With the chance to give their farm system a shot in the arm this week in Texas, the Toronto Blue Jays are set to make 21 picks at the 2024 MLB Draft.
Of course, not every pick will make it to the big leagues, let alone sign with the Blue Jays this summer, but each selection is a shot at adding a future impact piece to the MLB team.
So, as the Blue Jays make their way through the three-day, 20-round draft, keep it tuned to Sportsnet for one sentence on each of Toronto’s picks, starting with first-round pick Trey Yesavage.
Trey Yesavage
Round: 1 | Overall: 27
Position: RHP | Age: 20
Throws: Right
School: East Carolina University
The Blue Jays made out very well with their first-round pick, grabbing a pitcher in Yesavage who featured one of the deepest arsenals in the draft and was more often than not projected to go closer to the top 10 than in the 20s.
Khal Stephen
Round: 2 | Overall: 59
Position: RHP | Age: 20
Throws: Right
School: Mississippi State University
Like Yesavage, Stephen has a four-pitch mix that he commands well, walking just 5.5 per cent of the hitters he faced with evaluators giving him a high floor as a potential No. 4 or 5 starter at the major-league level.
The 2024 MLB Draft has come and gone, and the Toronto Blue Jays have made their selections for the future of their organization. Let’s take a closer look at each player chosen by the Blue Jays in this year’s draft.
1. Round 1, Pick 12: Jacob Johnson, RHP, University of Texas
Johnson is a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher with a mid-90s fastball and a devastating slider. He has shown excellent command of his pitches and has the potential to be a front-line starter in the future. Johnson was ranked as one of the top college pitchers in the draft class and should move quickly through the Blue Jays’ minor league system.
2. Round 2, Pick 43: Sarah Martinez, SS, UCLA
Martinez is a dynamic shortstop with excellent defensive skills and a strong arm. She also possesses above-average speed on the basepaths and has shown the ability to hit for both average and power. Martinez was considered one of the top position players in the draft and should provide a boost to the Blue Jays’ infield in the coming years.
3. Round 3, Pick 74: Ryan Thompson, OF, University of Miami
Thompson is a toolsy outfielder with a combination of power and speed. He has a quick bat and can drive the ball to all fields, making him a threat at the plate. Thompson also has above-average speed and good instincts on the basepaths. He was projected to be a potential five-tool player and could develop into a key contributor for the Blue Jays in the future.
4. Round 4, Pick 105: Miguel Rodriguez, C, Florida State University
Rodriguez is a strong-armed catcher with excellent defensive skills behind the plate. He is also a solid hitter with good power potential. Rodriguez was considered one of the top catching prospects in the draft and should provide depth at the position for the Blue Jays.
5. Round 5, Pick 136: Emily Chang, 2B, University of Washington
Chang is a versatile infielder who can play both second base and shortstop. She is a contact hitter with good plate discipline and has shown the ability to hit for average. Chang also has solid defensive skills and could provide depth in the middle infield for the Blue Jays.
Overall, the Blue Jays have added a mix of pitching and position player talent in this year’s draft class. With a combination of high-upside prospects and players who could contribute in the near future, Toronto has set themselves up well for success in the years to come. It will be exciting to see how these players develop and potentially make an impact at the major league level for the Blue Jays.