Rays Fangraphs prospects write up is 62 deep: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-62-prospects-tampa-bay-rays/

 

13 prospects with a 50FV or higher.

 

Holy s***, 13? I will bet there are some systems that don't even have 2.

[Spanky__99]

Pipeline dropped their Top 100 yesterday...

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/2021-top-100-prospects-list-breakdown

 

10 - Nate Pearson

 

22 - Austin Martin

 

46 - Jordan Groshans

 

87 - SWR

 

No Manoah or Kirk?

 

Blue Jays Jordan Groshans went from No. 75 to No. 46

 

^^^^ Quite the contrast to KL

[Brownie19]

Rays Fangraphs prospects write up is 62 deep: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-62-prospects-tampa-bay-rays/

 

13 prospects with a 50FV or higher.

 

It's pretty insane that Nick Bitsko and Cole Wilcox are 21st and 22nd on the top prospect list (although Bitsko's injury could really impact him).

[Jimcanuck]

 

I know it's last June, but he's gotten bigger, stronger. He's a beast.

[Jimcanuck]

Dominguez with the high maintenance body at 17 yrs old.

[L54]

 

I know it's last June, but he's gotten bigger, stronger. He's a beast.

 

Good to see he’s working on the launch angle, reports are questioning the power eh Jimmy

[Jimcanuck]

Good to see he’s working on the launch angle, reports are questioning the power eh Jimmy

 

Nobody questioning the power, mate. Just whether he will get to it, in game. He's too f***ing good not to make the adjustment.

[Grant77]

Eric Longenhagen was on the Fan590 and had a bit of a hot take, saying that we have a bottom half farm system because of a lack of high end prospects.

 

Their own rankings have Pearson and Martin as probable top 25 prospects, as well as likely another 4 in the top 100, so his comments are puzzling but it was an interesting conversation.

[Carlos Danger]

Eric Longenhagen was on the Fan590 and had a bit of a hot take, saying that we have a bottom half farm system because of a lack of high end prospects.

 

Their own rankings have Pearson and Martin as probable top 25 prospects, as well as likely another 4 in the top 100, so his comments are puzzling but it was an interesting conversation.

 

I agree with him.....

[dineke]

How are writers able to rank prospects and farm systems without a minor league season?

[Grant77]

I agree with him.....

 

Since he didn't explain, I'd like to hear your reasoning. I can only think of a few ways to explain it.

 

1. He doesn't think that Pearson and Martin are actually high end prospects, despite giving them FV's that match that description.

 

2. He doesn't agree with the industry consensus that we have 5-8 top 100 prospects, despite ranking about 6 of our prospects in that range.

 

3. He thinks that the rest of the system is so incredibly thin that it negates a top 10 prospects list that is clearly one of the best in the league based on the above 2 points

[THANOS]

Since he didn't explain, I'd like to hear your reasoning. I can only think of a few ways to explain it.

 

1. He doesn't think that Pearson and Martin are actually high end prospects, despite giving them FV's that match that description.

 

2. He doesn't agree with the industry consensus that we have 5-8 top 100 prospects, despite ranking about 6 of our prospects in that range.

 

3. He thinks that the rest of the system is so incredibly thin that it negates a top 10 prospects list that is clearly one of the best in the league based on the above 2 points

 

Yeah it's full of contradictions. Or maybe he was out-voted by the rest of the staff on the Jays' system? That could be it. His own personal feelings don't match the rest of Fangraphs.

[JG34]

Groshan is on Law’s just missed list.

 

Jordan Groshans, 3B, Toronto

 

Last year I wrote this about Groshans: “A full, healthy year in 2020 will help establish just how advanced his bat is and whether he has the power to be a star even in a corner.” Ah, well, it was a good thought, but because of the pandemic Groshans hasn’t taken an at-bat in an actual game since May 2019. Groshans did spend the summer at the Jays’ alternate site, facing a lot of pitchers who had appeared in the big leagues or were close to doing so, which is better than no experience but doesn’t give us much new information, such as whether he’s still rotating his hips early and cutting off some of his potential power. He does have a great swing path and has shown an ability to make some adjustments in the limited experience he has in pro ball. I’d just like to see him produce over a longer period against better pitching now.

[Slade]

BA Jays top 30 with Scouting Reports.

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/1022/toronto-blue-jays/organizational/?year=2021&type=P

 

1. Nate Pearson | RHP

Nate Pearson

Born: Aug 20, 1996

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'6" Wt.: 250

Drafted: JC of Central Florida, 2017 (1st round).

Signed By: Matt Bishoff.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Fastball: 80. Curveball: 50. Slider: 70. Changeup: 55. Control: 55.

Track Record: Pearson mostly pitched as a reliever when he was a freshman at Florida International. He transferred to the JC of Central Florida for 2017 and his stock soared as a starter. He was drafted 28th overall, signed for $2,452,900 and quickly looked like a steal. His 2018 season ended early—he didn’t pitch until May 7, then threw 1.2 innings before a line drive fractured his right forearm and ended his season—but he returned with an outstanding 2019 that put him in the conversation for the top pitching prospect in baseball. Pearson made his major league debut in 2020 and made four starts before going on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. He returned in time to make one relief appearance at the end of the season and made the Blue Jays postseason roster. In his lone playoff appearance, he struck out five of six batters he faced over two perfect innings of relief.

 

Scouting Report: Pearson has a huge frame with a power fastball to match. He sits 94-98 mph, touched 101 in the majors and has previously been as high as 104, showing the ability to get empty swings when he elevates. Pearson significantly improved his mid-80s slider during his time in the minors and saw it carry over to the majors. It’s a plus pitch that flashes as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, with late bite and two-plane depth to dive underneath barrels. Pearson shows the feel to add and subtract from his slider, landing it in the strike zone or burying it for a chase pitch when necessary. Pearson leaned heavily on his fastball/slider combination in 2020. When he keeps his changeup down, it shows flashes of being a solid-average pitch at 86-89 mph. He didn’t throw it much and lacked a consistent feel for it in the big leagues, where it played below-average. He sprinkles in an occasional 75-79 mph curveball, usually early in the count, showing better control of his curveball than he does with his changeup. Pearson showed electric stuff but got into trouble in the majors because of his control. That hasn’t been an issue for Pearson in the past, and his athletic, efficient delivery suggests he should be able to throw more strikes going forward. Pearson has plenty of starter traits, but durability is still a question. His 101.2 innings in 2019 were a career-high, so his 2020 elbow injury and the fact that he throws so hard gives some scouts pause about his ability to handle a starter’s workload.

 

The Future: If Pearson shows he can hold up as a starter and throw strikes like he did in the minor leagues, he has the stuff to develop into a true No. 1 starter. He should be an integral part of Toronto’s rotation in 2021.

 

2. Austin Martin | SS

Austin Martin

Born: Mar 23, 1999

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 185

Drafted: Vanderbilt, 2020 (1st round).

Signed By: Nate Murrie.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Hitting: 70. Power: 55. Run: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.

Track Record: Martin was an All-American at Vanderbilt who led the Southeastern Conference in on-base percentage in 2019, putting himself in conversations to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft. The Blue Jays were elated to get him with the fifth pick, signing him for $7,000,825. He spent the summer at the alternate training site and consistently put together the most disciplined at-bats of any hitter in Rochester.

 

Scouting Report: Martin is a well-rounded, intensely competitive player with quick hands and a short, direct swing geared for line drives. He has excellent hand-eye coordination which leads to a high contact rate and good plate coverage, with no problems barreling high-end velocity. Martin’s bat speed and swing efficiency allow him to let the ball travel deep before deciding whether to swing which, along with his keen eye for the strike zone, helps him get on base at a high clip. Martin’s offensive value will come more from his on-base skills than his power, but he has solid-average raw power that was showing up more in games before the season shut down. A tick above-average runner, Martin is athletic and was announced as a shortstop on draft day. He spent a lot of time at shortstop at the alternate site but moved around to third base, second base and center field. He played mostly third base in 2020, with hands that work well in the dirt, but throwing accuracy issues prompted Vanderbilt to move him from third base to center field in 2020.

 

The Future: Martin’s future position remains unsettled, but he has the hitting ability and versatility to develop into a plus regular at a multitude of positions. He’s advanced enough to start in high Class A in 2021.

 

3. Jordan Groshans | SS

Jordan Groshans

Born: Jul 20, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'3" Wt.: 205

Drafted: HS--Magnolia, Texas, 2018 (1st round).

Signed By: Brian Johnston.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Run: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.

Track Record: Groshans was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft and was crushing the low Class A Midwest League in 2019, but a left foot injury sidelined him after 23 games. He spent 2020 at the alternate site in Rochester, where he led the team’s hitters in home runs.

 

Scouting Report: Groshans has a long frame with an athletic, well-sequenced swing and an advanced offensive approach for his age. He has good bat speed, barrels quality fastballs and drives the ball with above-average raw power. With the moving parts in his swing, there are times when Groshans opens early and works around the ball, leaving him vulnerable against breaking balls away. When he stays back and gets into a good hitting position, he stays through the ball and is able to manipulate the barrel and drive the ball from right-center over to his pull side. Groshans reads the ball well off the bat and has a plus arm at shortstop, but his range and quickness will play better at third base, where he would have the tools to become an above-average defender.

 

The Future: His foot injury followed by the pandemic have limited Groshans’ development opportunities the last two years, but he has the upside to be a force in the middle of a lineup.

 

4. Simeon Woods Richardson | RHP

Simeon Woods Richardson

Born: Sep 27, 2000

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'3" Wt.: 215

Drafted: HS--Sugar Land, Texas, 2018 (2nd round).

Signed By: Ray Corbett (Mets).

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 60.

Track Record: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, playing his first season at 17 after signing for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. One year later, the Mets traded him and lefthander Anthony Kay to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman. He spent 2020 at the alternate site in Rochester.

 

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson has a strong, powerful build and exceptional polish for his age. He reached high Class A Dunedin in 2019 as a 19-year-old. His athleticism helps him repeat his delivery consistently and locate his fastball to all quadrants of the strike zone, with a chance for plus or better control. He gets good extension out front on his 91-95 mph fastball which has late, riding life when he pitches up in the zone. He mixes and matches three secondary pitches to miss bats, including a tick above-average slider and a deceptive changeup that improved in 2020 to become a plus pitch. Woods Richardson also throws an average curveball, though he goes to his slider more with two strikes.

 

The Future: Woods Richardson is advanced enough to start 2021 in Double-A, with a chance to get to Toronto by the end of the year. He has the mix of stuff and control to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter.

 

5. Alejandro Kirk | C

Alejandro Kirk

Born: Nov 6, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'8" Wt.: 265

Drafted: Mexico, 2016.

Signed By: Dean Decillis/Sandy Rosario.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Hitting: 70. Power: 50. Run: 20. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50.

Track Record: It’s easy to overlook Kirk because of his squatty body type, but his track record of hitting continues to sparkle. Signed out of Mexico in 2016, Kirk reached high Class A in 2019 and spent most of 2020 at the alternate training site. He made the jump to Toronto in September and earned regular playing time down the stretch in the Blue Jays’ playoff push.

 

Scouting Report: Built like a shorter Pablo Sandoval, Kirk matches Sandoval’s innate ability to barrel the baseball. He has short arms, a short swing and makes frequent contact, striking out just 10% of the time in 2019 and showing the bat control that translated in his brief big league callup. He has a small strike zone and stays disciplined within it, tracking pitches to drive fastballs and breaking pitches to all fields, especially fastballs at the top of the zone. He has average raw power that he accesses in games because of his ability to consistently find the sweet spot. Kirk’s detractors worry about his body and question his defensive skills behind the plate, while others think he receives well, does a solid job with blocking and works well with his pitchers. He has an average arm.

 

The Future: Kirk made a big jump to the majors at the end of the season, so more minor league time would be reasonable. Still, his performance catapulted him into the 2021 big league picture.

 

6. Orelvis Martinez | SS

Orelvis Martinez

Born: Nov 19, 2001

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 190

Drafted: Dominican Republic, 2018.

Signed By: Alexis de la Cruz/Sandy Rosario.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Run: 45. Fielding: 40. Arm: 60.

Track Record: Martinez signed out of the Dominican Republic for $3.51 million, the largest bonus for any 16-year-old in the 2018-19 international class, and ranked as the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League’s No. 1 prospect in his first season. After training at home in the Dominican Republic. Last summer, he joined the alternate site for a week, homered there, then hit four homers in his first two weeks of instructional league.

 

Scouting Report: Like several other Blue Jays prospects, Martinez does a good job incorporating his whole body into his swing. He has to keep those moving parts in sync, but generally does so to generate fast bat speed and easy plus power. He uses his hands well at the plate, driving the ball with impressive carry to all fields. Martinez makes frequent contact and has an advanced approach for his age, shrinking his lower-half movement when he gets to two strikes. He gets himself in trouble when he’s too aggressive early in the count. Martinez has a plus arm and good hands at shortstop, but he needs to improve his footwork. The Blue Jays still think he has a chance to play shortstop, but his range is already iffy there, and with how much bigger he’s likely to get, his best fit long term is probably third base.

 

The Future: Martinez has the upside to develop into an all-star on the left side of the infield, but he is still a teenager yet to make his full-season debut. He is likely to begin in low Class A in 2021.

 

7. Alek Manoah | RHP

Alek Manoah

Born: Jan 9, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'6" Wt.: 270

Drafted: West Virginia, 2019 (1st round).

Signed By: Coulson Barbiche.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.

Track Record: Manoah split time between starting and relieving his first two years at West Virginia. He had an outstanding summer in the Cape Cod League in 2018, then carried over that success in 2019 as a junior, propelling him to become the 11th overall pick and sign with the Blue Jays for $4,547,500.

 

Scouting Report: Manoah is a power pitcher with a gigantic frame. Built like Aaron Harang, Manoah will need to stay on top of his conditioning, but he leverages his size into a high-octane fastball. He sits at 93-96 mph with tailing life and can dial it up to 98. His slider flashes plus and is his putaway pitch. Manoah primarily relied on those two pitches at West Virginia and in the short-season Northwest League, where he continued to rack up strikeouts. His changeup lagged behind and was a developmental priority in 2020 at the alternate training site. It flashes enough movement that it could develop into an average pitch. Manoah is more athletic than his body suggests, which helps him throw strikes, though he does need to tighten his fastball command.

 

The Future: Manoah has the stuff to develop into a mid-rotation starter with a chance for more. Even with the shutdown, he could be in position to pitch in Toronto by the end of the 2021 season.

 

8. Gabriel Moreno | C

Gabriel Moreno

Born: Feb 14, 2000

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'11" Wt.: 170

Drafted: Venezuela, 2016.

Signed By: Francisco Plasencia.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Run: 30. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

Track Record: Signed out of Venezuela for $25,000 in 2016, Moreno has ascended to become one of the top catching prospects in the lower levels of the minors. He arrived at the alternate site in Rochester in mid August and quickly impressed some of the veteran players there, posting one of the top offensive performances in his brief stint.

 

Scouting Report: Moreno jumps out for his athleticism and elite hand-eye coordination. He has excellent control of the barrel and his body, striking out just 11% of the time in 2019. He has incorporated bigger, more athletic movements into his swing since signing to help him drive the ball with more impact, something that started to pop in 2019 and gives him a chance for 15-20 home runs. Moreno is adept at squaring up good velocity, though he still has chase tendencies he’s working to tighten and become more selective on borderline pitches. Moreno has a slightly above-average arm, a quick release and his athleticism is an asset behind the plate, but his blocking and receiving still need improvement.

 

The Future: Moreno continues to show positive trends with his bat. As long as they continue, he has a chance to develop into an average or better regular behind the plate.

 

9. Adam Kloffenstein | RHP

Adam Kloffenstein

Born: Aug 25, 2000

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'5" Wt.: 245

Drafted: HS--Magnolia, Texas, 2018 (3rd round).

Signed By: Brian Johnston.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.

Track Record: A third-round pick in 2018, Kloffenstein was one of the top pitchers in the short-season Northwest League as a teenager in 2019. Instead of going to the alternate training site or instructional league in 2020, Kloffenstein stayed home in Texas to pitch in the independent Constellation Energy League, where he had a 4.64 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 12 walks in 21.1 innings, throwing no more than three innings per appearance.

 

Scouting Report: Kloffenstein has the extra-large frame similar to other pitchers the Blue Jays have drafted highly in recent years. It’s his touch and feel that sticks out more than overpowering stuff, but he also saw a slight velocity bump in 2020. He’s a strike-thrower who sits in the low-to-mid 90s with sink and now reaches 97 mph. He pairs it with two breaking pitches that he has natural feel to spin. Both his slider and curveball are average pitches with a chance to be plus, with his slider typically the more reliable of the two. His changeup, a developmental focus for Kloffenstein in 2020, has good fade and gives him a chance to develop another average pitch once he throws it more.

 

The Future: Between his control and arsenal, Kloffenstein has the ingredients to remain a starter, with a chance for his stuff to tick up even further. There’s mid-rotation potential, with low Class A likely next.

 

10. Miguel Hiraldo | SS

Miguel Hiraldo

Born: Sep 4, 2000

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'11" Wt.: 175

Drafted: Dominican Republic, 2017.

Signed By: Luciano del Rosario.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Hitting: 55. Power: 55. Run: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 55.

Track Record: Several clubs considered Hiraldo one of the best hitters in the 2017 international class when he signed with the Blue Jays for $750,000. He came as advertised in his first two seasons, including a strong showing in the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2019. The Blue Jays did not bring him to their alternate training site in 2020, so Hiraldo instead trained at home in the Dominican Republic before coming over for instructional league looking leaner than he did in 2019.

 

Scouting Report: Hiraldo has an innate feel for barreling the baseball with a short, direct swing and a knack for being on time. His hands are so quick he’s able to generate impressive bat speed, even though he doesn’t get much separation with his load to start his swing. He gets his lower half into his swing well and generates solid-average raw power that could increase. Hiraldo is a good fastball hitter, but his approach can get pull-heavy and leaves him vulnerable on the outer third of the plate and against breaking pitches. His hands and solid-average arm fit at shortstop, but his range points to a future position change, with a skill set that would work well at third base.

 

The Future: The Blue Jays have a wealth of shortstops to find playing time for in 2021. Hiraldo is ready for one of Toronto’s Class A levels and could possibly move around the infield to get him into the lineup regularly. .

 

11. C.J. Van Eyk | RHP

C.J. Van Eyk

Born: Sep 15, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 205

Drafted: Florida State, 2020 (2nd round).

Signed By: Brandon Bishoff.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Van Eyk won a gold medal with USA Baseball's 18U national team in high school and entered his senior year as one of the top prospects in the 2017 draft. A forearm injury hurt his draft stock, and he instead went to Florida State. The move worked out, as Van Eyk became the 42nd overall pick in the 2020 draft and signed for $1,797,500. He went to the team's rookie camp at instructional league in the fall and pitched in one game.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Van Eyk pitches off a fastball that sits in the low 90s and touches 95 mph. He throws an above-average curveball with good depth that can miss bats, along with an average changeup that has good sink and separation off his fastball. Van Eyk has a feel to spin a slider, but it doesn't generate the same swing-and-miss rate as his curveball. He throws strikes with easy, fluid arm action and simple, low-maintenance mechanics.

 

THE FUTURE: Van Eyk is a relatively safe bet to stick as a starter between his repertoire, delivery and pitchability. He should make his pro debut at one of the Class A levels in 2021.

 

12. Otto Lopez | SS/2B

Otto Lopez

Born: Oct 1, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 170

Drafted: Dominican Republic, 2016.

Signed By: Sandy Rosario/Lorenzo Perez/Alexis de la Cruz.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Signed for $60,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2016, Lopez broke out in 2019 with a batting title in the low Class A Midwest League. In 2020, Lopez spent a few weeks in instructional league before going home to play winter ball for Escogido in the Dominican Republic. The Blue Jays added him to the 40-man roster after the season.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Lopez won't jump out for his pure tools, but he has an innate feel for contact and a particular knack for barreling fastballs up in the zone. Lopez doesn't walk much and would benefit from a more selective hitting approach, as his bat control leads to light contact on pitches he should lay off. Lopez has average raw power, though it hasn't manifested itself in games yet with a swing geared for low line drives and grounders. There's unlocked power for Lopez to tap into if he shifts his intent from a contact-oriented approach to one where he tries to drive certain pitches for extra-base damage. Lopez has primarily played shortstop with his slightly above-average speed and average arm strength, but he will be stretched to play there every day at higher levels. He has played second base and the outfield, as well.

 

THE FUTURE: Lopez's future may involve playing multiple positions. He has a chance to be an everyday player if he's able to hit for more power in games.

 

13. Estiven Machado | SS

Estiven Machado

Born: Oct 4, 2002

Bats: B Throws: R

Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 165

Drafted: Venezuela, 2019.

Signed By: Sandy Rosario/Francisco Plasencia.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Machado was one of the top prospects in the 2019 international class and signed with the Blue Jays for $775,000. When the coronavirus pandemic shut down the 2020 season, Machado and a group of Venezuelan players stayed near the Blue Jays' complex in Dunedin, Fla., and worked out together at their hotel. Dominican Summer League manager Dane Fujinaka guided them through video workouts and drills in the parking lot before they got back on the field later in the summer.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Machado combines an exciting mix of quick-twitch athleticism, tools and skills that translate in games. The switch-hitter's swings are fast, short and direct from both sides of the plate. His plate discipline is advanced for his age, leading to a high contact rate and consistent quality at-bats. Machado has mostly doubles power now, but he has the bat speed and projectable strength to potentially develop average power. Machado has average speed, but he has explosive movements with an easy running gait, so there's a chance he could get faster. His defense at shortstop isn't at the same level as fellow 2019 signing Rikelbin de Castro, but he has the athleticism, quick first step, footwork, range and hands to stay at shortstop. His above-average arm could become plus when he gets stronger.

 

THE FUTURE: Machado could develop into one of the most exciting players in the system, but needs to prove it in real games first. He should get that chance in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2021.

 

14. Eric Pardinho | RHP

Eric Pardinho

Born: Jan 5, 2001

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'9" Wt.: 200

Drafted: Brazil, 2017.

Signed By: Andrew Tinnish/Sandy Rosario.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: The top international pitching prospect in 2017, Pardinho signed with the Blue Jays out of Brazil for $1.4 million. He got off to a terrific start in his pro debut, skipping two levels and showing his polish in the Rookie-level Appalachian League as a 17-year-old. Pardinho battled a sore right elbow the following year and didn't have the same stuff or success when he returned. He eventually had Tommy John surgery in Feb. 2020 and spent the year rehabbing in Florida.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: When Pardinho was at his best in 2018, he sat in the low 90s and touched 96 mph. He complemented his heater with a curveball that flashed plus to get swings and misses and a slider that could develop into another above-average pitch. But when Pardinho returned to the mound after his elbow soreness in 2019, his stuff was not as crisp, with his velocity in the 88-92 mph range and his breaking stuff lacking its usual bite. He has shown feel for a changeup, though he hasn't been able to use it much. With Pardinho having surgery, there's reason to believe he wasn't 100% when he came back to pitch in 2019, and there's a chance his stuff will rebound once he's fully rehabbed. He has solid control from a smooth, easy delivery and a good arm action.

 

THE FUTURE: Pardinho is set to return in the middle of the 2021 season. His outlook depends on what his stuff looks like when he returns.

 

15. Thomas Hatch | RHP

Thomas Hatch

Born: Sep 29, 1994

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 200

Drafted: Oklahoma State, 2016 (3rd round).

Signed By: Ty Nichols (Cubs).

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Hatch won Big 12 Conference pitcher of the year in 2016 at Oklahoma State and was drafted by the Cubs in the third round. He made his way up to Double-A in the Cubs' system and was acquired by the Blue Jays at the 2019 trade deadline for David Phelps. Hatch's results improved when the Blue Jays encouraged him to throw his changeup more. He made his major league debut in 2020 as a reliever, with his stuff looking sharper out of the bullpen.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Hatch's fastball sat in the low 90s as a starter but ticked up to 94-98 mph as a reliever. He generates above-average spin that helps his fastball play up, though he needs to improve his command. Hatch mainly threw his fastball and slider in college and with the Cubs, but his plus changeup is his best offspeed pitch, a weapon for whiffs against both lefties and righties. It looks like a fastball out of his hand before hitting the brakes at 84-88 mph, resulting in off-balance and empty swings. Hatch throws his solid-average slider with more power out of the bullpen than he did as a starter. It comes in at 86-91 mph with short, hard action and is capable of getting swings and misses as well.

 

THE FUTURE: Hatch has a smooth, controlled delivery and a three-pitch starter's mix, so a return to the rotation is possible. Given how much better his stuff played in relief, he might stay there going forward.

 

16. Leonardo Jimenez | SS

Leonardo Jimenez

Born: May 17, 2001

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 195

Drafted: Panama, 2017.

Signed By: Alex Zapata/Sandy Rosario.

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TRACK RECORD: Jimenez was Panama's top prospect in the 2017 international class and signed with the Blue Jays for $825,000. He performed well in his first two years of Rookie ball and showed up to instructional league in 2020 with added strength that made a notable impact.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Jimenez is an instinctive player who isn't as flashy or explosive as other shortstops, but he's a fundamentally sound player with a good internal clock. He's a fluid defender at shortstop with soft hands, good body control and an average arm, with a throwing program a focal point for Jimenez to try to improve his arm strength. His first-step quickness and range lead some to believe he'll move off the position, but others believe his reads and instincts will keep him at short. After not hitting a home run in his first two seasons, Jimenez went deep in an early instructional league game and was driving the ball with more authority. Like many young hitters who start to grow into a little bit of power, Jimenez got caught up trying to sell out for power and began swinging and missing more than usual. That should settle in as he finds the right balance. The strength of Jimenez's offensive game has been his ability to manage his at-bats and put the ball in play from a simple swing

 

THE FUTURE: Jimenez's newfound strength should help his jump to a full-season league in 2021. He might end up a utilityman, but there's enough upside for him to develop into an everyday middle infielder.

 

17. Victor Mesia | C

Victor Mesia

Born: Jan 18, 2003

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 205

Drafted: Venezuela, 2019.

Signed By: Sandy Rosario/Jose Contreras/Miguel Leal.

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TRACK RECORD: Mesia signed for $300,000 as part of the deep Blue Jays international class in 2019. He made a strong impression after signing during Tricky League (an unofficial league for July 2 signings) and Dominican instructional league. The coronavirus pandemic prevented him from making his official pro debut in 2020, but he was a standout at instructional league in the fall.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Mesia has a knack for making contact and driving the ball with impact. He has surprising explosiveness to his actions for his stocky build, producing fast bat speed and a compact, efficient stroke. He needs to become a more selective hitter, but he still makes a lot of contact, squares up high-end velocity and uses the whole field. Mesia's raw power is at least average with a chance for more to come. He has a strong, heavy lower half and moves athletically behind the plate, where he projects to stick with a slightly above-average arm that could tick up as he gets stronger.

 

THE FUTURE: Mesia is far away, but he has the building blocks to develop into an everyday catcher. He's advanced enough to start 2021 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

 

18. Rikelvin De Castro | SS

Rikelvin De Castro

Born: Jan 23, 2003

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 155

Drafted: Dominican Republic, 2019.

Signed By: Sand Rosario/Lorenzo Perez/Luis Natera.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: De Castro received the largest bonus in Toronto's deep 2019 international signing class, signing for $1.2 million. His expected pro debut was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, but the Blue Jays brought him over in the fall for instructional league.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: De Castro is a wiry, thin-boned shortstop with quick-twitch athleticism and slick defensive actions. He's a high-energy player with a quick first step, nimble footwork, smooth hands and good range. His speed and arm strength are average but have a chance to tick up once he puts on strength, especially his throwing given his fast arm speed. The attributes are there for a future plus defender at shortstop, but de Castro is still a skinny teenager who needs to add weight. That holds back the damage he's able to do at the plate right now, but he has quick wrists and a loose, simple swing with a good path. He's not always consistent with his swing mechanics, but he has shown solid bat-to-ball skills so far, with a line-drive approach and gap power.

 

THE FUTURE: De Castro likely would have debuted in the Dominican Summer League if there was a 2020 season. He may be advanced enough to go to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League for his debut in 2021.

 

19. Patrick Murphy | RHP

Patrick Murphy

Born: Jun 10, 1995

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'5" Wt.: 235

Drafted: HS--Chandler, Ariz., 2013 (3rd round).

Signed By: Blake Crosby.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Murphy was pitching well for Double-A New Hampshire in 2019 before umpires informed him in the middle of the season that his toe tap with his left foot was illegal. He took time off to change his mechanics and struggled the rest of the way as he tried to adapt to his new delivery. He spent 2020 continuing to make adjustments at the alternate training site and earned his first major league callup in September, when he made four solid relief appearances.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Murphy's fastball sat in the low-to-mid 90s as a starter and ticked up to 95-98 mph in relief in his debut. He likes to pitch up in the zone and to his arm side, though he tends to fly open in his delivery and has less success locating to his glove side. Murphy pairs his fastball with a power curveball that has slider-like velocity at 82-85 mph. It has a hard, sharp break and is a plus pitch at its best. Murphy has a below-average changeup and didn't throw it in the majors. His medical record includes Tommy John surgery, an operation for thoracic outlet syndrome and a surgery to reposition nerves in his pitching elbow early in his career.

 

THE FUTURE: Between his delivery, medical history and the way his powerful two-pitch mix has played up as a reliever, the bullpen may be the best place for Murphy. He could be a middle reliever with the upside to pitch in higher leverage situations.

 

20. Anthony Kay | LHP

Anthony Kay

Born: Mar 21, 1995

Bats: L Throws: L

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 218

Drafted: Connecticut, 2016 (1st round).

Signed By: Michael Pesce (Mets).

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Kay was drafted by the Mets with the 31st overall pick in 2016 but missed the following year after having Tommy John surgery. He returned to pitch well in 2018 and the Blue Jays acquired him with Simeon Woods Richardson at the 2019 trade deadline in exchange for Marcus Stroman. Kay made his major league debut shortly after the trade and returned to the majors for 13 appearances in 2020.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Kay's 91-96 mph fastball has above-average velocity from the left side, but it comes in fairly straight and got hit hard in the majors, especially when he was behind in the count and hitters were looking for it. Kay throws an average curveball at 76-80 mph that can get swings and misses when he keeps it down. His 85-88 mph changeup is a tick below-average but flashes average. Kay threw strikes up through Double-A, but his command has been below-average in Triple-A and the majors.

 

THE FUTURE: Kay came up through the minors as a starter and some think he could still handle that role in the back of a rotation. But he will be 26 in 2021 and it's yet to click for him in the major leagues, so he could end up returning to relief.

 

21. Santiago Espinal | SS/2B

Santiago Espinal

Born: Nov 13, 1994

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 181

Drafted: Miami-Dade JC, 2016 (10th round).

Signed By: Willie Romay (Red Sox).

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Espinal was born in the Dominican Republic, grew up in Florida and spent one season at Miami-Dade JC, where he won the Southern Conference player of the year in 2016. The Red Sox signed him for $50,000 as a 10th-round pick and traded him to the Blue Jays at the 2018 trade deadline for Steve Pearce. Espinal steadily climbed the minors and made the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster in 2020, settling in as a reserve infielder.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: At 26, there isn't much projection left for Espinal, who has the skill set to fit as a utilityman between his bat control and ability to play multiple positions. He has been a high-contact hitter all the way up the minor league ladder, with a low swing-and-miss rate and a good two-strike approach. He manages his at-bats well with solid plate discipline. Espinal has well below-average power, so there's little impact when he connects. Espinal is an average runner with soft hands and a solid-average arm. He's a reliable defender at shortstop and has seen time at second base, third base and center field in his pro career.

 

THE FUTURE: Espinal lacks the power to be an everyday player. His ability to put the ball in play and move around the diamond are suited to a bench role.

 

22. Will Robertson | OF

Will Robertson

Born: Dec 26, 1997

Bats: L Throws: L

Ht.: 6'2" Wt.: 215

Drafted: Creighton, 2019 (4th round).

Signed By: Wes Penick.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Robertson had two loud offensive seasons at Creighton with a strong Cape Cod League summer in-between. He signed with the Blue Jays as a fourth-round pick in 2019 and debuted that summer in the short-season Northwest League. Robertson went to instructional league in 2020 and was one of the Blue Jays' top offensive performers, though at 22 he was one of the oldest hitters in camp.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Robertson generates easy above-average raw power with his strength, bat speed and short lefthanded stroke. Pitchers were able to beat him with fastballs inside in his pro debut, so he backed off the plate in 2020 with better results at instructs. There's some stiffness in his swing that contributes to swing-and-miss concerns against more advanced pitchers, but he is working to create a better bat path to stay through the hitting zone longer. That showed early results at instructs, where Robertson was able to show more power through the middle of the field and to right-center. Robertson's value is tied to his bat. He's a below-average runner and defender in a corner with average arm strength.

 

THE FUTURE: Robertson showed encouraging signs in 2020. The real test will come once he faces Double-A pitching, possibly at some point in 2021.

 

23. Nick Frasso | RHP

Nick Frasso

Born: Oct 18, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'5" Wt.: 200

Drafted: Loyola Marymount, 2020 (4th round).

Signed By: Bud Smith.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Frasso was mostly a reliever his first two seasons at Loyola Marymount and led the Lions in saves as a sophomore. He moved to the rotation in 2020 but failed to get through five innings in either of his first two starts before he was sidelined with forearm and elbow tightness and the college season shut down. The Blue Jays still drafted him in the fourth round and signed him for $459,000.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Frasso hits plenty of checkpoints scouts have for a young pitcher. He's a college arm who still has physical projection remaining in his 6-foot-5 frame and was a standout high school basketball player whose athleticism is evident on the mound. He throws strikes with a 92-95 mph fastball that plays up because of its high spin rate and his ability to generate extension out front. His slider is still inconsistent, but it has tight spin and flashes plus potential. Frasso has shown some feel for a changeup, but it's a third pitch that lags behind.

 

THE FUTURE: Frasso has the qualities to develop into a solid major league starter but needs to prove he can handle that workload. Otherwise, his stuff could play well in a multi-inning relief role.

 

24. Trent Palmer | RHP

Trent Palmer

Born: Apr 2, 1999

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 230

Drafted: Jacksonville, 2020 (3rd round).

Signed By: Matt O'Brien.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Palmer was a reliever as a freshman at Jacksonville, split time between starting and relieving his sophomore year and took off as a full-time starter as a junior before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the season. The Blue Jays drafted him in the third round and signed him for $847,500. Palmer made his organizational debut at instructional league in the fall.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Palmer has a sturdy, heavy build that helps him generate a lot of power but he will have to maintain. His fastball comes in at 92-97 mph and he can both sink it or throw a four-seamer up in the zone. It will play better if he can improve its spin efficiency. Palmer's mid-80s slider flashes aboveaverage potential and he has worked to mix in more of his splitter. Palmer has a repeatable delivery and showed better control as a starter than he did as a reliever at Jacksonville.

 

THE FUTURE: The Blue Jays will develop Palmer as a starter. He'll make his pro debut in 2021 at one of the Class A levels.

 

25. Dasan Brown | OF

Dasan Brown

Born: Sep 5, 2001

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 185

Drafted: HS--Oakville, Ont., 2019 (3rd round).

Signed By: Kory Lafreniere.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: The Blue Jays drafted Brown with the 88th overall pick in 2019, making him the first Canadian player selected that year. Brown was raw coming out of high school and young for the class at 17 on draft day. The lack of development time with the canceled 2020 minor league season was evident to scouts when Brown arrived at instructional league in the fall.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Brown is the best athlete in the Blue Jays' system and one of the fastest players in professional baseball. He's an explosive runner with a light, gliding gait and 80-grade speed on the 20-to- 80 scouting scale. That speed, along with his solid instincts, gives him the attributes to develop into a plus or better defender in center field. Brown has an average arm, but he's working to improve his arm action and exchange to be more efficient. Brown is still crude as a hitter. He has plenty of bat speed to handle good velocity, and that bat speed gives him a chance to drive the ball with impact in the future despite his wiry build, but his pitch recognition, swing path, timing and contact skills all lag behind. Once he learns to read pitchers and get better jumps, he should pile up stolen bases.

 

THE FUTURE: The lost season hurt Brown's development more than most, but he's still an electric athlete and only 19. He probably starts 2021 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

 

26. Joey Murray | RHP

Joey Murray

Born: Sep 23, 1996

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'2" Wt.: 195

Drafted: Kent State, 2018 (8th round).

Signed By: Coulson Barbiche.

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TRACK RECORD: Murray racked up strikeouts despite modest velocity at Kent State and was drafted in the eighth round by Toronto in 2018. He soared up to Double-A in his first full season in 2019 and led all Blue Jays minor leaguers in strikeouts. The Blue Jays brought him to their alternate training site in 2020.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Murray piles up whiffs with a fastball that gets on hitters faster than they anticipate. It parks at 88-92 mph, with a slight uptick at the alternate site to 94 mph, and plays up with aboveaverage spin and late riding life. On top of its movement, Murray has exceptional deception that makes it difficult for hitters to track the ball of his hand, leading to an abundance of empty swings when he elevates his fastball. Murray's slow curveball gets mixed reviews. Some scouts consider it a fringe-average pitch that better hitters might lay off. Others see good rotation and bite to keep hitters off-balance. He throws a fringy slider and hasn't used much of his below-average changeup, with his changeup a developmental focus. Murray is a solid strike-thrower and a student of the game who prepares for the strengths and weaknesses of opposing lineups.

 

THE FUTURE: Some scouts think Murray's act may be more smoke-and-mirrors that won't translate against major league hitters, but he could develop into a back-end starter similar to Josh Collmenter, with a chance to get starts with Toronto at some point in 2021.

 

27. Tanner Morris | SS

Tanner Morris

Born: Sep 13, 1998

Bats: L Throws: R

Ht.: 6'2" Wt.: 180

Drafted: Virginia, 2019 (5th round).

Signed By: Coulson Barbiche.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: Morris had a strong summer in the Cape Cod League and followed it up by hitting .345/.452/.507 with more walks than strikeouts as a draft-eligible sophomore at Virginia in 2019. The Blue Jays drafted him in the fifth round and signed him for $397,500. Morris showed the same on-base skills in his pro debut in the short-season Northwest League after signing, but he arrived at instructional league in 2020 having lost weight, which took a toll on his performance.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Morris is a disciplined hitter who doesn't expand the strike zone and puts himself in advantageous counts to manage his at-bats. He has a simple lefty stroke and good bat control with a swing geared for line drives and sending the ball to the opposite field. If he learns to turn on certain pitches, there could be more power coming, but he doesn't project as a power threat for now. Morris has a strong arm and generally makes the routine play on balls he can get to, but his first-step quickness and range is thin for shortstop, which should lead him to second or third base, with a focus on improving his body positioning on defense.

 

THE FUTURE: Morris has the components to be a high on-base threat if he can drive the ball with more impact. He is set to open 2021 at one of the Class A levels.

 

28. Yosver Zulueta | RHP

Yosver Zulueta

Born: Jan 23, 1998

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 190

Drafted: Cuba, 2019.

Signed By: Sandy Rosario/Luis Natera.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: The Blue Jays signed Zulueta at 21 for $1 million near the end of the 2018-19 international signing period, but he needed Tommy John surgery shortly afterward. He spent the 2020 season rehabbing in Florida and began showing his previous big velocity during live batting practice sessions in December.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Zulueta's fastball ranges from 93-97 mph and tops out at 98. He's an athletic pitcher with a loose, quick arm and has late life on his four-seam fastball. Zulueta throws a hard, power curveball in the low 80s with good bite and three-quarters action. It's more advanced than his changeup, which has some depth. Zulueta's command remains scattered as he goes through the early stages of returning from surgery.

 

THE FUTURE: Zulueta is a wild card as an electric arm with a lot of uncertainty and a wide range of outcomes. He will develop as a starter and pitch his first official games in 2021.

 

29. Sem Robberse | RHP

Sem Robberse

Born: Oct 12, 2001

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 180

Drafted: Netherlands, 2019.

Signed By: Andrew Tinnish.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: In the summer of 2018, Robberse was a skinny 16-year-old throwing in the mid 80s. The following spring, he reached 88 mph before signing with the Blue Jays for $125,000. After signing, Robberse went to the United States and hit 90 mph. Once the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League started, he was up to 93 mph. Robberse has a host of projection indicators pointing in the right direction, but the 2020 season hampered his development. He stayed in Florida with a group of Venezuelan players the Blue Jays had in a hotel during the shutdown, training there over the summer before heading home prior to instructional league.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Robberse pitches with incredible ease of operation, throwing with fluid, easy mechanics. Adding weight and getting stronger helped Robberse's velocity tick up in 2019, and between his remaining physical projection, arm speed and relatively clean delivery, there's probably more velocity coming. He mixes four- and two-seam fastballs with the athleticism to repeat his delivery and shows command of both. He shows a feel for a breaking ball that flashes solid-average and is in the early stages of learning to throw a changeup.

 

THE FUTURE: There is a wide range of possible outcomes for Robberse. He's a breakout candidate if his stuff continues its upward trend in 2021.

 

30. Philip Clarke | C

Philip Clarke

Born: Mar 24, 1998

Bats: L Throws: R

Ht.: 5'11" Wt.: 205

Drafted: Vanderbilt, 2019 (9th round).

Signed By: Nate Murrie.

VIEW PLAYER CARD

TRACK RECORD: An offensive-minded catcher at Vanderbilt, Clarke hit .308/.388/.480 as a draft-eligible sophomore in 2019 and signed with the Blue Jays for $497,5000 as a ninth-round pick. He made his pro debut in the short-season Northwest League and got his only game action in 2020 at instructional league, where he was one of the top hitters before he pulled a hamstring toward the end of camp.

 

SCOUTING REPORT: Clarke moves well in the batter's box, with explosive movements in a quick lefthanded swing and a knack for finding the barrel. An intelligent hitter with a good eye for the strike zone, Clarke showed up to instructional league bigger and stronger and began posting higher exit velocities than in previous years. He has never been a big power threat, but the added strength and barrel awareness give him a chance for 15-20 home runs. Clarke needs work defensively. He's not a great receiver, although his hands and blocking ability could be good enough. There are more questions about his throwing on account of his below-average arm strength and long release.

 

THE FUTURE: Clarke has to stick behind the plate to have a major league role, which would likely be an offensive-oriented backup. Low Class A is probably his next step.

[Grant77]

Thank you Slade.

[Deadpool]

That is the most information from the alternate camp that I've seen anywhere. "Lots" of info from 2020, when we've seen relatively little.

[Ray]

Honestly, I'll put our Top 10 against just about anybodies except the Rays. It's not entirely top heavy either. When Anthony Kay is ranked #20, that seems like a relatively deep system. It does fall off a little bit after that, but there are interesting names towards the latter half.

 

Andrew Tinnish has gone on record saying he believes Sem Robberse is going to be a fast riser in the system who is incredibly advanced for his age and has one of the best deliveries for any amateur he's ever scouted.

 

Joey Murray gaining an uptick in velo is interesting. Groshans has done some podcasts this offseason where he gave absolutely rave reviews for Joey Murray and said he was the toughest guy he faced in the alternate site. Says his stuff is just on another level and it's super hard to pick up anything he throws.

[Ryu In My House]

Stupid hypothetical...

 

If the Jays started the season with SWR, Manoah, Groshans and Martin in the lineup, what is their WAR at the end of the season for 2021?

 

My guesses: SWR 1.5, Manoah 0.8, Groshans 0.3, Martin 1.2

[jerb]

 

Sportsnet

@Sportsnet

 

The Blue Jays are promoting Casey Candaele to manager of triple-A Buffalo and bringing back Cesar Martin as manager of double-A New Hampshire, sources tell @ShiDavidi.

https://t.co/GWwqEppD1W?amp=1

[Jimcanuck]

Stupid hypothetical...

 

If the Jays started the season with SWR, Manoah, Groshans and Martin in the lineup, what is their WAR at the end of the season for 2021?

 

My guesses: SWR 1.5, Manoah 0.8, Groshans 0.3, Martin 1.2

 

SWR 0.9, Manoah -.8, Groshans -1.2

 

Martin 1.2 (if he plays a high value defensive position)

 

The reports from the alternative site said Groshans struggled initially against experienced but non-MLB calibre pitching. Against MLB pitching you can expect significant struggles, extended slumps.

Edited February 4, 2021 by Jimcanuck

[Brownie19]

Sandy Rosario deserves a raise....

[Grant77]

 

Sportsnet

@Sportsnet

 

The Blue Jays are promoting Casey Candaele to manager of triple-A Buffalo and bringing back Cesar Martin as manager of double-A New Hampshire, sources tell @ShiDavidi.

https://t.co/GWwqEppD1W?amp=1

 

I wonder if this leaves Ken Huckaby with another organization. I know he was 'fired' after the season, but I got the sense that the FO was a fan.

[Spanky__99]

Anyone with Baseball America want to post this listing, please and thanks in advance...

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-dynasty-hot-100-your-fantasy-baseball-draft-guide-to-first-year-players/

 

ETA: Remember this is a fantasy ranking so defense goes out the window. Got it from a special friendo...

 

Jay Rankings from the draft

 

2 - Martin

45 - Van Eyk

60 - Beltre

 

Not bad, lol. It's still crazy to me that we got Martin because teams chose to draft to need, unreal...

 

 

1 Spencer Torkelson 1B DET 21 4YR 5 1 $8,416,300 70 High 2022

High-probability offensive tools with top-of-the-scale power potential; middle-of-the-order masher

2 Austin Martin SS TOR 22 4YR 19 2 $7,000,825 65 High 2022

Elite hit tool with proven track record against SEC pitching; athleticism to offer defensive versatility

3 Ha-Seong Kim 2B SDP 25 IFA 78 — — 55 High 2021

Kim is your best bet for a position player who will deliver immediate value this year as a well-rounded player who could be an above-average hitter and play multiple positions.

4 Nick Gonzales 2B PIT 22 4YR 51 5 $5,432,400 55 High 2022

Chance for high-end hit tool at a middle infield spot; questions about power potential & usable speed

5 * Zac Veen OF COL 19 HS 86 7 $5,000,000 60 Extreme 2024

Chance for above-average bat and plus or better power; corner profile with average speed

6 Max Meyer RHP MIA 22 4YR 44 10 $6,700,000 60 High 2022

Explosive two-pitch combination with fastball and slider; chance to miss plenty of bats in starting role

7 * Asa Lacy LHP KCR 22 4YR 37 3 $6,670,000 60 High 2022

Loud stuff from the left side, chance for above-average arsenal across the board with solid control

8 * Robert Hassell OF SDP 19 HS 85 16 $4,300,000 60 Extreme 2024

Best pure hitter in 2020 prep class; well-rounded profile with chance for solid power/speed combo

9 * Heston Kjerstad OF BAL 22 4YR 62 13 $5,200,000 60 High 2022

Corner outfield profile with standout power potential; homers in college came with high whiff rate

10 * Garrett Mitchell OF MIL 22 4YR 91 6 $3,242,900 60 Extreme 2023

Outstanding raw toolset; elite runner, center field profile with raw power—medical, hit tool risks

11 Cristian Hernandez SS CHC 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Chance to be an impact, middle-of-the-lineup hitter with advanced swing mechanics and power for his age.

12 * Tyler Soderstrom C OAK 19 HS 92 18 $3,300,000 60 Extreme 2024

Advanced prep bat with plus hit & power potential; impressed at A's alternate site; catcher questions

13 Emerson Hancock RHP SEA 22 4YR 57 4 $5,700,000 60 High 2022

Well-rounded arsenal with chance for plus command; questions about FB/SL impact, swing & miss rate

14 * Garrett Crochet LHP CWS 22 4YR 74 15 $4,547,500 55 High 2021

High-octane fastball with proven ability to miss bats in the bigs; injury questions and reliever risk

15 * Carlos Colmenarez SS TBR 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Lefthanded-hitting middle infielder with a sweet, easy stroke from the left side, impressive bat speed and power for his size.

16 * Austin Hendrick OF CIN 20 HS 97 9 $4,000,000 60 Extreme 2024

Best raw power in 2020 prep class; Chance for prototypical right field profile but high-risk

17 Aaron Sabato 1B MIN 22 4YR — 35 $2,750,000 50 High 2023

Elite raw power, strong track record of production in ACC; 1B only with limited defensive value/speed

18 * Reid Detmers LHP LAA 21 4YR — 8 $4,670,000 55 High 2022

Polished college lefthander with advanced command, hammer curve; velocity could cap upside

19 * Pete Crow-Armstrong OF NYM 19 HS — 17 $3,359,000 55 Very High 2024

Safe prep profile with 70-grade run, defense tools in center field; feel for the barrel but impact questions

20 Cade Cavalli RHP WAS 22 4YR — 22 $3,027,000 55 High 2023

Picturesque delivery/frame with better pure stuff than college performance; breakout pro candidate

21 Mick Abel RHP PHI 19 HS 99 11 $4,075,000 60 Extreme 2024

Well-rounded with few holes to speak of outside of track record; top-of-the-rotation upside

22 Wilman Diaz SS LAD 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Promising mix of tools, athleticism and in-game skills for his age, including a sound swing and power with a chance to stay at shortstop.

23 J.T. Ginn RHP NYM 22 4YR — 23 $2,900,000 55 Extreme 2023

When healthy, showed potential 70s with FB and SL with good command; Tommy John adds risk

24 * Austin Wells C NYY 21 4YR — 21 $2,500,000 50 High 2023

Offensive-oriented backstop with strong college power production; needs to refine defense to stick

25 Cole Wilcox RHP SDP 21 4YR — 24 $3,300,000 55 Very High 2023

Physical righthander with big fastball; carries reliever risk given spotty command history, secondaries

26 Jared Kelley RHP CWS 19 HS — 12 $3,000,000 55 Extreme 2024

Power armed prep means plenty of risk, but size and and ease of operation could make him an outlier

27 Slade Cecconi RHP ARI 22 4YR — 32 $2,384,900 55 High 2023

Strong combination of size, pure stuff and command; needs to prove health and durability in pro ball

28 Bobby Miller RHP LAD 22 4YR — 28 $2,197,500 55 High 2023

Power arm with electric fastball/slider combination; needs to refine command/sequencing to start

29 Justin Foscue 2B TEX 22 4YR — 36 $3,250,000 50 High 2023

College performer with above-average hit/power potential; defensive limitations and mild toolset

30 Nick Loftin SS KCR 22 4YR — 29 $3,000,000 50 High 2023

Solid-average all-around toolset, more than sum-of-his-parts type; should stick in middle infield

31 Jordan Westburg SS BAL 22 4YR — 33 $2,365,500 50 High 2023

Plus runner with plus raw power; should stick on the left side of the infield; needs to cut down whiffs

32 Ed Howard SS CHC 19 HS — 20 $3,745,500 55 Extreme 2024

Instinctual and nuanced defensive shortstop; overall upside reliant on all-around offensive growth

33 Jordan Walker 3B STL 19 HS — 34 $2,900,000 55 Extreme 2024

Long limbed corner infield with plus power potential; moves well but still could move to 1B long-term

34 Tanner Burns RHP CLE 22 4YR — 26 $1,600,000 50 High 2022

Plus fastball but solid SEC starting track record due to advanced command than overwhelming stuff

35 Chris McMahon RHP COL 22 4YR — 30 $1,637,400 50 High 2023

Three above-average pitches with solid control; mid-rotation upside but some injury history adds risk

36 # Gage Workman 3B DET 21 4YR — 51 $1,000,000 50 High 2023

Athletic third baseman with above-average power potential and above-average speed; strikeout questions

37 Bryce Jarvis RHP ARI 23 4YR — 37 $2,650,000 55 High 2023

Big strides with stuff, command in draft season; pro bloodlines but struggled at D-Backs alternate site

38 * Daniel Cabrera OF DET 22 4YR — 42 $1,210,000 50 High 2023

Professional hitter with simple swing; corner profile and limited supplemental tools puts pressure on power development

39 * Kyle Harrison LHP SFG 19 HS — 71 $2,497,500 55 Extreme 2025

Advanced prep southpaw with depthy breaking ball, starter traits; big velocity gains in instructs

40 * Jared Shuster LHP ATL 22 4YR — 43 $2,197,500 50 High 2023

Pitchability lefty with plus changeup, average FB/SL; upside depends on velo, breaking ball improvement

41 Carson Tucker SS CLE 19 HS — 61 $2,000,000 50 High 2025

Draft riser after physical growth, increased speed; pro bloodlines, all-around toolset, feel for the barrel

42 Cole Henry RHP WAS 21 4YR — 44 $2,000,000 50 High 2023

Physical righthander with plus fastball, downer curve; needs to improve consistency, command

43 Nick Bitsko RHP TBR 19 HS — 19 $3,000,000 55 Extreme 2025

Upside northeast arm with plus FB/CB combination; extreme risk given track record, labrum surgery

44 * Isaiah Greene OF NYM 19 HS — 49 $850,000 50 Extreme 2024

Advanced feel for the barrel, unfazed by velocity and high-end stuff; tweener outfield profile

45 C.J. Van Eyk RHP TOR 22 4YR — 46 $1,797,500 50 High 2023

High-floor type with average-ish tools across the board, repeatable delivery and starter track record

46 * Zach DeLoach OF SEA 22 4YR — 87 $1,729,800 50 High 2023

Bat, offensive approach is the calling card; on-base skills, controls the zone but limited power & speed

47 Masyn Winn SS/RHP STL 19 HS — 47 $2,100,000 55 Extreme 2025

Explosive athlete with real two-way ability; speed and power as a hitter, FB up to 98 on the mound

48 * Dax Fulton LHP MIA 19 HS — 52 $2,400,000 50 Extreme 2025

High-upside lefty with projectable frame and current hammer curve; recovering from TJ, needs innings

49 Jared Jones RHP PIT 19 HS — 41 $2,200,000 55 Extreme 2025

Uber-athletic prep two-way player with premium stuff on the mound; high risk given effort, physicality

50 Carmen Mlodzinski RHP PIT 22 4YR — 25 $2,050,000 50 High 2023

Safe college starter profile; good command but sinker FB, inconsistent secondaries could limit upside

51 Alex Santos RHP HOU 19 HS — 45 $1,250,000 55 Extreme 2025

Starter traits with high-spin fastball, feel for spinning breaking balls, but a high-risk demographic

52 Pedro Pineda OF OAK 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

One of the top power/speed threats in the international class, some length to his stroke but plenty of bat speed and athleticism at a premium position.

53 Freddy Zamora SS MIL 22 4YR — 73 $1,150,000 55 Extreme 2024

Plus defender with 55-grade speed when healthy, average bat; torn ACL prevented draft season

54 Justin Lange RHP SDP 19 HS — 50 $2,000,000 50 Extreme 2025

Big-time risk/reward type with massive arm talent, FB up to 98; rudimentary skills across the board

55 Jeff Criswell RHP OAK 22 4YR — 53 $1,000,000 45 High 2024

Arm strength righty up to 98 with potential plus breakers; effort and control questions add reliever risk

56 Nick Garcia RHP PIT 22 4YR — 56 $1,200,000 50 Very High 2024

Conversion arm with surprisingly advanced starter traits, deep pitch mix; short track record on the mound

57 Casey Schmitt 3B SFG 22 4YR — 76 $1,147,500 50 High 2023

Plus defensive potential at 3B with big arm; pure hitter in college but questions about in-game power

58 Nick Yorke 2B BOS 19 HS — 96 $2,700,000 50 Extreme 2024

Risky prep 2B profile but chance for plus hit tool with impressive bat speed, approach; limited toolset

59 Danny De Andrade SS MIN 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

One of the top international prospects, De Andrade should stick somewhere in the dirt, with a chance to hit and hit for power.

60 Manuel Beltre SS TOR 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Other international prospects have bigger raw tools, but Beltre has a compact swing and is one of the best pure hitters in the class.

61 Jackson Bryan Chourio SS/OF MIL 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Chourio projects to play somewhere in the middle of the diamond, with an exciting package of power and speed.

62 Denzer Guzman SS LAA 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

A likely third baseman, Guzman has a sound swing with good bat speed and power potential, one of the most advanced offensive players in the international class.

63 * Starlin Aguilar SS SEA 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Aguilar is one of the most advanced pure hitters in the class with a sweet lefty swing, good bat speed and power, though he will probably start at third base and has some first-base risk.

64 Clayton Beeter RHP LAD 22 4YR — 58 $1,196,500 50 High 2023

Loud two-pitch combo with high-spin heater, downer CB; lack of third pitch & control lead to reliever risk

65 * David Calabrese OF LAA 18 HS — 67 $744,200 45 Extreme 2025

70-grade runner should stick in center field; bat-to-ball skills but lacks power with small frame

66 Hudson Haskin OF BAL 22 4YR — 211 $1,906,800 45 High 2024

Well-rounded toolset with chance for solid power/speed combo; swing has a lot of moving parts

67 Pedro Leon OF HOU 23 IFA — — — — — 2024

Leon got the biggest bonus in the international class ($4 million), but a lot of teams didn't see much of him; he has big power, but we need to see him tested against better pitching.

68 Yoelqui Cespedes OF CWS 23 IFA — — — — — 2024

Cespedes has good bat speed and power for his size, but teams have minimal scouting looks at him recently in part due to the pandemic, so we need to see how he fares against better arms.

69 Yhoswar Garcia OF PHI 19 IFA — — — — — 2025

Garcia signed last year in March, so he might still be eligible in your league; he's an outstanding athlete with well above-average speed, though uncertainty comes with his hitting given the limitations from the pandemic.

70 # Patrick Bailey C SFG 22 4YR — 14 $3,797,500 50 High 2023

Advanced, polished defensive catcher with above-average raw power; fringy hit tool from both sides

71 Maikol Hernandez SS BAL 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

You can shoot for upside with Hernandez, who has grown taller (6-foot-4) and leaner, with promising athleticism, power and speed if everything clicks.

72 Daniel Vazquez SS KCR 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Vazquez projects as an athletic shortstop with ample strength projection remaining his frame, giving him a chance to drive the ball with impact as he fills out.

73 * Danyer Cueva SS TEX 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

The Rangers scored Maximo Acosta and Luisangel Acuña out of Venezuela; they have another talented Venezuelan infielder this year in Cueva, a high-contact hitter with a smooth stroke.

74 * Samuel Zavala OF SDP 16 IFA — — — — — 2026

Zavala has a lot of hitterish tendencies, with a knack for barreling balls from the left side, an all-fields approach and emerging power as he's getting stronger.

75 Christian Roa RHP CIN 22 4YR — 64 $1,543,600 50 Very High 2023

Solid-average four-pitch mix with solid control provide high floor; back-of-the-rotation starter type

76 * Evan Carter OF TEX 18 HS — — $1,250,000 50 Extreme 2025

Under-the-radar draftee who Texas paid handsomely; Five-tool potential with power/speed combo; strong instructs performance

77 Blaze Jordan 3B BOS 18 HS — 90 $1,750,000 50 Extreme 2025

Famous prep power bat; massive raw power is the calling card, risk to move from 3B to 1B

78 Alerick Soularie OF MIN 21 4YR — 175 $900,000 50 High 2024

Old-school hitter with crouched, handsy swing; lacks power to profile in corner outfield, chance for 2B

79 * Yeison Morrobel OF TEX 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Morrobel is a lean, athletic outfielder with a fast, high-contact bat and lots of strength projection to hit for power, though as he fills out he could end up in a corner.

80 * Ariel Almonte OF CIN 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Almonte is a physical 6-foot-4 outfielder with a relatively compact swing for someone his size, with a sound grasp of the strike zone for his age and a chance to hit for plus power.

81 Coby Mayo 3B BAL 19 HS — 79 $1,750,000 45 Extreme 2025

Plus-plus raw power out of a large, physical frame with plenty of arm for the hot corner; bat needs time

82 Dillon Dingler C DET 22 4YR — 27 $1,952,300 50 High 2024

Athletic backstop with strong defensive skills; shortened 2020 season prevented potential offensive breakout

83 # Zavier Warren C MIL 22 4YR — 122 $575,000 50 Very High 2024

Solid on-base skills, baseball IQ & average toolset; value reliant on ability to stick behind the plate

84 * Nick Swiney LHP SFG 22 4YR — 85 $1,197,500 50 High 2024

Reliever-turned-starter showed improved control in small sample; funky lefty with FB into mid-90s

85 Casey Martin SS PHI 22 4YR — 38 $1,300,000 50 Extreme 2024

First-round caliber toolset with plus power, speed, defense; approach, consistency are huge questions

86 * Manuel Pena SS ARI 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

A probably 3B/2B, Pena is one of the top offensive threats from the Dominican Republic, with an advanced lefty swing and projectable power.

87 Armando Cruz SS WAS 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Cruz is a defensive wizard, which won't help much other than in his ability to stick at shortstop, with a split camp on his bat but solid contact skills and a high baseball IQ in all facets of the game.

88 # Victor Acosta SS SDP 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Acosta's value stems from his true shortstop skills, with a slashing offensive approach from both sides and more impact from the left side.

89 Alika Williams SS TBR 22 4YR 31 $1,850,000 50 High 2024

Top defensive SS in 2020 class, fluid and smooth defender; contact skills but little power limits offense

90 Kyle Nicolas RHP MIA 22 4YR — 68 $1,129,700 45 High 2024

Power arm with FB up to 100, firm slider up to 90; needs third pitch to start, heavy reliever risk

91 # Abel Bastidas SS DET 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Long, lanky switch-hitter with a knack for finding the barrel and the physical projection to grow into more power and a chance to stick at shortstop, though he might outgrow the position.

92 Miguel Bleis OF BOS 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Bleis sticks out for his lean, athletic frame and physical upside in center field as the top signing in Boston's international class.

93 Hans Montero SS NYY 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

Montero is steady across the board, a middle infielder with a compact swing, good bat speed and a line-drive approach.

94 Ian Seymour LHP TBR 22 4YR 93 $1,243,600 45 High 2024

Deceptive southpaw with average FB, above-average CH; ultra competitive and could wind up in pen

95 Gabriel Gonzalez OF SEA 17 IFA — — — — — 2026

A strong, stocky outfielder, Gonzalez could end up in a corner, but he has hit well in games with power, albeit with an aggressive approach he may have to reign in.

96 * Samuel Basallo C BAL 16 IFA — — — — — 2026

If you're comfortable with 16-year-old catchers, Basallo is worth a roster spot; he's huge for a catcher, but he has a compact swing and huge power for his age.

97 Yiddi Cappe SS MIA 18 IFA — — — — — 2025

Cappe is a slick defensive shortstop, and while there's some uncertainty on his pure hitting ability, he has a long, lanky build with a lot of physical upside once he packs on more weight.

98 Zach McCambley RHP MIA 22 4YR — 78 $775,000 45 High 2024

Deceptive righty with FB up to 96, high-spin curve with plus potential; fringe control and lacks third pitch

99 * Jackson Miller C CIN 19 HS — 99 $1,290,000 50 Extreme 2025

Athletic backstop with above-average defensive potential, chance for average, line-drive bat

100 Bryce Elder RHP ATL 22 4YR — 83 $847,500 45 High 2024

Sinker/slider type with above-average control and advanced feel for pitching; will he get whiffs?

 

 

OH MY GOD MY EYES!!!

Edited February 4, 2021 by Spanky99

[jerb]

[The Iceman]

Keith Law's top farm systems:

3. Toronto

The Blue Jays have boosted the talent in their system through all three avenues of player acquisition: They’ve drafted very well in the last two years, including landing the player I had at No. 1 on my board in 2020 in Austin Martin; they’ve found a slew of high-upside position players in international free agency; and they’ve done well acquiring prospects in trades, enough so that they’ve been able to flip the script and trade away some lower-tier guys in deals like the Taijuan Walker trade. The Jays placed six guys on my top 100, one on the just-missed list and have three or four more who would comfortably fit among the next 40 names.