Meet Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene, the Blue Jays' Newest Prospects

On Sunday, the Toronto Blue Jays made their first major trade before the MLB trade deadline, sending Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for two prospects. The move followed a trade to acquire Jameson Taillon earlier that day, after the Cubs designated him for assignment last week. It felt like the acquisition was a precursor to Gausman being dealt, as his contract expires at the end of the season. 

It hurts to see Gausman in a different uniform, but at least Blue Jays fans can root him on in the postseason. Plus, the move doesn't set the team back this season, especially after the Jays acquired José Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels. Obviously, to remain competitive, the Blue Jays need to find some offense, but at least the front office isn't waving the white flag.

The two prospects that the Blue Jays acquired for Gausman are outfielder Brett Bateman and middle infielder Ty Southisene. Toronto targeted contact hitters with speed. Bateman is 24 and has been in Triple-A Idaho all season, where he slashed .312/.430/.421 with 59 runs, 33 knocked in, three home runs, and 20 stolen bases over 349 plate appearances. The lefty posted a 125 wRC+ and possesses great plate vision with a 17.2 percent walk rate and just a slightly higher strikeout percentage (18.9 percent). 

Bateman was the Cubs' 21st-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, but there was no clear path to the majors, as he was blocked by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and higher-ranked prospects. Though he has great on-base skills, his power is severely lacking, with only a 30 power grade, but he owns a 70-grade speed. Though Southisene is three years younger than Bateman (21) and is just in High-A, he was ranked higher in the Cubs' farm system (13th). 

Southisene is a middle infielder, though his 5-foot-7 frame may lead to him handling more second base than shortstop. He, too, is a speedster who hits for contact. Over his 318 plate appearances at Single- and High-A this season, he posted a stat line of .306/.425/.372 with 58 runs, 35 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, and a 123 wRC+. Southisene also possesses elite plate vision, with a 1.11 walk-per-strikeout rate. He has yet to homer since being drafted in 2024, with a power grade of 20, but he is 72-for-86 in stolen bases in his minor league career.

These are not the flashy assets that fans were hoping for, but for a 35-year-old rental in Gausman, Toronto wasn't going to net any top-tier prospect. Both Bateman and Southisene get on base and will be aggressive on the basepaths. Speed is definitely an area the Blue Jays can improve on, as they've ranked 25th or worse in stolen bases in each of the last three years. Bateman may get a shot as early as September to make his MLB debut, depending on injuries or other moves the team makes. 

Interested in learning more about the Toronto Blue Jays' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!