8. Toronto Blue Jays
Pick: SS JoJo Parker
BA rank: 10
Reaction: Parker has been one of the biggest high school helium players of the last year. That’s because of the belief many scouts have in his hitting ability with a sweet, adjustable lefthanded swing and impressive barrel accuracy with an all-fields approach and good strike-zone judgment. There are questions about where he ends up defensively, but the Blue Jays are betting on one of the most advanced high school hitters in the nation.
Scouting Report: Parker, whose given name is Joseph but goes by Jojo, has steadily climbed draft boards by hitting, hitting and then hitting some more. He’s a strong athlete with a powerful 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. He has a picturesque lefthanded swing and a nose for the barrel. Parker has a case as one of the best pure hitters in the class, with real power to go with his polished hit tool. He starts with a narrow and open lower half, with the bat resting on his shoulder before taking a standard stride with a simple and quiet hand load to get the barrel into a good hitting position. The swing itself comes with solid bat speed and strength, and Parker does a nice job getting the barrel into different hitting zones depending on how he’s pitched. He has an eye for the zone, will take pitches when he needs to and is a proven hitter against both velocity and spin. He’s got all the ingredients to be an above-average hitter with above-average power. Parker is typically an average runner, but he has turned in some plus run times in workout settings in 2025. A shortstop now, he might slide off the position because he lacks typical quickness and actions. He does have an advanced internal clock, above-average arm strength and the work ethic to earn a chance to prove himself at the position. He could fit at third base, second base or an outfield corner. Parker is committed to Mississippi State but is expected to be a first-round pick. His twin brother Jacob is his Purvis High teammate and also a talented 2025 prospect.