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The 2020 Toronto Blue Jays [OOTP15]

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2024 MLB First Year Player Draft Preview

June 5th, 2024


The 2024 First Year Player Draft will take place tomorrow and the Blue Jays will not be nearly as busy this year as last. Last season they had accumulated 3 additional compensation picks in the supplemental 1st round as a result of compensation eligible players leaving via free agency. This year the Jays have just a single selection, their original 1st round pick that is at number 27 overall. This years draft class looks to be pitching heavy and there are some very good arms that will be taken early tomorrow. GM Ryan Stewart and the Jays scouts have their eyes on a couple of players at 27 overall but it is very hard to predict who will still be on the board at that point. 

The Miami Marlins own the 1st overall selection in the draft and they will have the opportunity to add another talented piece to one of the top minor league systems in the MLB. The Marlins will be followed by the Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets and the Detroit Tigers will round out the top 5 picks. The Blue Jays who pick at #27 will be the last to select in the 1st round.

Baseball America's Pre Draft Top 10

According to Baseball America the top rated players for the 2024 First Year Player Draft are as follows:

C Freddy Castillo - 19, RHB (Jacksonville High School, USHSBA)
.390 14 HR 35 RBI
Castillo is easily the best bat available in this years draft class. He has tremendous power and very good plate discipline striking out just 11 times in 131 plate appearances this year. His power is his biggest draw slamming 14 HR this season and doing so with an impressive .390 batting average. Defensively he is sub par as a catcher but has a decent arm. The are some big question marks regarding his ability to stay behind the plate at the big league level and many scouts see him moving to first base or possibly the outfield at the big league level. One thing that is for sure his bat is elite.

SP Hector Pagan - 19, RHP (Omaha High School, USHSBA)
0-0 0.00 ERA 1 GS 1.1 IP
Pagan struggled with injuries in his Senior season in the USHSBA lasting just 1.1 innings in his first start before suffering an elbow strain that would keep him out of the remainder of the 2024 season. He has a good fastball that sits in the 93-95 MPH range and he compliments it with a curveball, changeup and forkball. When healthy he has dominant top of the rotation stuff and if he hadn't gotten injured he would probably have been ranked #1. His injury history might scare away some teams and it will be interesting to see where he ends up being taken tomorrow. 

3. SP Bubba McKee - 19, LHP (Chesapeake High School, USHSBA)
3-2 3.75 ERA 10 BB 59 K
McKee is a 6'2" 180 lb lefty who features a 92-94 MPH fastball as well as a nice selection of secondary pitches including a changeup, curve and forkball. His biggest strength is his ability to throw his pitches to both sides of the plate and he dominates left handed hitters. He should add some bulk to his frame and could add a few more miles to his fastball. He scouts as a top of the rotation arm and a conservative estimate would be a #2 starter.

4. SP Jim Allen - 19, LHP (Tampa High School, USHSBA)
0-1 1.35 ERA 4 BB 9 K (1 game)
Allen is a bit of a project as he is just a tall, lanky lefty right now who doesn't throw as hard as some of the other pitchers ranked in the top 10. He features an 87-98 MPH fastball as well as a curveball, slider and is developing a changeup. His best pitches right now are his off speed pitches and he will really need to work on his fastball to make an impact at the professional level. Right now he scouts as a middle to back end of the rotation arm but with some added velocity and some work on his changeup he could be more. 

5. CF Phil Ellis - 21, RHB (University of Texas, NCAA)
.398 3 HR 27 RBI
Ellis is the top rated collegiate bat in this years draft class and he profiles as a top of the order hitter. He makes a lot of solid contact and utilizes his speed to get himself on base. He rarely strikes out and is a master at putting the ball in play. He was an NCAA All Star in 2022 and 2024 and was a finalist for the NCAA Gold Glove Award in 2023. Defensively he has well above average range in the outfield and a strong accurate arm. He could still use some work reading balls off the bat and in his route taking but those should get refined as he adjusts to the pro game.

6. SP Walt McConnell - 21, RHP (University of Alabama, NCAA)
5-3 1.71 ERA 17 BB 100 K
McConnell is the top collegiate arm available in this years draft class and he could go much higher then he is ranked on draft day. He isn't the typical power pitcher standing just 6'0" tall and weighing in at 180 lbs. He sits 91-93 MPH with his fastball and has a cutter and forkball to compliment it. All of his pitches he can throw for strikes and he put up some big strikeout numbers in his 3 years at Alabama whiffing 291 batters in just 3 seasons. He might not profile as a #1 starter but he should be a safe bet as at least a #2. He is also more advanced then the prep arms ranked ahead of him and could move quickly through the minors.

7. SP Greg Allen - 19, RHP (Colorado Springs High School, USHSBA)
2-1 1.59 ERA 5 BB 67 K
Allen is an imposing figure on the mound standing 6'9" and weighing in at 215 lbs. He uses his impressive size to create a downward plane on his pitches and it showed with some big strikeout numbers. His secondary pitches are also very good with an above average curveball and changeup. The will still need some work but he has the potential to be a very good starter at the MLB level. 

8. SP Bob White - 19, RHP (Arlington High School, USHSBA)
5-0 2.28 ERA 11 BB 70 K
Another big high school right hander who stands 6'6" and weighs 200 lbs. He is a power arm with a 93-95 MPH fastball and the potential to add some MPH to that if he can add some strength as a pro. His secondary pitches (curveball, changeup and splitter) could definitely use some work as he used his fastball for the most part in high school. At the pro level players are use to seeing higher velocities and he will need to make the adjustment with his secondary pitches. He profiles as a top of the rotation arm but there are questions about his stamina and durability and its more likely that he fits in as a middle to back end of the rotation starter at the pro level.

9. 1B Jamie Marrero - 19, RHB (Lincoln High School, USHSBA)
.414 14 HR 27 RBI
Marrero's bat rivals fellow prep hitter and #1 rated prospect C Freddy Castillo. Marrero put up similar power numbers and a better batting average but he is not as disciplined at the plate as Castillo and tends to swing and miss a lot more. Defensively he is well below average even for first base and he most likely is best suited as a DH at the MLB level. His bat is also elite but his lack of position make him a bit of a wild card heading into the draft tomorrow.

10. 2B Jeremy Coleman - 21, RHB (UMBC, NCAA)
.398 15 HR 36 RBI
Coleman is a two time NCAA All Star and is one of the best power bats in this years draft class. He is a very solid all around player who should move very quickly through the minor leagues and could even be MLB ready as soon as this season. He is a unique combination of power and speed at the second base position as many scouts believe he could steal as many as 40 bags at the pro level. His swing does tend to get a little long at times but he is not a free swinger by any means. Look for him to be one of the first players from this draft class to make it to the MLB. 

Previous Blue Jays Picks

2020 - 20th Overall 
2B Tim Miller 
.206 0 HR 5 RBI (Toronto)
Miller started the 2024 season with the Jays as the back up infielder and has seen limited action to date. He hit ,279 with 1 HR and 56 RBI in AAA Buffalo last season. The 25 year old is currently on the 15 day disabled list with knee tendinitis and is expected back before the end of June.

2021 - 24th Overall
SP Dave Winters
3-2 3.50 ERA 19 BB 97 K (AA New Hampshire)
The 24 year old righty has progressed steadily through the minors and is performing well in his first taste of AA. He likely won't spend a full season in AA and will be in the AAA rotation before the end of the 2024 season. Look for him to challenge for a rotation spot as early as 2025. His name has been thrown around quite a bit in trade rumors as the Jays have a number of pitching prospects and limited rotation spots.

2022- 25th Overall
LF Dan Mueller
.268 2 HR 18 RBI (2024 A Lansing)
.322 9 HR 30 RBI (2023 GCL Blue Jays)
Mueller repeated the GCL in 2023 and had much more success this time around. He has carried his success into full season ball hitting .268 to start the season in A Lansing. The Jays want the 21 year old to spend an entire season in A ball and he will likely split time between Lansing and Dunedin in 2024. 

2023- 20th Overall
SP Claude Meyer
1-9 6.58 ERA 18 BB 48 K (2023 GCL Blue Jays)
Meyer had a rough start to his pro career going 1-9 in 11 starts for the GCL Blue Jays. He did display good K/9 and BB/9 ratios and was pitching better as the 2023 season wrapped up. He threw a lot of innings in 2023 and fatigue might have played a role in his performance. He is ticketed to start the season in Vancouver for the short season A Canadians. 

Up Next: 2024 First Year Player Draft

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2024 First Year Player Draft

June 6th, 2024

The waiting is over as the Miami Marlins made CF Phil Ellis the #1 overall selection in the 2024 First Year Player Draft. Ellis was a bit of a surprise selection as most people (including Baseball America) had C Freddy Castillo rated as the #1 available prospect. The Marlins decided to take the #5 ranked Ellis instead. Castillo would not have to wait very long to be selected as he was taken 2nd overall by the Oakland Athletics. The 21 year old Ellis is a two time NCAA All Star and the star lead off man for the University of Texas. He hit .398 with 3 HR and 27 RBI in 2024. He is a 4 tool prospect who can do everything but regularly hit the ball out of the yard. He has great speed and range in the outfield and has the ability to steal 40 plus bases a season. If he signs he should move up through the minors very quickly and could see time in the Majors very soon. He is looking for a signing bonus in the $7,500,000 range and early reports are he is not going to take much less then that.

Blue Jays Draft

GM Ryan Stewart was very busy this draft as the Jays held the 20th pick in the first round and then added 3 supplemental 1st round picks as well. All in all the Jays had 4 picks of the top 40 in this years draft.

First Round - 27th Overall

With the 27th overall pick (the last in the first round) the Blue Jays selected 19 year old SP Kevin 'Caveman' Perkins out of Pasadena High School in the USHSBA. The 6'7" 195 lb right hander has a very good 91-93 MPH fastball that he supplements with a cutter and a splitter. He was 5-1 with a 2.01 ERA walking 13 and striking out 67 in 2024. He has the ceiling of a good #2 or 3 starter at the mlb level but will need to do some work on his mechanics. He is looking for a $1,200,000 signing bonus and should be an easy sign for the Jays. He does have a number of NCAA offers on the table so the Jays will have to be careful not to lowball him too badly. 

Second Round 67th Overall

The Blue Jays were very happy that their 2nd round pick 2B Shawn Shannon was still available to them when they picked again at #67. He was a player that we considered taking at #27. Shannon is a 19 year old right handed hitter out of New Orleans High School in the USHSBA. He is a three time USHSBA All Star and was the 2023 USHSBA World Series MVP. In 2024 he hit .367 with 4 HR and 29 RBI and was selected to the USHSBA All Star Team for the 3rd consecutive season. Shannon's biggest strength is his bat, he profiles as a top of the order bat, probably not lead off however as he doesn't have the greatest speed and he does tend to strikeout more then you like. He won't hit a ton of homeruns but 10 shouldn't be out of the question. Defensively he has great range but just an average arm. With some work in the minors he should be able to refine his defensive skills a bit more. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $370,000 and is eager to get his pro career going.

Third Round 97th Overall

WIth the 97th overall pick the Jays dipped into the NCAA pool selecting 21 year old righty SP Erik Little out of the University of Connecticut in the NCAA. Little was previously drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round 311th overall in 2022 but elected not to sign and went back to Collage instead. He was 2-3 with a 3.12 ERA walking 8 and striking out 68 in 2024. Little has a good repertoire that includes a 96-98 MPH fastball as well as a slider curve and forkball. He has had some injury troubles in the past and some scouts have questioned his durability and whether he can stick as a starting pitcher. He certainly has the stuff to be an elite arm in the bullpen but the Jays want to see what he can do as a starter. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $250,000 and should be an easy sign for the Jays.

Fourth Round 129th Overall 

The Jays took yet another starting pitcher in the 4th round this time selecting 21 year old SP Dan Shannon out of Mississippi State in the NCAA. The 6'5" 210 lb righty features a hard 93-95 MPH fastball with a cutter, slider and a developing splitfinger fastball. In 2024 he went 2-2 with a 2.96 ERA walking 14 and striking out 43. He has struggled with his control at times and can have some trouble putting batters away. He does get a ton of ground balls (75%) meaning he doesn't give up many homeruns. He scouts as a good back end of the rotation arm and is fairly advanced coming out of an NCAA program. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $180,000 and should be no problem for the Jays to sign.

Fifth Round 157th Overall

With their 5th round pick the Jays selected 19 year old 3B Jim Day out of Denver High School. Day hit .286 with 0 HR and 1 RBI in just 4 games in 2024. He had surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow that caused him to miss 4 months of the season. Before getting injured Day would have likely gone in the 3rd round had he been healthy. He has a very good all around approach at the plate. Offensively he isn't going to wow you with power or constant contact but he takes walks and sprays the ball all over the field. Defensively he is just average with a slightly above average arm. He should have the tools to stick at third base in the minors. At just 19 he is quite raw and will need some work to reach his potential. He is listed as an impossible sign (slot is $150,000) and has told teams that unless he gets an above slot deal he will likely head to the NCAA and re-enter the draft in 2 seasons.

Blue Jays Picks rounds 6 through 30:

6. SP Phil Bond (19, RHP) Corpus Christie High School, USHSBA (*Impossible Sign)
7. SS Chris Seiffert (19, RHB) Jacksonville High School, USHSBA
8. C Ruben Ulabarro (21, S) University of Utah, NCAA
9. CF Jayson Hess (21, RHB) University of Oklahoma, NCAA
10. SP Jim Gray (19, RHP) Buffalo High School, USHSBA
11. MR Quincy Carson (19, RHP) Boston High School, USHSBA
12. 2B Greg Evans (21, RHB) University of San Diego, NCAA
13. RF Jorge Meza (21, S) San Jose State University, NCAA
14. 1B Thom Bodner (21, S) Penn State University, NCAA
15. RF Dave Barker (21, LHP) Baylor University, NCAA
16. SS Kelvin Aaron (21, RHB) LSU, NCAA
17. MR Jon Alley (19, RHP) Miami High School, USHSBA
18. SP Raul Escamilla (19, RHP) Mesa High School, USHSBA
19. CL Stan Gross (19, LHP) Bakersfield High School, USHSBA
20. CF Chet Blanchard (21, RHB) University of Arkansas, NCAA
21. CL Aligulu Chkaeidze (21, RHP) University of Cincinnati, NCAA
22. CL Tim Robinson (19, RHP) Colorado Springs High School, USHSBA
23. SP Dan Hampton (19, LHP) Jacksonville High School, USHSBA
24. SP Wes Brown (19, RHP) Charlotte High School, USHSBA
25. 1B Jake McKenzie (21, RHB) Georgia Tech, NCAA
26. 2B Charles Brown (21, RHB) University of Kentucky, NCAA
27. SS Sean Taylor (21, RHB) University of South Florida, NCAA
28. 2B Tony Flores (21, RHB) Duke University, NCAA
29. SS Stan McCoy (21, RHB) Baylor University, NCAA
30. C Jeff Walker (19, RHB) Louisville High School, USHSBA

Up Next: June 2024 Update

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Blue Jays Establish 5 Game Lead Over Yankees Heading into the Summer

July 1st, 2024

The Toronto Blue Jays are the hottest team in the Majors right now with a record of 54-23 they currently hold a 5 game lead over the second best team in the American League East (and the second best record in baseball) the New York Yankees who are 48-27. The rest of the American League East teams have pretty much fallen out of contention already. The Tampa Bay Rays (35-42) and Boston Red Sox (35-42) are both 19 games back and the Baltimore Orioles who have the second worst record in the majors at 30-47 are 19.5 games back and looking at competing for the 1st overall pick in next years first year player draft. GM Ryan Stewart is quite pleased with his teams effort so far "This team is really firing on all cylinders right now. Everyone is loose and playing like a team. I want to caution them though, we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves there is a lot of season left and a few injuries and a losing streak could make a big difference in the standings".


AL East Standings - July 1st

Toronto Blue Jays - 54-23 --
New York Yankees - 48-27 (5 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays - 35-42 (19 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 35-42 (19 GB)
Baltimore Orioles - 30-47 (24 GB)

AL Wild Card Standings - July 1st

New York Yankees - 48-27 --
Seattle Mariners - 45-33 --
Chicago White Sox - 42-33 (1.5 GB)
Cleveland Indians - 36-39 (7.5 GB)
Oakland Athletics - 36-40 (8 GB)
Minnesota Twins - 35-40 (8.5 GB)

June's Hot Players

SP Jamie Cox - 5-1 1.49 ERA
SP Tim Libby - 4-1 2.19 ERA
MR Nick Kennedy - 4-1 2.41 RA
MR Rodrigo Rivera - 1-0 0.84 ERA
2B Tim Miller - .345 0 HR 10 RBI
LF Abel Black - .325 8 HR 16 RBI
SS Carlos Correa - .318 5 HR 22 RBI

June's Cold Players

SP Eric Black - 1-2 5.34 ERA
MR Sam Turner - 0-1 54.00 ERA
1B Chris Daniels - .220 4 HR 18 RBI
1B A.J. Reed - .240 5 HR 19 RBI

June News & Notes

Injuries

The injury bug was out in full force in June as the Jays were forced to place a pair of regulars on the disabled list. The first Jay to hit the infirmary was veteranSP Alex Wood who suffered a strained shoulder and is expected to be out for the next 5 weeks. He was 6-3 with a 3.98 ERA this season with the Jays and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. The Jays recalled SP Steve Sampson who was 7-2 with a 2.49 ERA with AAA Buffalo this season.

The next to go down was the Jays back up catcher C Arturo Lugo who is suffering from elbow soreness and is expected to be out for the next 5 weeks. He is hitting .500 with 0 HR and 1 RBI so far this season. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list as well and the Jays recalled C Steve Reed (.198 1 HR 19 RBI) from AAA Buffalo.

First Year Player Draft Update

GM Ryan Stewart was busy getting the newest talent acquired in the 2024 First Year Player Draft signed and assigned to teams in the Jays minor league system. The Jays have currently signed all but 4 of their draftees including their 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounders. Still unsigned are 3B Jim Day (5th round, 157th overall), SP Phil Bond (6th round, 187th overall), MR Quincy Carson (11th round, 337th overall) and SP Dan Hampton (22nd round, 667th overall). The Jays have used just $1,565,000 of their draft allotment so far this season on their first 4 picks leaving them some room to try and snag some of these late round gambles.

1st Round 27th Overall - SP Kevin Perkins - $1,080,000
2nd Round 67th Overall - 2B Shawn Shannon - $105,000
3rd Round 97th Overall - SP Erik Little - $130,000
4th Round 127th Overall - SP Dan Shannon - $250,000

Awards

SP Jamie Cox was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for June after going 5-1 with a 1.49 ERA.

SP Sam Burns (2nd round pick 63rd overall in 2020) was named the AA Eastern League Pitcher of the Month for June after going 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA in 4 starts for AA New Hampshire.

Around the Majors

3B Miguel Sano of the Boston Red Sox mashed his 300th career homerun in a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The 31 year old slugger is a career /244 hitter with 300 HR and 888 RBI. He is a 3 time All Star and was the 2015 American League Rookie of the Year.

RF Giancarlo Stanton of the Boston Red Sox ripped career homerun #400 in a 7-3 victory over the New York Yankees. The 34 year old slugger is a career .256 hitter with 1774 hits 400 HR and 1130 RBI. He is a 3 time All Star.

RF Bryce Harper of the Boston Red Sox collected career hit #2000 in a 9-5 loss against the Atlanta Braves. The 31 year old is a career .297 hitter with 2001 hits 346 HR and 1059 RBI. He is a 12 time All Star, 3 time MVP and was the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year.

Up Next: July 2024 Update & 2024 Trade Deadline

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Blue Jays Cruising - 10 Game Lead in the AL East

August 1st, 2024


The Toronto Blue Jays are on pace for a record breaking season their 73 wins have them perched atop the American League East Division with a comfortable 10 game lead on the second place New York Yankees. The Jays franchise record for wins came back in 2020 when they would finish 111-51. The are currently on a 115 win pace which would shatter their previous mark. At this point in the season the Jays look like a sure thing for a post season berth and GM Ryan Stewart is hoping that it will finally translate into post season success.

AL East Standings - August 1st

Toronto Blue Jays - 73-29 --
New York Yankees - 62-38 (10 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 48-52 (24 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays - 44-58 (29 GB)
Baltimore Orioles - 37-66 (36.5 GB)

AL Wild Card Standings - August 1st

New York Yankees - 62-38 --
Kansas City Royals - 58-45 --
Seattle Mariner - 55-47 (2.5 GB)
Oakland Athletics - 52-50 (5.5 GB)
Minnesota Twins - 49-52 (8 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 48-52 (8.5 GB)

July's Hot Players

SP Jamie Cox - 5-0 1.05 ERA
SP Eric Black - 4-1 3.93 ERA
SP Tim Libby - 3-1 5.27 ERA
MR Nick Kennedy - 0-0 10 K 1.86 ERA (9.2 IP)
CL Jordan Walden - 0-0 1.23 ERA
3B Stu Daniels - .375 1 HR 10 RBI
2B Tim Miller - .319 0 HR 7 RBI
2B Chris Goodwin - .294 6 HR 23 RBI

July's Cold Players

SP Jose Cerventes - 2-2 4.57 ERA
MR Jorge Miranda - 1-1 5.40 ERA
1B A.J. Reed - .207 4 HR 15 RBI
CF ALbert Almora - .223 5 HR 17 RBI

July News & Notes

Injuries

For the second straight month the Blue Jays were forced to place a pair of players on the disabled list. The first was a huge loss as star SS Carlos Correawho is having a monster season with the bat hitting .388 with 20 HR and 74 RBI is expected to miss the next 4 weeks with a fractured rib after getting hit in the ribs by CL Aroldis Chapman of the Baltimore Orioles. He was placed on the 15 Day Disabled list and SS Tyler Halas (.249 3 HR 20 RBI) who has been up and down from AAA Buffalo this season was recalled.

The next player to go down was MR Rodrigo Rivera who is having a solid season in the Jays bullpen with a 1-0 record 3 saves and a 3.70 ERA. He is expected to miss the next 5 months with ulnar nerve irritation and was placed on the 60 day disabled list effectively ending his 2024 season. The Jays recalled CL Phil Jones who has been lights out for the Bisons this year with a 2-0 record 20 saves and a sparkling 1.96 ERA.

International Amateur Free Agents

July 1st brought with it a fresh crop of new International talent that could be signed on the open market. Thanks to the jays spending way over their allotted cap in 2023 they would be limited to signing players to contracts under $250,000 in value. That might have kept them off of some of the bigger names in the class but didn't stop them from spending a total of $1,500,000 on 6 players this year. The Jays signings were:

SP Jose Gallegos (16, RHP, 6'3", 185 lbs V:92-94 MPH)
Signed for: $250,000 (Venezuela)
Comments: A lanky righty with a big arm. He has 4 pitches (fastball, changeup, splitter and forkball) with decent command. He projects as a back end of the rotation arm and should add some velocity as he grows and fills out. 

SP Jesus Diaz (16, LHP, 6'3", 185 lbs V:88-90 MPH)
Signed for: $250,000 (Venezuela)
Comments: A lefty with pin point control. He throws a fastball, slider and changeup and can locate all his pitches very well. He will need to add some more velocity and stamina if he wants to be a starter and at this point might be better suited as a reliever.

CF Elian Ramirez (16, RHB, 6'0", 165 lbs)
Signed for: $250,000 (Dominican Republic)
Comments: The only non-pitcher that the Jays signed this year. He is a 4 tool player (he has no power what so ever) who can play all 3 outfield positions and quite well. He is very fast on the basepaths and has great instincts. Ultimately he has the floor of a #4 outfielder/pinch runner but with some development could easily turn into an everyday player.

SP Jose Camacho (16, RHP, 6'2", 175 lbs V:87-89 MPH)
Signed for: $250,000 (Dominican Republic)
Comments: This kid throws 5 pitches (Fastball, curveball, changeup, splitter and a knuckle curve) that all grade out as average right now. He is likely to add some velocity as he grows and matures and should be a good middle to back end of the rotation talent. At a minimum he would be a good swing man out of the bullpen.

SP Ruben Garcia (17, LHP, 6'1", 180 lbs V:89-91 MPH)
Signed for: $250,000 (Venezuela)
Comments: A lefty with a good 3 pitch mix (fastball, curveball and slider). His fastball is his best pitch and he locates it well. His secondary stuff will need some work as it is very raw. He has the ceiling of a #4/5 starter at this point and were hoping that he can add some velocity as he grows.

SP Robinson Mescardo (16, LHP, 6'1", 170 lbs V:85-87 MPH)
Signed for: $250,000 (Dominican Republic)
Comments: The biggest wild card of the bunch. He has tremendous control of his 3 pitches (sinker, curveball and splitter) right now, but just doesn't have MLB quality stuff at the moment. He only gets 85-87 MPH on his fastball and thats not going to be enough to get MLB hitters out. If he can add a few MPH on his fastball he could be a diamond in the rough for the Jays down the road.

First Year Player Draft Update

GM Ryan Stewart and the Jays were unable to get any of their remaining 4 unsigned draftees signed as the signing deadline came and went. Still unsigned are:

3B Jim Day (5th round, 157th overall) - UNLV
SP Phil Bond (6th round, 187th overall) - University of San Diego
MR Quincy Carson (11th round, 337th overall) - Rutgers
SP Dan Hampton (22nd round, 667th overall) - Pepperdine

2024 Trade Deadline

The Blue Jays were quite busy this year at the trade deadline as they would make a pair of deals that were both a little surprising to Jays fans. The first deal with the Washington Nationals really came out of nowhere. GM Ryan Stewart "this was a deal that we were approached by Nats GM Randy Knorr (who is a former Jays catcher himself) about the availability of SP Alex Wood. The Nats are in the middle of a pennant race with the Braves and Phillies and were looking for a boost to their rotation. We would get the chance to lose a $22,800,000 salary off the books and were offered a decent starter in return in 26 year old SP Tyler Ivey. It was a deal that really made sense for both sides and gives us some financial flexibility heading into the next few seasons".

Players to Washington

SP Alex Wood is a 33 year old lefty who was a 2nd round pick back in 2012 by the Atlanta Braves out of the University of Georgia. He was acquired by the Jays in 2022 by the Chicago Cubs. He was 6-3 with a 3.98 ERA with 24 BB and 83 K's for the Jays this season and missed a month with injuries. He is a 3 time All Star and was the 2020 National League Gold Glove Winner.

Players to Toronto

SP Tyler Ivey is a 26 year old righty was a 1st round pick 25th overall back in 2015 our of Chandler High School in the USHSBA by the Nationals. He is 4-9 with a 5.14 ERA walking 24 and striking out 63 in 18 starts with the Nationals. The righty has $8,300,000 left on his contract for this season and is under contract for $12,100,000 a season for the next 4 years. He features a 93-95 MPH fastball as well as a cutter and changeup and he struggled with the Nats this season. The Jays see him as a #3 starter and are hoping that a change of scenery will do him good. 

Trade #2

The Jays second trade was a little less surprising. With the acquisition of SP Tyler Ivey the Jays would have liked to demote SP Steve Sampson back to AAA Buffalo but the 26 year old was out of options and would not have passed waivers. He would eventually be dealt to the Florida Marlins in exchange for 23 year old MR Gus Price.

Players to Miami

SP Steve Sampson is a 26 year old right hander who was selected in the 2nd round 45th overall in the 2017 First Year Player Draft out of El Paso High School by the Atlanta Braves. He was traded to the Blue Jays in 2022 and was 3-1 with a 3.82 ERA with 8 walks and 30 strikeouts in 4 games for the Jays this season. 

Players to Toronto

MR Gus Price is a 23 year old righty with a power arm. He can bring his fastball in the 95-97 MPH range consistently and he also throws a curveball, slider and changeup. He was a Supplemental 1st round pick 30th overall by Houston in 2020 out of Denver High School and was 1-1 with a 4.85 ERA with 14 BB and 21 K in 21 games with the Marlins. He has options remaining and was sent to AAA Buffalo. My scouts believe he has the potential to be a starter and he is going to get stretched out as a starter in AAA. 

Awards

SP Jamie Cox was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July after going 5-0 with a 1.05 ERA.

CF Eric Brown (Supplemental 1st round pick 35th overall in 2023) hit .350 with 8 HR and 25 RBI and was named the Midwestern League Batter of the Month for the Lansing Lugnuts.

SP Josh Britton (1st round pick 25th overall in 2021) was named the AA Eastern League Pitcher of the Month after he went 5-1 with a 2.87 ERA) for AA New Hampshire.

CL Joe MacIntyre (8th round pick 249th overall in 2023) was named the Dominican Summer League Pitcher of the Month after going 4-0 with 8 Saves and a 1.13 ERA for the DSL Blue Jays.

Up Next: August 2024 Wrap Up

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Blue Jays Running Away with the AL East

September 1st, 2024

The Blue Jays have opened up a 13 game lead in the American League East with just over a month left in the 2024 regular season. Toronto's record of 92-37 is easily the best in baseball and good enough for a comfortable lead on the 79-50 New York Yankees. The Jays are withing striking distance of breaking the team record for wins in a season 111 set back in 2020. With the American League East Division all but locked up (and barring a complete collapse in the last month of the season) the Jays plan on resting a lot of their regulars so that they are fresh for the post season. GM Ryan Stewart "We have had trouble getting out of the first round the last couple of seasons and this year we have a large enough lead that we can bring up some of our depth in AAA to spell our regulars and also it gives us a chance to get an extended look at some of the guys who may look to break into the lineup for 2025 and beyond".

AL East Standings - September 1st

Toronto Blue Jays - 92-37
New York Yankees - 79-50 (13 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 66-62 (25.5 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays - 51-77 (40 GB)
Baltimore Orioles - 51-77 (40.5 GB)

AL Wild Card Standings - September 1st

New York Yankees - 79-50 --
Los Angeles Angels - 68-60 --
Seattle Mariners - 69-61 --
Kansas City Royals - 68-62 (1 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 66-62 (2 GB)
Oakland Athletics - 67-63 (2 GB)

August's Hot Players

SP Erik Black - 5-1 3.77 ERA
SP Tyler Ivey - 3-1 4.24 ERA
SP Jamie Cox - 3-2 2.58 ERA
MR Mike McNeal - 1-1 1.17 ERA
MR Sam Turner - 0-0 3 SV 1.35 ERA
SS Carlos Correa - .531 5 HR 18 RBI
3B Stu Daniels - .392 1 HR 11 RBI
C Max Pentecost - .322 4 HR 17 RBI
LF Don Bergeron - .315 1 HR 7 RBI

August's Cold Players

MR Nick Kennedy - 0-1 8.31 ERA
CL Jordan Walden - 1-0 1 SV 7.88 ERA
2B Chris Goodwin - .164 3 HR 7 RBI
1B Chris Daniels - .165 1 HR 8 RBI
RF Isaac Green - .204 1 HR 14 RBI

August News & Notes

Injuries

The injury bug continues to linger around the Blue Jays outfielders as yet another one was forced to go on the disabled list. CF Albert Almora who is hitting .276 with 11 HR and 53 RBI for the Jays this season will miss 5 weeks with a fractured thumb. The injury will keep him out of the lineup until the beginning of the post season. The Jays recalled CF Dan Mitchell (2nd round pick 54th overall in 2018) who is hitting .324 with 3 HR and 28 RBI in AAA Buffalo. The 28 year old will be making his major league debut after spending 6 seasons in the Jays minors.

2024 First Year Player Draft Update

The players that the Jays drafted in the 2024 First Year Player Draft have all had a few months in professional baseball now and its a good time to check in and see how they are adjusting.

1st Round Pick (27th Overall) SP Kevin Perkins - 4-5 5.54 ERA 18 BB 50 K (GCL Blue Jays).
2nd Round Pick (67th Overall) 2B Shawn Shannon - .237 4 HR 19 RBI (GCL Blue Jays)
3rd Round Pick (97th Overall) SP Erik Little - 3-2 1 SV 3.42 ERA 17 BB 53 K (GCL Blue Jays)
4th Round Pick (127th Overall) SP Dan Shannon - 5-3 2.09 ERA 9 BB 75 K (GCL Blue Jays)

September Callups

With the rosters expanding to 40 men on September 1st the Jays elected to add a number of players from AAA Buffalo to give their regulars a chance at some rest before the Playoffs start in October. The Jays added:

SP Bernie Cantrell (1st Rnd, 27th OA, 2021) - 14-12 3.19 ERA
CL Johnny Jones (6th Rnd, 148th OA, 2020) - 4-1 13 SV 1.61 ERA
C Arturo Lugo (Int FA Signing 2018) - .247 4 HR 24 RBI
1B Pat Olson (1st Rnd, 33rd OA, 2019) - .240 10 HR 67 RBI
SS Tyler Halas - .232 5 HR 30 RBI
CF Cesar Gutierrez (Traded to Tor in 2023) - .291 4 HR 32 RBI

Awards

SS Carlos Correa literally tore the cover off the ball in the month of August hitting an amazing .531 with 5 HR and 18 RBI and scoring 21 runs. He is hitting .410 for the season and has a chance to hit .400 for the first time since Ted Williams in 1941.

Around the Majors

CF Mike Trout of the the Seattle Mariners notched career hit #2000 in a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The 33 year has a career .300 batting average with 2000 hits, 268 HR and 926 RBI. He is a 12 time all star, 5 time gold glove winner, was the 2019 AL MVP and the 2012 AL rookie of the year.

Up Next: End of the 2023 Regular Season.

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Blue Jays Finish 2024 With the Best Record in Baseball - Correa Hits .420!

October 4th, 2024

The Toronto Blue Jays were the best team in baseball for the second consecutive season. They finished the regular season with a record of 120-42 and easily took home the American League East Division. The Blue Jays would set a franchise record with wins in a season shattering their previous mark of 111 set back in 2020. The biggest story of the last month or so of the season was the SS Carlos Correa watch. The superstar had been flirting with hitting .400 for most of the season and as the number of games remaining dwindled Correa's batting average did not. He finished the 2024 season with a .420 batting average becoming the first player to hit .400 since Ted Williams. Correa had a tremendous season and should easily take home the AL MVP award.

With the regular season over and the playoffs ready to begin the Blue Jays are hoping that the extra rest that their regulars got in September will allow them to be fresh as they are set to take on their Division rivals the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series. The Jays are healthy for the most part but they will be without 3B Stu Daniels who suffered a broken hand sliding into second base in a game against the Baltimore Orioles. He is set to miss the next 4 months and will miss the entire playoffs. He should be ready to go for Spring Training 2025.

Up Next: ALDS New York vs Toronto

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Another ALDS Another Early Playoff Exit for the Jays

October 18th, 2024


For Blue Jays fans the story is the same. They tear the cover off the baseball during the regular season and then once the playoffs come they fall apart. It happened again in 2024. The Jays set a franchise record for wins in a season with 120 and then would go on to lose the American League Division Series to the New York Yankees in 5 games. Blue Jays GM Ryan Stewart was not pleased with his teams effort "We just didn't execute. There are going to be some serious evaluations for this organization from top to bottom this off season as we need to figure out how to achieve some success in the playoffs. This losing in the first round year after year is just not acceptable".

ALDS Game #1 - New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays
SP Mike Scott (13-6 3.61 ERA) vs
SP Jamie Cox (27-4 1.67 ERA)

2024%20ALDS%20GM1_zpszwqacgcd.png

W: SP Jamie Cox (1-0) 9.0 IP 6 H 0 R 0 BB 6 K
L: SP Mike Scott (0-1) 6.0 IP 5 H 3 R 2 BB 5 K

Recap: SP Jamie Cox who was fresh off a triple crown win in the American League in 2024 took the hill in game #1 for the Jays and he was fantastic tossing a complete game shut out as the Jays took game #1 4-0. He would allow just 6 hits without a walk and struck out 6. Offensively SS Carlos Correa had a pair of homeruns and 3 RBI and CF Albert Almora added an RBI triple to account for all of the Jays offence.

ALDS Game #2 - New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays
SP Tyler Mondile (12-12 2.89 ERA) vs
SP SP Erik Black (20-7 3.86 ERA)

2024%20ALDS%20GM2_zpsws8q6z4t.png

W: SP Tyler Mondile (1-0) 6.0 IP 6 H 1 R 1 BB 7 K
L: Erik Black (0-1) 6.0 IP 7 H 2 R 1 BB 2 K
S: CL Trevor Rosenthal (2)

Recap: The Blue Jays were hopeful of a sweep of the first two games at home sending 20 game winner SP Erik Black to the mound and he was pretty good allowing just a pair of runs in 6 innings of work. Unfortunately for the Jays SP Tyler Mondile was very good tossing 6 innings and allowing just a single run on 6 hits. 1B Will Benson and C Reese McGuire had RBI singles off of Black and CF Jose Avila and DH Rob Duncan added on insurance runs for the Yankees in the 9th inning as the Jays fell 4-1 to the Yankees in game #2. 2B Chris Goodwin contributed the Jays lone run on offence with an RBI double in the 7th inning. 

ALDS Game #3 - Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
SP Tim Libby (17-5 3.68 ERA) vs
SP Jorge Rodriguez (14-9 3.68 ERA)

2024%20ALDS%20GM3_zpscncjwlsk.png

W: SP Tim Libby (1-0) 7.1 IP 5 H 0 R 4 BB 5 K
L: SP Jorge Rodriguez (0-1) 4.0 IP 7 H 7 R 3 BB 2 K

Recap: The Blue Jays came out swinging the bats in Game #3 and managed to put up a 7 spot against the Yankees. SS Carlos Correa and 1B A.J. Reedgot the scoring opened early with RBI doubles in the 1st inning. They would both factor in the scoring later in the game as well, Correa would add a 2 RBI double in the 2nd and Reed belted his first homerun of the post season a 3 run shot to deep left center field in the 4th making it 7-0 Toronto. SP Tim Libbydid the rest for the Jays slamming the door on a very potent offence and pitching into the 8th inning. With the victory the Jays move to within 1 win of advancing to the American League Championship Series.

ALDS Game #4 - Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
SP Jamie Cox (1-0 0.00 ERA) vs
SP Mike Scott (0-1 4.50 ERA)

2024%20ALDS%20GM4_zpspahp9yyu.png

W: MR Wes Summers (1-0) 
SP Mike Scott - 5.0 IP 3 H 1 R 2 BB 3 K
L: MR Sam Turner (0-1) 
SP Jame Cox - 5.0 IP 4 H 1 R 0 BB 5 K
S: CL Trevor Rosenthal (3)

Recap: The Blue Jays were looking for the series win and were sending perhaps the best pitcher in baseball to the mound in SP Jamie Cox. It was a rematch of game #1 with SP Mike Scott on the mound for the Yankees. Both pitchers were mowing batters down and with the game tied at 1 after 5 innings the skies opened up and the game was delayed for 69 min. When the skies cleared it would be a battle of the bullpens and the Yankees would prevail. 3B Jonathan Schoop had a go ahead RBI groundout in the 7th inning and 2B Luis Ramos had an RBI single in the 8th to put the game out of reach. With the loss the series is now tied and headed back to Toronto for a decisive game #5.

ALDS Game #5 - New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays

SP Tyler Mondile (1-0 1.50 ERA) vs
SP Erik Black (0-1 3.00 ERA)

2024%20ALDS%20GM5_zpszxxsnw60.png

W: SP Tyler Mondile (2-0) 5.1 IP 6 h 1 R 2 BB 2 K
L: SP Erik Black (0-2) 4.1 IP 9 H 8 R 2 BB 3 K

Recap: Well game #5 was ugly for the Jays. Their second best starter SP Erik Black was shelled and gave up 8 runs in just 4.1 innings of work. The Yankees hitters were all over Black as 2B Luis Ramos and SS Francisco Lindor got the Yanks on the board in the first inning. 1B Will Benson, LF Oscar TavaresRF Dylan Cozens and 3B Jonathan Schoop would add RBI's in the 4th and the Yankees were well on their way to the American League Championship Series. 

Up Next: 2024 World Series Winner

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are World Champs in 2024

November 6th, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates captured the 2024 World Series with a 4 games to 2 victory over the American League Champion Seattle Mariners. Pittsburgh took down the San Diego Padres 3 games to 2 in the NLCS and then advanced to the World Series with a 4-3 series win over the San Francisco Giants. Their opponent the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 in the ALDS before dispatching with the Yankees 4-1 in the ALCS. The Pirates made a big trade at the deadline acquiring SP Matt Harvey from the Boston Red Sox and he was a big reason the Pirates had so much success in the post season. Harvey won the world series last year as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He fit into a very good starting rotation that already included the likes of SP Shelby MillerSP Chris Lee and SP Brady Aiken. Offensively 3B Bo Bichette (5th overall pick in 2016) was a force paired with veteran LF Carlos Gonzalez in the middle of the lineup. This is the first World Series title for the Pirates since 1979 and the 6th in franchise history.

Up Next: The 2024 Off Season Begins

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2024 Awards & Blue Jays Minor League POTY's


Major League Baseball announced its winners for the Gold Gloves, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award and the MVP today and there were a couple of Jays that took home some hardware. The Jays also announced their R. Howard Webster Award Winners for the Best Player at each level of the Jays minor leagues.

2024 AL Gold Gloves

P Max Kranick (Minnesota Twins)
C Jorge Alfaro (Oakland Athletics)
1B Will Benson (New York Yankees)
2B Brendan Rodgers (Texas Rangers)
3B Logan Tolbert (Cleveland Indians)
SS Francisco Lindor (New York Yankees)
LF Ron Mitchell (Chicago White Sox)
CF Mike Trout (Seattle Mariners)
RF Bryce Harper (Boston Red Sox)

2024 NL Gold Gloves

P Micah Miniard (San Diego Padres)
C Evan Skova (Washington Nationals)
1B Juston Bellanger (Chicago Cubs)
2B Alonzo Jones (Miami Marlins)
3B Tim Goodwin (Atlanta Braves)
SS John Devine (Milwaukee Brewers)
LF Rex Wall (Arizona Diamondbacks)
CF Cesar Alonzo (Philadelphia Phillies)
RF Marcus Wilson (Cincinnati Reds)

2024 American League Reliever of the Year
CL Dave Davis (24 Years Old) (Toronto Blue Jays)
4th Round Pick 127th overall by Toronto in 2019 out of Atlanta High School in the USHSBA.
7-2 46 SV 2.06 ERA

2024 National League Reliever of the Year
CL Aroldis Chapman (36 Years Old) (St. Louis Cardinals)
Signed as an International Free Agent by Cincinnati in 2010 out of Cuba.
0-3 42 SV 0.84 ERA

2024 American League Rookie of the Year
CL Dave Davis (24 Years Old) (Toronto Blue Jays)
4th Round Pick 127th overall by Toronto in 2019 out of Atlanta High School in the USHSBA.
7-2 46 SV 2.06 ERA

2024 National League Rookie of the Year
RF Carmen Banks (23 Years Old) (Washington Nationals)
1st Round Pick 7th overall in 2022 by Washington out of the University of Alabama in the NCAA.
.342 17 HR 69 RBI

2024 American League Cy Young Award
SP Jamie Cox (32 Years Old) (Toronto Blue Jays)
1st Round Pick 9th Overall in 2014 by Toronto out of Michigan State University in the NCAA.
27-4 1.67 ERA 307 K

2024 National League Cy Young Award
SP Austin Bergner (25 Years Old) (San Diego Padres)
1st Round Pick 3rd Overall in 2016 by San Diego out of Lakeland Highschool in the USHSBA.
16-4 1.91 ERA 262 K

2024 American League MVP Award
SS Carlos Correa (30 Years Old) (Toronto Blue Jays)
1st Round Pick 1st Overall pick by Houston in 2012 out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in the USHSBA.
.420 38 HR 121 RBI

2024 National League MVP Award
SP Austin Bergner (25 Years Old) (San Diego Padres)
1st Round Pick 3rd Overall in 2016 by San Diego out of Lakeland Highschool in the USHSBA.
16-4 1.91 ERA 262 K

2024 Blue Jays Minor League Players of the Year

AAA Buffalo Bisons - 78-66 1st in North Division
SP Bernie Cantrell
24, RHP, V:97-99 MPH
Acquired: Supplemental 1st Round Pick 27th overall in 2021 by Toronto out of the University of Minnesota in the NCAA.
2024 Stats: 15-13 3.09 ERA 44 BB 186 K
GM's Comments: Cantrell was a 2024 International League All Star and took home the Gold Glove Award this season. He made some big strides on the mound setting career highs for wins and strikeouts. He looks like he is MLB ready but may be blocked at the MLB level as the Jays have a very solid starting rotation already. He scouts as a middle to back end of the rotation arm and he will be in the mix for a spot in the rotation at Spring Training this year.

AA New Hampshire Fishercats - 93-49 1st in Northern Division & 2024 Eastern League Champions!
SP Sam Burns
24, RHP, V: 93-95 MPH
Acquired: 2nd round pick 63rd overall in 2020 by Toronto out of Lakewood High School in the USHSBA.
2024 Stats: 13-4 3.03 ERA 33 BB 165 K
GM's Comments: A second round pick back in 2020 Burns really came into his own in AA this season leading the Fishercats in most pitching categories including wins, ERA and strikeouts. He was an Eastern League All Star and finished 3rd in the pitcher of the year voting. Burns is a big boy on the bump standing 6'5" and weighing in at 215 lbs and he uses that frame to generate a downward plane on his fastball. He scouts as a middle/back end of the rotation starter and is likely headed to AAA Buffalo to start the 2025 season. The Jays plan to get a better look at him in Spring Training to see what he can do against some MLB quality batters.

High A Dunedin Blue Jays - 86-54 1st in North Division
1B Cesar Garza
24, RHB
Acquired:3rd round pick 95th overall by Toronto in 2021 out of the University of New Mexico in the NCAA.
2024 Stats: .311 26 HR 85 RBI
GM's Comments: Garza has battled some injuries since he was drafted in the 3rd round back in 2021 but looked healthy and was very productive in Dunedin this year. At 24 the 2024 Florida State League All Star is pretty old for the level and will need to develop quickly or he risks losing his prospect status. He is a sub par defender and is likely ticketed as a DH at the MLB level and with his homerun power its a position that he could excel at.

Low A Lansing Lugnuts - 79-61 2nd in Eastern Division 
SP Jose De Jesus
23, RHP, V: 89-91 MPH
Acquired: 3rd round pick 94th overall in 2020 by Toronto out of Oakland High School in the USHSBA.
2024 Stats: 15-6 3.00 ERA 53 BB 147 K
GM's Comments: De Jesus is another 3rd round pick that has spent the better part of 4 years in the Jays low minors and was pretty unremarkable up until this season. He finished 2nd in the 2024 Mid Western League Pitcher of the Year voting and was an All Star. He doesn't have tremendous stuff with a fastball that tops out at 91 MPH but he relies on pin point command and very good off speed stuff to keep hitters off balance. He is a little old for the level and may skip the Florida State League as the Jays could challenge him in AA to start the 2025 season.

Short Season A Vancouver Canadians - 31-45 Last in West Division
2B Jonathan Esparza
22, RHB
Acquired: 2nd Round Pick 66th overall in 2023 by Toronto out of Ohio State University in the NCAA.
2024 Stats: .361 9 HR 32 RBI
GM's Comments: Esparza was a player that the Jays had high hopes for when they took him in the 2nd round last year. He didn't disappoint in his first taste of A level ball leading the Canadiens in HR, Batting average, OBP and RBI. He was a 2024 Northern League All Star and finished 3rd in the MVP voting. He will get his first exposure to full season baseball in 2025 and as it stands right now the Jays are planning on having him start in the Florida State League with A Dunedin. 

Bluefield Blue Jays - 34-26 2nd in East Division
SP Dan Shannon
22, RHP, V:93-95 MPH
Acquired: Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 4th round of the 2024 draft 127th overall out of Mississippi State University in the NCAA.
2024 Stats: 5-3 2.09 ERA 9 BB 75 K
GM's Comments: Shannon hit the ground running in his first taste of professional baseball after being taken 127th overall in this years draft. He emerged as the #1 starter for Bluefield and would go on to win 5 games in his first pro season. A NCAA alum, he might have been a little old for the level but the Jays didn't want to rush him up the ladder too fast. He scouts as a middle to back end of the rotation arm and is likely headed to Lansing for the start of the 2025 season where he will get to experience the grinds of full season baseball for the first time.

GCL Blue Jays - 35-33 3rd in North West Division 
SP Jonathan Maddox
22, RHP, V:92-94 MPH
Acquired: Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 3rd round 97th overall in 2022 out of Sterling Heights High School in the USHSBA.
2024 Stats: 7-4 3.01 ERA 17 BB 42 K
GM's Comments: It was a banner year for the Jays and their former 3rd round picks as Maddox becomes the 3rd to win a minor league award. Maddox is a 6'4" 195 lb prototypical power pitcher, except this season his strikeout numbers were lower then you would expect from a guy with his stuff. He did induce a ton of ground balls and only allowed 3 homeruns the entire season. Another starter that projects to be a good middle to back end rotation arm that should reliably toss 200 innings in a season. He will likely head to Lansing to start the 2025 season.

Dominican Summer League Blue Jays - 42-23 1st in San Pedro De Marcois Division
SP Hector Bermudez
21, RHP, V: 90-92 MPH
Acquired: Signed by the Blue Jays as an International Free Agent out of the Dominican Republic ($250,000).
2024 Stats:7-1 1.63 ERA 13 BB 69 K
GM's Comments: Bermudez was lights out in his second go around in the Dominican Summer League. He lead the team in wins, era, strikeouts and k/9. He is still a very unpolished product having played just 2 seasons of pro baseball at 21. He will get his first chance to move over to North America where he will start in extended spring training before heading to either Bluefield or the GCL once the short seasons get underway.

Up Next: Salary Arbitration

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2024 Salary Arbitration Cases & Possible Free Agents

The Blue Jays had 9 players eligible for salary arbitration this off season along with a player option. The Jays elected not to pick up their option on 37 year old closer CL Jordan Walden. The veteran has declined steadily over his last 2 seasons with the Jays and has been surpassed on the depth chart by some of the younger arms in the Jays system. The Jays also elected to not offer 2B Gosuke Katoh arbitration but the 30 year old left handed hitter elected to sign a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training with the Jays. he other arbitration eligible players for the Jays included:

1B Chris Daniels - $800,000
SP Jose Cerventes - $5,250,000
MR Phil Jones - $900,000
RF Isaac Green - $4,588,500
MR Rodrigo Rivera - $1,000,000
3B Stu Daniels - $7,500,000
SP Erik Black - $5,250,000
2B Chris Goodwin - $4,800,000
MR Nick Kennedy - $800,000

2028 Operating Budget

The Blue Jays operating budget for the 2025 season has actually decreased from $208,000,000 in 2024 to an even $200,000,000 this season. This includes an allotment of $7,500,000 for draft expenses as well as $12,000,000 in Development and $12,000,000 in scouting expenses. Including coaching costs the Blue Jays will have about $165,000,000 in budget room to spend on player contracts. Of this total $142,500,000 is accounted for heading into the off season. This does give GM Ryan Stewart a little bit of wiggle room as its a pretty deep free agent class with some big names headed for big paydays in free agency. The rumour is that GM Ryan Stewart is looking to shake things up after yet another playoff disappointment in 2024. 

GM Ryan Stewart's Off Season Wish List

The off season is just about upon us and my wish list for the off season includes:

1. Hire a new coach
At the conclusion of the 2024 series against the New York Yankees the Jays elected to let go Manager Cesar Nicholas. The 43 year old has been with the Jays since 2019 when he was the teams hitting coach. He was the hitting coach from 2019 to 2022 when he was promoted to Manager. In the regular season Nicholas was dynamite leading the Jays to a 228-96 record his downfall came in the playoffs as he lost both times to division rivals in the ALDS, losing in 2023 to the Boston Red Sox and then losing the New York Yankees this year. 

2. Improve Defence
The Blue Jays committed 112 errors last season which was the 3rd most in the American league with only the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers committing more. GM Ryan Stewart "We committed a lot of errors last season and although it didn't hurt us much in the regular season a few untimely errors cost us in the ALDS. The old addage is that pitching and defense wins championships and we can certainly pitch, maybe a boost on defense will help us get over the hump in the post season".

Up Next: 2024 Off Season Transactions Report

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Blue Jays 2024 Off Season Report

Baseball is on the horizon and the minds of many people in Toronto. GM Ryan Stewart and the rest of the Toronto Blue Jays organization is just about ready to head down to Dunedin for the start of Spring Training 2025. Toronto is eager to avenge their second straight ALDS loss to a division rival and many Blue Jays players are in camp early getting ready for the season. 

GM Ryan Stewart was pretty busy this off season as well. The biggest job was to find a replacement for fired Manager Cesar Nicholas who was let go at the end of the 2024 season. The search did take quite a while as the Jays interviewed a number of candidates before making a decision. GM Ryan Stewart was also active on the trade front making a pair of off season deals. In terms of free agency the Jays were pretty quiet as prices seemed to get out of control and they found themselves priced out of what they would have liked to spend. All in all it was a productive off season and were looking forward to baseball starting up again.

Blue Jays Off Season:

1. New Head Coach

GM Ryan Stewart and the Jays ownership group would interview 10 different candidates for the vacant Manager position here in Toronto and they would eventually settle on 55 year old former Cleveland Indians GM Chris Antonetti. Antonetti was the GM for the Indians from 2014-2023 and the team made 5 playoff appearances during that time. He has always wanted to be an on field Manager and GM Ryan Stewart is taking the risk to see if he can make the transition from a front office role to that of a Manager. The players seem to love him and he has an old school philosophy when it comes to the game. 

2. Improve Defense

With the goal of becoming more defensively responsible GM Ryan Stewart went out and made a pair of deals to help shore up the teams defense. 

Trade #1 - Toronto & Texas 

The Jays first deal involved some of their prospect depth at starting pitcher as they agreed to send former supplemental 1st round pick SP Josh Britton andMR Jim McCrocken to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 1B Cesar Melendez.

Players to Texas

SP Josh Britton is a 23 year old righty who was selected by the Blue Jays in the Supplemental 1st round 25th overall back in 2021 out of Colorado Springs High School in the USHSBA. The 4'4" 195 lb righty spent the entire 2024 season in AA New Hampshire where he was 12-6 with a 2.90 ERA with 48 BB and 164 K. He has been an All Star 3 times in his minor league career and scouts as a #2 or 3 starter at the big league level.

MR Jim McCrocken is a 26 year old journeyman who has not lived up to his draft position. He was originally selected in the Supplemental 1st round 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers back in 2018 out of Pasadena High School in the USHSBA. He has been traded twice and was finally claimed by the Jays off waivers from the Detroit Tigers in 2024. He was 6-7 with a 2.62 ERA with 31 BB and 79 K for AAA Buffalo last season. He was a starter when he was first drafted but will probably be best served in a relief role moving forward.

Players to Toronto

1B Cesar Melendez is a 26 year old right handed hitter who was signed by the Rangers as an International Free Agent back in 2016 out of the Dominican Republic. He is unique as a firstbaseman as he has great speed but very little power. Defensively he has the potential to win gold gloves year after year and thats a huge part of why the Jays were interested in him. He hit .299 with 8 HR and drove in 66 runs for the Rangers last season. He is in the last year of his contract and is owed $7,300,000. If the Jays don't resign him he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season.

Trade #2 - Toronto & St. Louis Deal

In the Jays only other deal of the off season the Jays killed two birds with 1 stone so to speak. With the addition of 1B Cesar Melendez from the Rangers the Jays found themselves with four first baseman and only two spots (first base & DH). The Jays managed to add a versatile back up infielder that can hit and play multiple defensive positions as well as save some of the $11,500,000 salary that he was owed for this season.

The Jays agreed to a deal that will send 1B A.J. Reed to the Cardinals in exchange for SS Shane Benes.

Players to St. Louis

1B A.J. Reed is a 31 year old left handed bat who was originally drafted in the first round 5th overall by the Twins back in 2014 and was traded to the Jays in 2017. He hit .225 with 25 HR and 85 RBI in 2025 and was an American League All Star back in 2019. Reed is known more for his bat then his glove and it showed in 2024 as he committed 14 errors at first base. When you couple his defense with his $11,900,000 contract he was the logical piece for the Jays to move out.

Players to Toronto

SS Shane Benes is a 29 year old right handed bat who was first drafted int he 2nd round 49th overall by the Nationals back in 2014 but elected not to sign. He went on to spend 3 seasons in St. Johns University in the NCAA and was then selected in the 1st round 15th overall in 2017 by the Chicago White Sox. Benes hit .235 with 4 HR and had 38 RBI with the Cardinals in 2024. He is a versatile player who can play all 4 infield positions very well and is a threat on the base paths. He took home the 2020 Gold Glove Award at second base while playing for the Chicago White Sox. 

Rule V Draft

The Blue Jays did not take anyone in this years Rule V Draft but the did lose MR Sam Goodwin who was claimed by the Miami Marlins with the 2nd overall Pick. Goodwin was a 14th round pick of the Jays in 2019 out of Honolulu High School in the USHSBA and the 25 year old spent the entire 2024 season in the Florida State League with the Dunedin Blue Jays. He was 6-3 with 2 Saves a 3.64 ERA walking 28 and striking out 112. He has great stuff with a fastball that tops out in the 90-92 MPH range as well as a curveball and changeup. He is a good gamble to take as he hasn't pitched above single A but has good stuff and very good control.

Minor League Free Agents

GM Ryan Stewart did add a pair of International Free Agents on minor league deals. CL Azumaro Chouda, a 22 year old 6'3" 210 lb right who features a 94-96 MPH fastball was signed out of Japan and 27 year old C Antonio Esquilino was inked to a minor league contract out of Cuba. Esquilino is a gold glove caliber defender and will start the season as the back up in AAA Buffalo, Chouda is a little bit more raw and is ticketed for AA New Hampshire. Both players will get an invitation to Spring Training.

2024 Major Free Agent Signings

A ton of money was tossed around this off season and the Jays were outbid on both of the players we went after. The Red Sox and Angels went a little crazy this off season in an attempt to revamp their rosters.

SS Cam Sheppard - 7 years $109,200,000 (Los Angeles Angels)
LF Cesar Alfonzo - 4 years $59,600,000 (Atlanta Braves)
C Travis D'Arnaud - 2 years $26,600,000 (Los Angeles Angels)
3B Kris Bryant - 5 years $101,800,000 (New York Yankees)
C Reese McGuire - 4 years $25,900,000 (Detroit Tigers)
C Bob Garner - 4 years $97,600,000 (New York Yankees)
LF Brad Zimmer - 4 years $77,600,000 (Boston Red Sox)
SP Danny Elmore - 4 years $45,000,000 (Atlanta Braves)
SP Riley Thompson - 4 years $50,000,000 (Boston Red Sox)
RF Giancarlo Stanton - 3 years $64,800,000 (New York Yankees)
SP Shelby Miller - 2 years $40,000,000 (Los Angeles Angels)
2B Jon Nash - 4 years $25,500,000 (Oakland Athletics)
C Jorge Alfaro - 4 years $38,400,000 (Cleveland Indians)
SP Justin Hooper - 7 years $193,400,000 (Oakland Athletics)
CL Aroldis Chapman - 2 years $26,000,000 (San Francisco Giants)
LF Derek Fisher - 1 year $3,520,000 (Boston Red Sox)
SP Nathan Kirby - 3 years $21,900,000 (Oakland Athletics)
MR Dave Dingwall - 3 years $20,400,000 (St. Louis Cardinals)
C Mike Zunino - 2 years $8,960,000 (Boston Red Sox)
3B Tim Goodwin - 4 years $66,400,000 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
2B Jud Oliver - 6 years $93,700,000 (Detroit Tigers)
1B Dominic Smith - 3 years $27,000,000 (Baltimore Orioles)
1B Braxton Davidson - 3 eyars $29,200,000 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
SP Josh Murphy - 6 years $150,000,000 (New York Yankees)
C Mauro Gutierrez - 4 years $78,000,000 (St. Louis Cardinals)
LF Sandy Phelps - 7 years $79,000,000 (Cincinnati Reds)
C Austin Meadows - 4 years $43,100,000 (Boston Red Sox)
SP Matthew McGarry - 3 years $68,400,000 (Boston Red Sox)

Note: I went hard after SP Justin Hooper and 2B Jud Oliver but both wound up signing for much more then I was willing to pay.

Up Next Spring Training 2025

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Spring Training 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays are just about ready to officially kick of Spring Training 2025. After what has been a familiar story line for Jays fans, them losing in the American League Division Series after being by far the best team in the majors for the regular season the Jays once again descend on Dunedin with renewed optimism for the new season to start. At the conclusion of the 2024 season GM Ryan Stewart vowed that there would be significant changes before the start of 2025 and there was some significant action during the off season. Manager Cesar Nicolas was fired and Manager Chris Antonetti was brought in. A couple of player personnel moves were also made to better the teams defense as well. 

Off Season Players Out:

1B A.J. Reed - Traded to St. Louis
SP Josh Britton - Traded to Texas
MR Jim McCrocken - Traded to Texas
CL Jordan Walden - Became a Free Agent after option was declined
MR Sam Goodwin - Lost in Rule V Draft to Miami (2nd overall pick)
Manager Cesar Nicolas - Fired

Off Season Players in:

SS Shane Benes - Acquired in a trade from St. Louis
1B Cesar Melendez - Acquired in a trade from Texas
CL Azumaro Chouda - Signed as International Free Agent 
C Antonio Esquilino - Signed as International Free Agent
Manager Chris Antonetti - Signed as free agent

2024 Spring Training Invitees

Starting Pitchers

SP Erik Black - (29, LHP) - 20-7 3.86 ERA (Toronto)
SP Sam Burns - (24, RHP) - 13-4 3.03 ERA (AA New Hampshire)
SP Bernie Cantrell - (24, RHP) - 15-13 3.09 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
SP Jose Cerventes - (26, RHP) - 14-5 3.17 ERA (Toronto)
SP Jamie Cox - (32, LHP) - 27-4 1.67 ERA (Toronto)
SP Jesus Gutierrez - (24, RHP) - 10-2 2.67 ERA (AA New Hampshire)
SP Tyler Ivey - (27, RHP) - 8-3 5.24 ERA (Toronto)
SP Tim Libby - (25, RHP) - 17-5 3.68 ERA (Toronto)
SP Gus Price - (24, RHP) - 4-2 5.44 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
SP Dave Winters - (24, LHP) - 9-8 3.31 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
SP Norberto Perez - (24, LHP) - 11-9 4.57 ERA (A Dunedin)

GM's Comments

The Jays are spoiled with one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball led by perhaps the best pitcher in baseball SP Jamie Cox. Heading into the Spring there really isn't going to be much competition for major league spots but the competition for a starting spot in AAA could be hard to get. The Jays brass will be taking a good long look at a couple of their top young arms in Winters and Cantrell who look to headline the rotation in AAA. SP Sam Burns is a former 2nd round pick who has had success at every level he has pitched and will also be watched closely for a spot in Buffalo. The wild card at spring training this year is 24 year old SP Norberto Perez. The 24 year old sports a 91-93 MPH fastball and has been in the Jays system since signing as an International Free Agent for $122,000 out of the Dominican Republic back in 2017. He had a good season in Dunedin and is looking to skip a few levels and debut with AAA Buffalo this year.

Middle Relievers and Closers

MR Phil Jones - (27, RHP) - 1-1 1 SV 4.76 ERA (Toronto)
MR Nic Kennedy - (27, LHP) - 4-2 4.44 ERA (Toronto)
MR Mike McNeal - (26, LHP) - 6-4 1 SV 2.26 ERA (Toronto)
MR Jorge Miranda - (28, RHP) - 4-2 2 SV 2.14 ERA (Toronto)
MR Steve O'Quinn - (26, RHP) - 7-4 1 SV 2.77 ERA (A Dunedin)
MR Rodrigo Rivera - (26, RHP) - 1-0 3 SV 3.70 ERA (Toronto)
MR Sam Turner - (27, RHP) - 0-0 4 SV 3.51 ERA (Toronto)
MR Carson Fulmer - (31, RHP) - 6-5 2 SV 3.25 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
MR Luis Vargas - (26, LHP) - 2-0 2 SV 3.02 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
MR Greg Nichols - (25, LHP) - 2-2 3.16 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
CL Jorge Amoras - (24, RHP) - 4-3 36 SV 2.34 ERA (A Dunedin)
CL Azumaro Chouda - (22, RHP) - DNP
CL Jonathan Tillman - (24, RHP) - 10-4 6 SV 3.94 ERA (AA New Hampshire)
CL Dave Davis - (24, RHP) - 7-2 46 SV 2.06 ERA (Toronto)

GM's Comments

The Jays bullpen was very good in 2024 leading the league in most categories. They were lead by rookie of the year winner CL Dave Davis who came out of nowhere to save 46 games for the Jays last season. This years bullpen really only has 1 spot up for grabs as CL Jordan Walden left as a free agent. There are a number of arms who will be competing in camp for that coveted spot on the 25 man roster. The early front runners include CL Jorge Aromas who has a big arm and closer experience, although only at A Dunedin, MR Steve O'Quinn who was picked up from the Yankees back in 2022 and MR Carson Fulmer, the veteran arm who has bounced back and fourth between AAA and the Majors for the last few seasons with the Jays.

Position Players

Catchers

C Jesus Lopez - (26, RHB) - .274 18 HR 48 RBI (Toronto)
C Arturo Lugo - (23, S) - .257 7 HR 31 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
C Max Pentecost - (31, RHP) - .328 13 HR 72 RBI (Toronto)
C Antonio Esquilino - (27, RHB) - DNP

GM's Comments

Another position that is pretty firmly occupied by C Max Pentecost. The veteran had a great season last year but did suffer from a few injuries that limited his playing time. His backup C Jesus Lopez did a phenomenal job in replacement and was a valuable bat off the bench as well. He will have some competition for the back up catchers position as C Arturo Lugo who is a switch hitter is looking to make the jump to the Majors. 

First Base Base

1B Chris Daniel - (26, LHP) - .219 17 HR 72 RBI (Toronto)
1B Cesar Melendez - (26, RHB) - .299 8 HR 66 RBI (Texas)
1B Pat Olson - (25, RHB) - .255 11 HR 73 RBI (AAA Buffalo)

GM's Comments

The Jays brought in 1B Cesar Melendez from the Texas Rangers in a deal this off season that saw 1B A.J. Reed dealt. Toronto was looking to improve their infield defense and Melendez is a premier defender. Daniels is scheduled to be the everyday designated hitter but could see some pressure from 2019 first round pick 1B Pat Olson who is attempting to make the team this spring. 

Second Base

2B Luis Hernandez - (23, RHB) - .256 12 HR 38 RBI (AA New Hampshire)
2B Gosuke Katoh - (30, RHB) - .316 5 HR 36 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
2B Trea Turner - (31, RHB) - .269 8 HR 61 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
2B Chris Goodwin - (29, RHB) - .260 20 HR 62 RBI (Toronto)
2B Tim Miller - (26, RHB) - .311 0 HR 34 RBI (Toronto)

GM's Comments

The competition at second base will revolve around the back up infielder spot. Former Jays 1st round pick 2B Tim Miller did a very good job in the role last season and will be tough to unseat. The player to watch in camp this year will be 2B Luis Hernandez who signed a huge $7,000,000 deal as an International Free Agent from the Dominican Republic back in 2017. He looks like he could be the Jays second baseman of the future but has yet to make it beyond AA. 

Third Base

3B Stu Daniels - (28, RHB) - .341 10 HR 73 RBI (Toronto)
3B Josh Crews - (29, RHB) - .282 6 HR 29 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
3B Al Buck - (26, RHB) - .259 8 HR 26 RBI (AA New Hampshire)

GM's Comments


Daniels has been a great fit since being selected by the Jays in the Rule V draft back in 2019 from Arizona. He hit .340 last year and even managed to club 10 homeruns. He doesn't have the power that former 3B Brett Lawrie has but he has made up for that with his ability to put the ball in play and his defense at 3rd. The feelgood story is 26 year old former 23rd round pick back in 2018, 3B Al Buck will make his Spring Debut with the Jays and is likely to start the season in AAA Buffalo. He is not currently on the 40 man roster but he could see some time with the big club if he has a good season with the Bisons.

Short Stop

SS Carlos Correa - (30, RHB) - .420 38 HR 121 RBI (Toronto)
SS Shane Benes - (29 RHB) - .235 4 HR 38 RBI (St. Louis Cardinals)
SS Tyler Halas - (27, RHB) - .246 6 HR 34 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
SS Yeltsin Gudino (28, RHB) - .236 3 HR 37 RBI (AAA Buffalo)

GM's Comments

Correa had a historic season last year becoming the first player to hit over .400 since Ted Williams. The Jays will also get their first look at SS Shane Beneswho was acquired in the off season from the St. Louis Cardinals. He was brought in because he can play multiple positions and is decent with the bat. 

Outfielders

LF Don Bergeron - (27, LHB) - .316 4 HR 43 RBI (Toronto)
LF Abel Black - (27, LHB) - .288 33 HR 99 RBI (Toronto)
LF Freddy Rodriguez - (28, LHB) - .280 7 HR 58 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
CF Albert Almora - (30, RHB) - .282 11 HR 55 RBI (Toronto)
CF Cesar Gutierrez - (24, RHB) - .284 4 HR 34 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
CF Jerry Irwin - (27, RHB) - .262 4 HR 20 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
CF Dan Mitchell - (28, RHB) - .324 3 HR 28 RBI (AAA Buffalo)
RF Isaac Green - (26, LHB) - .268 21 HR 80 RBI (Toronto)

GM's Comments

The Jays starting outfield is pretty much set with Abel Black in left, Albert Almora in center and Isaac Green in right. LF Don Bergeron did a very nice job as the 4th outfielder last year and will most likely reprise the role this season. We had a lot of injuries to the outfield last year and Rodriguez, Irwin and Mitchell all made their debuts with the Jays. 

Up Next: Spring Training Recap and Opening Day Rosters

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2025 Opening Day is Here!

The Blue Jays wrapped up their Spring schedule with a league leading record of 21-5 and the best news was that there were no major injuries and the team will break camp healthy to start the 2025 season. 

2025 Spring Training Standings

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Spring Training Statistics

Starting Pitchers

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Surprises

SP Tyler Ivey and his sparkling 0.69 ERA and 10 strikeouts against just two walks in 13 innings of work was impressive and he was probably the Jays best starter. SP Sam Burnswas a pleasant surprise as well. The former 2nd round pick had a great Spring with a 1.72 ERA allowing just 3 earned runs in 15 innings of work. The 24 year old will start the season in AAA as the #3 in the Bison's rotation. 

Disappointments

SP Dave Winters the Jays 1st round pick 24th overall back in 2021 had a tough spring allowing 11 earned runs and pitching to an 8.05 ERA. The Jays have high hopes for the 24 year old right hander and are hoping that he can bounce back and pitch well for AAA Buffalo.

Spring Training Statistics

Relievers

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Surprises

MR Jorge Miranda (0.60), MR Greg Nichols (1.35 ERA) and MR Phil Jones (0.77 ERA) had great springs. Of the 3 Nichols has bounced around quite a bit since being selected in the first round 21st overall back in 2017 by the Minnesota Twins out of Michigan State University in the NCAA. He was released by the Twins in 2023 and signed a minor league contract with the Jays. He pitched himself onto a spot on the Major league roster to start the season.

Disappointments

2024 AL rookie of the year winner CL Dave Davis struggled to a 5.00 ERA after allowing 5 earned runs in 9 innings of work. The Jays are hoping that the spring is an anomaly as they are counting on him to close out games this season. MR Steve O'Quinn also had a brutal spring allowing 3 runs in only 0.1 innings of work. O'Quinn's 54.00 ERA is messy and he looks like he will need some more time in the minors before he is MLB ready.

Spring Training Statistics

Catchers

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Surprises

All three of the Jays catchers had awesome springs. Pentecost hit .266 and had 21 RBI and looks like he is in mid season form. In the battle of the backups C Jesus Lopez (.364 2 HR 9 RBI) and C Arturo Lugo (.464 1 HR 2 RBI) made the decision very tough but in the end the veteran Lopez won out. Lugo will start the season as the #1 catcher in AAA Buffalo.

Disappointments

None

Spring Training Statistics

Infielders

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Surprises

Newly acquired 1B Cesar Melendez made a great first impression on Jays fans hitting .357 with a HR and 6 RBI. SS Carlos Correa had a sold spring as well hitting .379 with 2 HR and 14 RBI. No one else really stood out as most of the guys had springs that suggest that they will be ready come the start of the season.

Disappointments

1B Chris Daniels had an awful spring hitting .194 with 1 HR and 4 RBI. He is a notorious slow starter but his performance this spring has the Jays concerned. 1B Pat Olsonsuffered a knee injury that limited him to just 4 games and he was without a hit. If he can hit well in Buffalo and Daniels continues to struggle he could find himself back with the major league club quickly.

Spring Training Statistics

Outfielders

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Suprises

LF Freddy Rodriguez and CF Dan Mitchell were the Jays best hitting outfielders this spring hitting .381 and .331 respectively. Mitchel beat out Rodriguez and CF Jerry Irwin for the back up outfielders job.

Disappointments

CF Albert Almora hit just .210 this spring and that was a little alarming because he has been the teams leadoff hitter for the last 5 seasons. He was moved into the #6 spot in the lineup later in the spring as 1B Cesar Melendez would move into the lead off spot.

OPENING DAY ROSTERS

SP Jamie Cox
SP Jose Cerventes
SP Tim Libby
SP Erik Black
SP Tyler Ivey

MR Phil Jones
MR Nick Kennedy
MR Sam Turner
MR Mike McNeal
MR Rodrigo Rivera
MR Jorge Miranda
CL Dave Davis

C Max Pentecost
1B Cesar Melendez
2B Chris Goodwin
3B Stu Daniels
SS Carlos Correa
LF Abel Black
CF Albert Almora
RF Isaac Green

C Jesus Lopez
INF Shane Benes
INF Tim Miller
OF Don Bergeron
DH Chris Daniels

Pre Season Predictions

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Financial Information

At the start of the 2025 season the Blue Jays have the #12th ranked payroll in all of major league baseball sitting at $142,049,500. The New York Yankees ($243,778,000), Boston Red Sox ($217,502,000) and Los Angeles Dodgers ($190,440, 000) have the three top payrolls in baseball. The Colorado Rockies have by far the lowest payroll in the Major leagues sitting at just over $62,632,000. 

Top Prospects and Farm Systems

Baseball America released their first prospect rankings today and the 10 best prospects in the majors were:

1. 1B Alberto Beltran (Minnesota Twins)
2. SP Stu Clark (Miami Marlins)
3. SP Albert Duka (Milwaukee Brewers)
4. 2B Luis Hernandez (Toronto Blue Jays)
5. RF Tim Montgomery (Oakland Athletics)
6. 3B Wes Knight (Washington Nationals)
7. 2B Bob Gibson (New York Mets)
8. SP Dan Parker (Miami Marlins)
9. SP Clint Curl (Cleveland Indians)
10. SP Gilberto Romero (Baltimore Orioles)

The Miami Marlins have the best rated minor league system in the majors and with two top 10 rated prospects it is easy to see why. They have a total of 13 players ranked in the top 200 and have done a very good job identifying talent through the draft and the International Free Agent market. The Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and the Washington Nationals round out the top 5. The lowly Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies both do not have a prospect ranked in the top 100.

Up Next: April Review as Opening Day is here!

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Jays off to 19-4 Start with New Manager

May 1st, 2025

April was a good month for the Jays and new manager Mike Antonetti as the team got off to a 6-0 start sweeping their opening series at home against the Tampa Bay Rays and then taken a 3 game set on the road against the Baltimore Orioles. The Jays first loss of the season came against the Detroit Tigers and the Jays would actually end up losing 2 of three in their series with the Tigers. The Jays would finish off the month of April with a 19-4 record which is not only the best in the American League East but also in the Majors. They hold a 6 game lead over the second place New York Yankees. 

AL East Standings - May 1st

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AL Wild Card Standings

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April Pitching Statistics

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April Batting Statistics

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April's Hot Players

The Jays two hottest pitchers were SP Jamie Cox (4-0 0.78 ERA) and SP Jose Cerventes (4-0 1.01 ERA) both pitchers were perfect in the month of April and have picked up right where they left off. Perhaps the most dominant pitcher for the Jays has been CL Dave Davis, the sophomore closer notched 10 saves and didn't allow a run in 10.2 innings of work. Offensively C Max Pentecost (.341 7 HR 18 RBI) and 3B Stu Daniels (.353 3 HR 13 RBI) were the Jays hottest hitters and carried the offense.

April's Cold Players

On the pitching side of things the Jays have all been pretty hot. The only player that has run into any trouble is MR Nick Kennedy (1-1 4.97 ERA) he had one bad outing that inflated his ERA to 4.57. Offensively RF Isaac Green (.183 1 HR 11 RBI), LF Don Bergeron (.161 4 HR 7 RBI) and SS Shane Benes (.148 0 HR 0 RBI) have been cold to start the season.

April News & Notes

Injuries

The Jays weren't able to get through the month of April without losing a player to injury. LF Abel Black (.361 2 HR 6 RBI) suffered a bruised knee and is going to be out for the next 5 weeks. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays recalled CF Cesar Gutierrez (.214 0 HR 5 RBI) from AAA Buffalo.

Free Agent Signings

There were a number of players left without contracts as the regular season drew closer, a few would end up signing 1 year deals:

CL Jarred Cosart - 2 year $11,200,000 (Atlanta Braves)
CL Trevor Rosental - 1 year $4,160,000 (New York Yankees)
CF Andrew McCutchen - 1 year $5,100,000 (Philadelphia Phillies)
2B Rougned Odor - 1 year $5,800,000 (Cleveland Indians)

Awards

SP Jamie Cox was named the American League Pitcher of the Month after going 4-0 with a 0.78 ERA.

SP Norberto Cruz (Signed as an International Free Agent in 2017 out of Cuba for $122,000) was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Month after going 3-0 with a 1.05 ERA.

Around the Majors

RF Carlos Gonzalez of the Pittsburgh Pirates notched his 2000th career hit in an 8-6 loss against the Detroit Tigers. The 39 year old veteran is hitting .191 with 2 HR and 5 RBI this season. Gonzalez is a career .282 hitter with 328 HR and 1113 RBI in 1947 games over 17 seasons int he Majors.

SP Mason Studstill of the Oakland Athletics pitched a perfect game in a 5-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers. The 26 year old righty struck out 8 batters and set down all 27 hitters he faced in order. Studstill was a former 3rd round pick 77th overall back in 2016 by the Milwaukee Brewers. He is 2-2 with a 2.79 ERA for the A's this season.

Up Next: May 2025 Update

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Blue Jays Cruising Along as First Year Player Draft Approaches

June 1st, 2025

Another great month for the Jays saw them improve to 42-9 overall by going 23-5 during the month of May. The Jays really have been firing on all cylinders and they are playing some great baseball right now. GM Ryan Stewart "What can we say everything is going very well for us this season. We have stayed relatively healthy and our best players have been our leaders. Right now we are going to keep doing what were doing and hope that our success continues". GM Ryan Stewart and the Jays Scouting and Development Staff will also be busy this month as they prepare for the 2025 First Year Player Draft. The Jays won't draft until the last pick in the first round but the same amount of time and effort goes into their preparation. GM Ryan Stewart "The draft is my favorite time of year, we pride ourselves on finding talent in the later rounds of the draft and that's the best way to sustain a winning team. We have guys all over our top prospects list that weren't drafted in the first round. Identifying these talents and then developing them is the key to a sustainable winning environment".

AL East Standings - June 1st

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AL Wild Card Standings - June 1st

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May Pitching Statistics

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May Batting Statistics

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May's Hot Players

The Blue Jays success is due in large part to their 3 best players. SP Jamie Cox was 5-0 with a 1.10 ERA and was named the AL Pitcher of the Month, SS Carlos Correa hit at a video game like clip in May hitting .490 with 11 HR and 28 RBI and was named the American League Batter of the Month in May and C Max Pentecost hit .397 with 6 HR and 23 RBI. They are the core of the team and they showed it in May. LF Don Bergeron should also get some mention as he bounced back from a cold start hitting .337 with a HR and 14 RBI in May. On the pitching side of things SP Erik Black (4-0 2.56 ERA) and SP Jose Cerventes (3-0 3.13 ERA) were dominant and combined with Cox to go a perfect 12-0 in the month.

May's Cold Players

When the team is winning as much as the Jays are its hard to think of anyone as being cold but there are a couple of Jays players that have struggled this month. Most notably LF Abel Black who is hitting just .167 with 0 HR and 0 RBI since returning from the disabled list. SS Shane Benes whom the Jays acquired in an off season trade still hasn't found his stride with the bat and hit just .138 with 0 HR and 2 RBI in May.

May News & Notes

Contract Rumors

The Jays and GM Ryan Stewart have a tough decision on their hands as 29 year old veteran 2B Chris Goodwin will be eligible for free agency after the end of the 2025 season. The former Supplemental 1st round pick 30th overall in 2017 out of the University of Washington by the New York Mets was acquired by the Jays in exchange for SP Nathan Kirbyback in 2022. He is hitting .242 with 7 HR and 26 RBI this season and is a career .258 hitter with 93 HR and 411 RBI in 7 seasons with the Jays, Kansas City, Pittsburgh and the New York Mets. The Jays have 2B Tim Miller, a former first round pick already on the 25 man roster and one of their top prospects in AAA 2B Luis Hernandez, a former International Amateur Signing out of the Dominican Republic back in 2018 is having a great season hitting .299 with 7 HR and 32 RBI. Goodwin is rumored to be after an 8 year deal in the $84,000,000 range and that may just be a little too rich for the Jays.

International Scouting Discovery

Scouting Director Brian Parker was hard at work scouring the independent and amateur leagues and was able to unearth 16 year old SP Julian Gonzalez, a 6'2" 175 lb right handed starter out of the Dominican Republic. The slender righty features a 90-92 MPH fastball as well as a slider and is developing a changeup, but at this point it is well below average. He is very raw and should add some velocity as he grows. He scouts as a bullpen arm right now but with some work on his changeup he could be a viable option in the back end of a big league rotation.

Awards

SP Jamie Cox was named the American League Pitcher of the Month after going 5-0 1.10 ERA.

SS Carlos Correa was named the American League Batter of the Month after hitting .490 with 11 HR and 28 RBI.

1B Tim O'Neill a former 23rd round pick 694th overall in 2020 out of the University of South Carolina was named the Florida State League Batter of the Month after hitting .385 with 3 HR and driving in 14 for the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Around the Majors

SP Justin Hooper who signed a massive 7 year $193,400,000 contract with the Oakland Athletics this off season is paying dividens as he no hit the Detroit Tigers beating them 4-0. The 29 year old struck out 9 and issued a single walk in the victory. Hooper is a former 1st round pick 12th overall by the Cleveland Indians in 2015 and signed with the A's this past off season. In 2025 he is 5-4 with a 2.10 ERA and he owns a career 90-62 record with a 3.29 ERA and 1170 strikeouts.

Up Next: 2025 First Year Player Draft Preview

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2025 MLB First Year Player Draft Preview

June 5th, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays scouting, and development staffs along with GM Ryan Stewart have been very busy as the 2025 first year player draft quickly approaches. The Jays will have to wait until the very end of the 1st round to make their first selection at #25 overall. Toronto has had some success in identifying prospects in the 20-25 range that have gone on to produce for the major league club or who are very close to being MLB ready right now. 2B Tim Miller was the 20th overall pick in 2020 and has been a regular for the Jays for the last two seasons, SP Dave Winters (24th overall in 2021) and SP Bernie Cantrell (27th overall in 2021) are in AAA and knocking at the door. The last time the Jays made the 25th overall pick in the draft they selected LF Dan Mueller back in 2022. He is currently in A Lansing hitting .293 with 1 HR and 11 RBI but is on the 7 day disabled list with an oblique strain.

The Baltimore Orioles will make the #1 selection in this years draft and they will have a number of very good arms to chose from. The top end of this draft is very pitcher heavy and the Orioles will have the pick of the litter. The Miami Marlins who failed to sign their 1st overall pick last CF Phil Ellis, will select 2nd and then again at #3 giving them 2 of the top 3 picks and a great chance to add to an already impressive farm system. The Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies will round out the top 5 picks. 

Baseball America's Pre Draft Top 10

According to Baseball America the top rated players for the 2025 First Year Player Draft are as follows:

SP Bud Beauregard - 19, RHP (Jersey City High School, USHSBA)
0-0 0.00 ERA (1.0 IP) Missed rest of season with shoulder injury.
Beauregard had 3 stellar seasons with Jersey City being named to the USHSBA All Star Team 3 times. He was the consensus #1 choice before suffering an arm injury in his first start of the 2025 season. He is a big 6'3" righty with a fastball in the 94-96 MPH range as well as a slider, changeup and splitter. He has great command and should be a #1 in a MLB rotation. He could still go #1 overall despite the injury. 

SP River Campos - 21, RHP (Air Force Academy, NCAA)
5-2 1.65 ERA 11 BB 75 K
Campos is the top ranked collage arm in this years draft class. He won't dazzle you with pure stuff featuring a 92-94 MPH sinking fastball as well as a slider, change up and splitter. He has very good command of the strike zone and can locate all of his pitches. He probably isn't going to be a #1 at the MLB level but he is very consistent and should be a good #2/3 at the MLB level. 

3. SP SP Rob Norton - 19, RHP (Seattle High School, USHSBA)
3-1 0.36 ERA 6 BB 59 K
Norton has the build of a prototypical power pitcher standing 6'5", his fastball isn't quite at the level of a power arm yet topping out in the 90-91 MPH. He weighs just 185 lbs and he should gain some significant velocity as he fills out. He has pretty good control for a young arm that is that big walking just 5 batters in 50.1 innings of work. He compliments his fastball with a curveball and changeup. Both pitches grade out as potential plus pitches but are well below average right now.

4. CF Jim Sanchez - 21, LHB (University of Portland, NCAA)
.297 1 HR 20 RBI
The first batter to show up on the BA Top 10. Sanchez could easily go #1 overall if Baltimore decides to go with a bat over a pitcher. He is basically a 4 tool player (not a lot of power). He sprays the ball all over the field and has some pop in his bat to get the ball into the gaps. He has a great eye at the plate and doesn't chase many bad pitches. He is a threat to steal on the bases swiping 21/24 bases this year. Defensively he has the range and arm to stick in center field and can play both right and left.

5. SP Rory Gilbert - 19, RHP (Medford High School, USHSBA)
3-3 0.96 ERA 9 BB 59 K
Gilbert might have the highest potential of any of the prep arms available in this years draft class. He throws 6 pitches a fastball that sits 92-94 MPH as well as a curve ball, change up, splitter, forkball and a knuckle curve. 5 of the six pitches grade out as plus potential but are very raw. He could be the ace of a staff some day but is a long way from being MLB ready and the team that drafts him will have to wait a while before he makes an impact at the MLB but he could be well worth the wait.

6.SP Tye Main - 19, LHP (Little Rock High School, USHSBA)
4-2 1.00 ERA 11 BB 65 K
Main is probably not in the conversation for the top tier of prep arms available in this years draft class but would slot in in the next tier. He features a 91-93 MPH fastball as well as a curve, slider, change up and splitter. His fastball is by far his best pitch and his secondary stuff will need some work to become a good middle of the rotation starter. His stamina is a little low for a starter as well and there are some questions as to his ability to go deep into ball games and if he may end up in the bullpen down the road.

7. CF Phil Ellis - 22, RHB (University of Texas, NCAA)
.398 3 HR 49 RBI
The first overall pick in last years draft by the Miami Marlins failed to sign and would go back to the University of Texas for his senior season and he put up big numbers. The two time All Star is a 4 tool player (he doesn't have much power) and could be a perennial All Star at the MLB level. He is a little further behind in his development as he delayed his professional debut by not signing with the Marlins last season. He is in the conversation for the #1 overall pick this year as well, however its more likely that one of the pitchers is chosen over him. The big question will Miami take him with the 2nd or 3rd overall picks if he slips past Baltimore at #1.

8. SP Jim Wooddisse - 19, RHP (Mesa High School, USHSBA)
2-1 0.49 ERA 9 BB 85 K
Wooddisse has the tools and makeup to be a top of the rotation arm. He stands 6'4" and weighs in at 210 lbs and can bring his fastball in the 91-93 MPH range. He was the 2024 USHSBA Pitcher of the Year and MVP and is a 2 time USHSBA All Star. He features a plus-plus sinker, slider and changeup and combines his pure stuff with pin point control. Based on his ratings I'm surprised that he is not rated higher and I think he will get top consideration as the #1 overall pick.

9. SP Kip Williams - 19, RHB (Jacksonville High School, USHSBA)
0-0 2.16 ERA 1 BB 13 K (2 Games)
Williams threw just 8.1 innings in his Senior season with Jacksonville High and then missed the remainder of the year with a strained hamstring muscle. He put up an impressive 13 strikeouts in those 8 innings and would have most likely been ranked much higher had he not been injured. He features a fastball in the 91-93 MPH range as well as a slider, curve and changeup. He does struggle with command at times and does tend to over throw and rely on his fastball too much. He scouts as a good #2 or 3 but with some work on his secondary stuff he could be a #1.

10. SP Dave O'Brien - 21, RHP (San Diego State University, NCAA)
5-2 2.53 ERA 10 BB 65 K
O'Brien has the best fastball in the top 10 as he can bring it in th e96-98 MPH range. He also throws a devastating splitter and changeup and is developing a curveball. He has great stamina and is a durable workhorse that should feature at the top of a rotation. He doesn't have the ceiling of some of the wild card prep arms but his floor is much higher. After spending 3 seasons in the NCAA he is very well polished and could move up through the minors quickly and could be one of the first from the 2025 draft class to make the Majors.

Previous Blue Jays Picks

2020 - 20th Overall 
2B Tim Miller 

.348 0 HR 12 RBI in 23 games (Toronto)
Once again Miller has been the back up infielder in Toronto but his recent offensive surge has given him a lot more playing time. At 26 years old he could make pending free agent 2B Chris Goodwin expendable as he could take over the starting role full time in 2026.

2021 - 24th Overall
SP Dave Winters

5-2 4.12 ERA (AAA Buffalo)
The 25 year old was in the mix for a rotation spot in the Spring this year but ended up in AAA as the Bisons #1 starter. He has put up good numbers and will be a September Callup for sure this year and the Jays are going to have to decide on his future as early as next year as he is running out of MLB options.

2022- 25th Overall
LF Dan Mueller

.293 1 HR 11 RBI (Low A Lansing)
Muller is repeating with Lansing and has hit the ball very well in his second go around. He is currently on the 7 day disabled list with a strained oblique muscle. The plan is to promote him to High A Dunedin when he is eligible to return and then if he performs well get him up to AA New Hampshire by the end of this season. He should compete for a spot in the outfield as early as 2026.

2023- 20th Overall
SP Claude Meyer

5-5 3.47 ERA (2024 with S.A. Vancouver)
Meyer got hammered in his first taste of pro ball back in 2023 and bounced back in 2024 with a good season in Vancouver. The Jays brass want to move him along slowly and have had him in extended spring training with him starting the season in Vancouver again. He should see a promotion to full season A ball before the season is over providing he pitches well.

2024- 27th Overall
SP Kevin Perkins

4-5 5.54 ERA (GCL Blue Jays in 2024)
Perkins had a respectable pro debut with the GLC Blue Jays and the 21 year old was sent to extended Spring Training as he awaits the start of the short season leagues shortly after the draft. He is ticketed for S.A. Vancouver as the Jays are going to be a little aggressive with the hard throwing righty.

Up Next: 2025 First Year Player Draft

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2025 First Year Player Draft

June 6th, 2025


The Baltimore Orioles were on the clock and they would make 19 year old SP Jim Wooddisse out of Mesa High School in the USHSBA the #1 overall pick in the 2025 First Year Player Draft. Wooddisse was ranked as the #8th prospect heading into the draft by Baseball America but he probably has the highest ceiling of any of the prep arms available in this draft class. He features a 91-93 MPH sinking fastball and a slider and changeup. His changeup is his best pitch and he gets a lot of swing and misses with it. At 6'4" and 185 lbs he has some room to fill out and should add velocity as he fills out an matures. He was 2-1 with a 0.49 ERA with 9 walks and 85 strikeouts in 2025. He is not going to come cheep as he is looking for a $9,500,000 signing bonus and has a number of NCAA options should he decide to not sign with Baltimore and return to school next year.

Blue Jays Draft

First Round - 25th Overall

With the 25th overall pick the Jays were ecstatic to select 19 year old SP Rob Norton out of Seattle High School in the USHSBA. Norton was ranked as the #3 prospect heading into the draft by Baseball American and slid all the way down to the Jays at #25. The 6'5" 185 lb righty features a 90-92 MPH fastball a curveball and a changeup. He has very good command of all of his pitches and should add some velocity to his fastball in the minors. He was 3-1 with a 0.36 ERA with 6 BB and 54 strikeouts in 2025. A 3 time USHSBA All Star with Seattle he was named 2025 USHSBA Pitcher of the Year this season. He scouts as a top of the rotation arm and the Jays are very happy to have landed him at #25. He is not going to come cheep and is looking for a $6,000,000 signing bonus, with a slot recommendation of $1,200,000 the Jays are going to have to go significantly over slot to get him signed.

Second Round 69th Overall

In the second round the Jays selected another high upside prep arm this time in 19 year old righty SP Dan English out if Scottsdale High School in the USHSBA. English is an imposing figure on the mound standing 6'7" and tipping the scales ate 210 lbs. He doesn't really back up his imposing size with overpowering stuff sitting 89-91 MPH with his fastball and complimenting that with a cutter and changeup. There is a good chance that he will add some velocity as he matures and makes mechanical adjustments in the minors. In 2025 he was 0-3 with a 2.56 ERA with 16 BB and 55 K. He struggled at times with wildness but we believe he can make some adjustments with his frame with our development staff. He scouts as a middle of the rotation arm or possibly a good back end of the bullpen reliever. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $380,000.

Third Round 96th Overall

The Jays nabbed their first position player with the 96th overall selection in the draft taking 19 year old switch hitting SS Dan Brooks out of Hayward High School in the USHSBA. Brooks hit .250 with 0 HR and 15 RBI in 2025. He makes a ton of contact and doesn't strikeout much and he can spray the ball to all fields. He isn't going to hit for a ton of power. likely 10 HR at the MLB level at the most. On the basepaths he has great speed and instincts and should be able to swipe 30+ bases. Defensively he is slightly below average and a move to second or 3rd might not be out of the question. He is looking for a $250,000 signing bonus which is the slot amount for the 69th overall pick.

Fourth Round 125th Overall 

In the 4th round the Jays went back to the prep ranks to grab yet another 19 year old pitcher taking SP Sean Funk out of Los Angeles High School in the USHSBA. Funk is a 6'2" 190 lb right hander who features a 91-93 MPH fastball a slider and is developing a changeup. He was 3-2 with a 1.80 ERA with 4 walks and 37 strikeouts in 2025. A 2 time USHSBA All Star he has the potential to be a middle to back end of the rotation arm. He will really need to work on his changeup to give him 3 above average pitches or he could end up being moved into the bullpen. The Jays plan on having him start as he begins his pro career in the Jays system. He is looking for a $180,000 signing bonus (slot is $180,000) and should be an easy sign for the Jays.

Fifth Round 155th Overall

In the 5th round the Jays took their first NCAA Collage player selecting 21 year old RF Art Frazier out of the University of Vermount. Frazier hit .365 with 6 HR and 35 RBI in 2025 and took home a NCAA Golden Glove Award for his defensive play in 2024. He is a good all around player who doesn't do anything that particularly jumps out at you but he doesn't have any glaring weaknesses in his game either. He projects at a minimum to bee a serviceable 4th outfield and a good left handed bat off of the bench. He is looking for $150,000 (slot) to sign and should be an easy sign for the Jays.

Blue Jays Picks rounds 6 through 30:

6. SP Geoff Edwards (19, RHP) Talahassee High School, USHSBA
7. C Don Johnston (22, RHB) University of Texas, NCAA
8. SS Leo Ryan (22, RHB) Wake Forest University, NCAA
9. CF Joe Cooper (22, S) TCU, NCAA
10. CL David Martinez (19, LHP) Little Rock High School, USHSBA
11. SP Jose Bradley (19, LHP) Nashville High School, USHSBA *$1,900,000 signing demmand
12. SP Joe Johnson (19, LHP) Memphis High School, USHSBA
13. 2B Liam Harris (19, RHB) Sacremento High School, USHSBA
14. LF Jamie Cook (21, RHB) Clemson University, NCAA
15. SS Ivan Alarcon (19, RHB) Oceanside High School, USHSBA
16. C Christian Benetiz (21, LHB) South Florida University, NCAA
17. SP Dave Turney (21, RHP) Virginia Tech, NCAA
18. C Shawn McMullon (19, RHB) Austin High School, USHSBA
19. C Wilson Beltre (19, RHB) Jacksonville High School, USHSBA
20. SP Chris King (19, RHB) Newark High School, USHSBA
21. 3B Ken Taylor (21, RHB) University of Vermount, NCAA
22. SP Tony Wilson (19, RHP) Tampa High School, USHSBA
23. SS Ken Summers (22, LHB) University of San Diego, NCAA
24. CL Maczysz Rachaslzj (19, RHP) Cleveland High School, USHSBA
25. CL Paul Brandt (22, RHP) Baylor UNiversity, NCAA
26. SP Don Fisher (19, LHP) Medford High School, USHSBA *2,400,000 bonus demmand
27. SS Tommy Hunter (19, RHB) Seattle High School, USHSBA
28. SP Ron Elliott (19, RHP) Honolulu High School, USHSBA
29. MR Steve Caldwell (21, RHP) San Jose State, NCAA
30. SP Noel MacDonald (21, RHP) UCLA, NCAA

Up Next: June 2025 Update

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Jays Open Up 10.5 Game Lead in AL East as Summer Approaches

July 1st, 2025

The Blue Jays had another good month in June posting a win-loss record of 17-11 and opening up a 10.5 game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Jays did have a bit of a slump in the middle of the month as they would be swept by the lowly Tampa Bay Rays in a 4 game set at Tropicana Field. That might have been a good wake up call as they would go 8-2 in the 10 games after. GM Ryan Stewart "The series against the Rays we played really bad. We didn't hit or catch well committing 7 errors in the 4 games and scoring just 8 runs total. Hopefully that series is a reminder that a big lead in the division is not safe and that there is still a lot of season left before the playoffs start and a lot can happen between now and September"

AL East Standings - July 1st

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AL Wild Card Standings - July 1st

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June Pitching Statistics

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June Batting Statistics

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June's Hot Players

Toronto's success in June was a well balanced approach between the hitting and pitching. SP Jose Cerventes was nearly un-hitttable going 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA and SP Jamie Cox was almost as good going 2-1 with a 1.17 ERA, he was the recipient of some bad luck as the bullpen would blow 2 of his leads late in ballgames. Offensively SS Carlos Correa (.369 11 HR 23 RBI) continues his MVP like pace and C Max Pentecost (.340 3 HR 17 RB), 1B Cesar Melendez (.360 2 HR 12 RBI) and LF Don Bergeron (.397 2 HR 16 RBI) all had really good months to carry the offence in June. 

June's Cold Players

You will be really hard pressed to find anyone in the Jays lineup who is really cold either offensively or defensively. On the pitching side of things SP Tim Libby didn't have a great month going 0-2 with a 6.38 ERA in 4 starts and MR Sam Turner was 0-3 with a 9.61 ERA. Offensively 1B Chris Daniels continues to struggle hitting just .158 with 2 HR and 5 RBI and is increasingly losing at-bats as the DH to LF Don Bergeron who has been raking.

June News & Notes

Injuries

SS Shane Benes whom the Jays acquired in the off season will spend the next 4 weeks on the disabled list with a sore throwing shoulder. The veteran utility man has had a rough debut to his season with the Jays hitting just .171 with 1 HR and 4 RBI and now is going to be out until after the July 31st trade deadline. The Jays called up one of their top prospects in 2B Jesus Valades who is having a huge season in AAA Buffalo hitting .319 with 9 HR and 39 RBI.

First Year Player Draft Update

GM Ryan Stewart was very busy getting the Jays 2025 Draft Class under contract and into the minor league system to start their development. With just 2 weeks left before the signing deadline the Jays have signed all but a pair of their draftees. 11th round pick SP Joe Bradley and 26th round pick SP Don Fisher have yet to decide on the offers that they received from the Jays. Both are longshots as they have very strong commitments to play baseball in the NCAA in 2026. The Jays other draft picks all signed and to date the Jays spent $6,300,000 on their picks in the first 5 rounds. Their bonuses broke down as follows:

1st Round (25th Overall) - SP Rob Norton - $5,000,000
2nd Round (69th Overall) - SP Dan English - $650,000
3rd Round (96th Overall) - SS Dan Brooks - $190,000
4th Round (125th Overall) - SP Sean Funk - $250,000
5th Round (155th Overall) - CF Rob Meyers - $210,000

International Scouting Discovery

Scouting Director Brian Parker didn't let the draft stop him from scouring the international ranks and he came up with another prospect that the Jays inked to a minor league contract. 16 year old SP Tony Meza is a 6'0: 165 lb lefty who hails from the Dominican Republic. He features a fastball, curveball and slider and tops out in the 87-89 MPH range. He doesn't have the best stamina right now and might be better suited for a role in the bullpen down the road. 

Awards

SS Carlos Correa was named the American League Batter of the Month after hitting .369 with 11 HR and 23 RBI.

July 1st International Signing Period

The 2025 International Free Agent class is a deep one with a number of impact players available. GM Ryan Stewart didn't want to tip his hand but did say that they are heavily in on a number of the top ranked players. The top 10 ranked players available are:

1. SP Jose Vazquez (16, LHB) Venezuela
2. SP Jose Magana (16, RHP) Dominican Republic
3. SS Alfredo Repenicaro (16, RHB) Venezuela
4. C Ihazul Paradinum (17, LHB) Venezuela
5. SP Pepe Hinojosa (16, RHP) Venezuela
6. CF Jose Gonzalez (16, RHB) Dominican Republic
7. SP Dani Ordonez (16, LHP) Dominican Republic
8. SP Anastasio Anaya (16, LHP) Venezuela
9. C Hector Barbadillo (16, S) Dominican Republic
10. CF Meodemo Pieare (16, S) Venezuela

Up Next: July 2025 Update

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Blue Jays Go Nuts on the International Prospect Market

August 1st, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays were the most aggressive team on the International Amateur Free Agent market this July 1st landing a number of the top players available and spending a total of $31,800,000 on 10 players including shelling out a pair of $10 million dollar contracts. GM Ryan Stewart "Our ownership group was very supportive of this strategy to spend heavily during the current July 1 period and then deal with the penalties for the next two seasons. We really liked the level of talent in this years class and thought it was a very good opportunity to add a bunch of talent to our low minors" 

On the field the Jays continue to roll posting an 18-6 record during July and improving to 77-25 on the season. They hold a commanding 12.5 game lead on the second pace New York Yankees in the American League East and barring a complete collapse are looking to defend their AL East title. The news wasn't all good for the Jays however as they will be without RF Isaac Green and All Star SS Carlos Correa. Green is going to miss the next 5 months and is done for the season and Correa will miss the next 3 weeks. 

AL East Standings - August 1st

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AL Wild Card Standings - August 1st

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July Pitching Statistics

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July Batting Statistics

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July's Hot Players

The Jays bullpen was a big part of their success this month as the rotation (with the exception of SP Jamie Cox who was 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA) struggled a bit. CL Dave Davis was lights out going 1-0 with 8 saves and didn't allow an earned run, MR Mike McNeal was also great in a middle relief role going 4-0 with a sparkling 0.97 ERA. Offensively SS Carlos Correa was tearing the cover off the ball hitting .402 with 10 HR and 26 RBI before he was injured and C Max Pentecost (.366 4 HR 16 RBI) and 3B Stu Daniels (.319 2 HR 15 RBI) both had tremendous months at the plate. 

July's Cold Players

Much like June there really isn't anyone in the starting lineup or one of the pitchers who I would be considered to be "cold". CF Cesar Gutierrez who had his contract purchased from AAA Buffalo and made his major league debut is off to a slow start hitting just .190 with 1 HR and 5 RBI and C Jesus Lopez who doesn't get a lot of playing time backing up Pentecost is hitting just .133 in the month of July. On the pitching side of things really only MR Sam Turner (0-1 6.07 ERA) had a bad month and that can really be attributed to 1 bad outing.

July News & Notes

Injuries

The Jays were dealt a pair of serious injuries this month with RF Isaac Green suffering a ruptured finger tendon. He was hitting .263 with 9 HR and 52 RBI at the time. He is expected to miss the next 5 months and is done for the rest of this season. The Jays purchased the contract of CF Cesar Gutierrez who was hitting .253 with 1 HR and 23 RBI for AAA Buffalo this season. 

All star SS Carlos Correa also suffered an injury that will require a stay on the disabled list. He will miss the next 3 weeks with a strained back muscle. The reigning AL MVP was hitting .390 with 36 HR and 86 RBI at the time of his injury. The Jays recalled 2B Jesus Valdes (.313 9 HR 49 RBI) who will get his second chance with the Jays this season.

First Year Player Draft Update

The deadline to sign 2025 first year player draft picks has passed and the Jays were able to come to agreements with all but two of their picks. 11th round pick SP Joe Bradleyelected to attend Gonzaga and 26th round pick SP Don Fisher chose to attend the University of Texas.

International Amateur Signing Period

GM Ryan Stewart would be very busy during the signing period shelling out a total of $31,800,000 on 10 prospects out of this years prospect class including 7 of the top 10 ranked heading into the signing period. The pre-draft top 10 was:

1. 1B Jose Vazquez (16, LHB) Venezuela - Toronto - $10,500,000
2. SP Jose Magana (16, RHP) Dominican Republic - Toronto - $8,000,000
3. SS Alfredo Repenicaro (16, RHB) Venezuela - Toronto - $1,250,000
4. C Ihazul Paradinum (17, LHB) Venezuela - Boston - $1,700,000
5. SP Pepe Hinojosa (16, RHP) Venezuela - Toronto - $950,000
6. CF Jose Gonzalez (16, RHB) Dominican Republic - New York Yankees - $1,200,000
7. SP Dani Ordonez (16, LHP) Dominican Republic - Toronto - $950,000
8. SP Anastasio Anaya (16, LHP) Venezuela - Toronto - $250,000
9. C Hector Barbadillo (16, S) Dominican Republic - Toronto - $10,000,000
10. CF Meodemo Pieare (16, S) Venezuela - Boston - $700,000

Awards

SS Carlos Correa was named the American League Batter of the Month after hitting .402 with 10 HR and 26 RBI

GCL - CL Clarence Jones (6th round 189th overall in 2023) was named the GCL pitcher of the Month after going 3-0 with 11 saves and a 0.47 ERA.

FSL - LF Jim Kelley (9th round 279th overall in 2023) hit .333 with 5 HR and 24 RBI and was named the Florida State League Batter of the Month.

A Vancouver - LF Ron Ortega (5th Round 158th overall in 2022) was named the Northwestern League Batter of the Month after hitting .385 with 1 HR and 20 RBI.

R Blue - CL Charlie Clements (4th Round 127th overall in 2023) went 3-1 with 9 Saves and a 3.08 ERA and was named the Pitcher of the Month.

Up Next: August 2025 Update

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Blue Jays Lead the AL East by 13.5 Games but Injuries Mounting

August 1st, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays had another great month posting a 20-8 record and adding to their lead in the American League East. They have extended their lead over the second place New York Yankees to 13.5 games and with just over a month left in the season they have a magic number of just 20 to wrap up another division title. The news has not been all good for the Jays however as the injury bug has hit them hard over the last few weeks. They leaned that they will be without CF Albert Almora for 7 weeks and both SP Jamie Cox and MR Jorge Miranda are done for the season. Cox is suffering from shoulder inflammation and is expected to miss at least the next 5 months and Miranda is out for 13 months after suffering a torn flexor tendon. The biggest loss by far is SP Jamie Cox, the 6 time Cy Young Award winner and 7 time All Star has been the Jays best pitcher for the better part of a decade and will leave a huge hole in the starting rotation come playoff time.

AL East Standings - August 1st

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AL Wild Card Standings - August 1st

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August Pitching Statistics

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August Batting Statistics

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August's Hot Players

SP Jose Cerventes had his contract purchased from AAA Buffalo after SP Jamie Cox was placed on the 60 day disabled list and he was very good in August going 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA the rookie had a little bit of an issue with his control walking 10 batters and striking out 12 but he was able to minimize the damage with a lot of ground balls. Offensively C Max Pentecost (.398 9 HR 20 RBI) and SS Carlos Correa (.371 8 HR 18 RBI) both have returned to form after suffering injuries earlier in the season and have been the most formidable middle of the order in baseball this season. 

August's Cold Players

August saw a couple of the Jays players have tough months. SP Erik Black pitched to a 1-2 record with a 5.43 ERA in 5 starts and had a lot of trouble with control walking 16 batters in 30 innings of work. Offensively 1B Cesar Melendez struggled mightily hitting just .163 with 0 HR and 9 RBI and rumors are beginning to swirl that he might be hurt. If he is that would be a huge blow to the Jays line up as he has been one of their best and most consistent hitters this season. 

August News & Notes

Injuries

The injury bug hit the Jays very hard this month with three players requiring extended stays on the disabled list. The biggest loss by far was that of SP Jamie Cox. Cox was having yet another Cy Young caliber season with a 16-1 record and a sparkling 1.92 ERA is suffering from shoulder inflammation and is expected to be out for the next 5 months. He was placed on the 60 day disabled list and the Jays recalled SP Jesus Gutierrez who was 8-7 with a 4.15 ERA in AAA Buffalo this season.

The next to go down with a season ending injury was MR Jorge Miranda who was 1-5 with 5 saves and a had posted a 4.35 ERA this season. He suffered a torn flexor tendon and is expected to miss the next 13 months. He was also placed on the 60 day disabled list and the Jays recalled MR Jorge Aromas who is off to a great start in AAA Buffalo going 8-8 with 29 saves and a 3.26 ERA.

The injury train kept rolling along and CF Albert Almora was the next to hop on. The injury prone outfielder is hitting .291 with 27 HR and 77 RBI this season and is expected to be out for 7 weeks after suffering a fractured rib. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and is expected to return in time for the post season. The Jays purchased the contract ofCF Dan Mitchell from AAA Buffalo where he was hitting .298 with 9 HR and 39 RBI.

Finally the Jays would lose yet another starting pitcher as SP Tim Libby who was 6-4 with a 3.93 ERA is suffering from elbow inflammation and is expected to miss at least the next 3 weeks. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays purchased the contract of SP Dave Winters. Winters who was the 24th overall pick in the 2021 first year player draft by the Jays was 10-2 with a 2.89 ERA this season and will make his major league debut with Toronto in August,

First Year Player Draft Update

The Jays most recent crop of draftees has had a couple of months at the professional level to get adjusted to the pro game and a couple of the Jays picks were off to great starts. 

1st Round - SP Rob Norton - 5-3 1.92 ERA (GCL). Currently out for 11 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
2nd Round - SP Dan English - 3-7 3.71 ERA 35 BB 35 K (GCL) 
3rd Round - SS Dan Brooks - .177 0 HR 9 RBI (96 AB's) (GCL)
4th Round - SP Sean Funk - 2-1 1 SV 1.82 ERA (GCL)
5th Round - RF Art Frazier - .257 0 HR 14 RBI (GCL)

Waiver Claim

GM Ryan Stewart announced that they club had claimed 27 year old MR Danny Simpson off waivers from the San Diego Padres. The 6'3" 210 lb right hander was originally drafted in the Supplemental 1st round 33rd overall by the Texas Rangers in 2018 out of Colorado Springs High School in the USHSBA. So far in 2025 he is 2-7 with a 3.41 ERA with 33 walks against 87 strikeouts for AAA El Paso. He features a 91-93 MPH fastball as well as a curveball, slider, changeup, cutter and kunckle curve. He projects as a decent middle reliever and with the rosters expanding to 40 man the Jays have time to give him an audition at the big league level.

Awards

C Max Pentecost (.398 9 HR 20 RBI) was named the American League Batter of the Month. 

A Lansing - LF Dan Mueller (1st round pick 25th overall in 2022) was named the Midwestern League Batter of the Month after hitting .372 with 3 HR and 23 RBI for the Lugnuts.

A Lansing - SP Danny Esquiver (10th round pick 311th overall in 2019) was named the Midwestern League Pitcher of the Month after going 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA with 33 K's and just 3 BB for the Lugnuts.

September Callups

The Jays have added a number of reinforcements to the roster due to the injuries that they have suffered already this month but with rosters expanding to 40 man they have added a few more. With a large lead in the AL East the plan is to try and rest a lot of the regulars so that they can be fresh for playoff time. The Jays recalled the following players from AAA Buffalo:

SP Bernie Cantrell - 9-14 5.33 ERA
SP Sam Burns - 8-10 4.83 ERA
SP Dave Winters - 10-2 2.89 ERA
CL Steve O'Quinn - 3-8 2 SV 5.71 ERA
C Arturo Lugo - .296 10 HR 55 RBI
2B Jesus Valdes - .309 11 HR 64 RBI

Up Next: End of the 2025 Regular Season

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Blue Jays are Best in Baseball, ALDS Vs Yankees in up Next

October 5th, 2025

The Blue Jays just completed their best season in franchise history tying the 2024 team with 120 victories and took home their 3rd consecutive AL East Title. The Jays ill make their 8th consecutive playoff appearance and have not missed playing baseball since they finished in 2nd place in the East back in 2017. The Jays will play their division rival the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series after the Yankees took down the Chicago White Sox in the American League Wild Card Game. 

The Jays will be without LF Abel Black when the American League Division Series gets underway against the Yankees as the veteran right fielder is suffering from a sports hernia and is expected to miss the next 8 weeks effectively ending his season. Black is hitting .294 with 16 HR and 69 RBI on the year. The Jays recalled CF Cesar Gutierrez from AAA Buffalo where he was hitting .253 with 1 HR and 23 RBI.

Around the Majors

3B Pablo Sandoval the veteran infielder for the Cleveland Indians notched his 2500th career hit in a 3-2 victory over the Miami Marlins. The 39 year old had a resurgent year for the Indians in 2025 hitting .291 with 13 HR and 52 RBI and for his career is a .285 hitter with 2500 hits 299 HR 1181 RBI between Dan Francisco, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore, Atlanta and Cleveland. He is a 4 time All Star and is under contract for 1 more season with the Indians.

Up Next: ALDS New York vs Toronto

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And the Broken Record Continues - Jays Downed by Yankees in 5 Games Again

October 20th, 2024

For Blue Jays fans the feeling of deja vu is understandable as the team cruised to 120 victories and the best record in baseball only to be bounced in 5 games in the American League Division Series by their division rival the New York Yankees. The Jays were short handed this year without star players SP Jamie Cox, LF Abel Black and CF Albert Almora. Perhaps the biggest blow was the loss of SP Jamie Cox who would have been the starter for the team in game #1. With the Jays out of the post season they will be looking to the off season and the team has a number of pending free agents and he roster next year could look vastly different.

ALDS Game #1 - New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays
SP Jake Odorizzi (14-9 3.64 ERA) vs
SP Jose Cerventes (20-2 2.70 ERA)

2025%20ALDS%20Game%201_zpsxzuciicb.png

W: SP Jake Odorizzi (1-0)
L SP Jose Cerventes (0-1)

Recap: The Blue Jays would send 20 game winner SP Jose Cerventes to the hill in game #1 against the Yankees against veteran SP Jake Odorizzi and the Yankees and he was cruising until the 7th inning. With the game tied at 2 RF Butch Townsend ripped an RBI double and would then score 2 batters later on a DH Giancarlo Stanton homerun. The Yankees bullpen then shut down the Jays offence the rest of the way on the way to a 10-2 whipping of the Jays in game #1.

ALDS Game #2 - New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays
SP Jorge Rodriguez (14-8 3.48 ERA)
SP Tyler Ivey (15-5 4.13 ERA)

2025%20ALDS%20Game%202_zpswk0dyuzk.png

W: SP Tyler Ivey (1-0) 6.0 IP 6 H 4 R 3 BB 6 K
L: MR Tyler Mondile (0-1)
S: CL Dave Davis (1)

Recap: Toronto would turn to SP Tyer Ivey to try and even up their series with the Yankees and he did just enough to keep the Jays in the game and let the offence take over. Ivey tossed 6 innings allowing 4 runs on 6 hits with 3 walks and 6 k's to earn his first career playoff victory. Ivey had a rough start as RF Giancarlo Stanton had an RBI single in the bottom of the 1st and then SS Francisco Lindor drove him in on an RBI triple. Lindor would score on a 2 run blast off the bat of C Bob Garner and the Yankees held a 4-0 lead before the Jays even had a chance to hit. SS Carlos Correa would respond with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 1st making it a 4-1 Yankees lead. RF Cesar Gutierrez belted a 2 run RBI double off the wall in right field in the in the 6th to cut the lead to 1. After a walk to C Max Pentecost DH Chris Daniels belted his first homerun of the post season giving the Jays a 5-4 lead. Toronto's bullpen would shut down the Yankees for the rest of the game and the Jays would tie the series at 1's with a 5-4 victory.

ALDS Game #3 - Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
SP Josh Murphy (22-6 3.26 ERA)
SP Erik Black (14-5 4.22 ERA)

2025%20ALDS%20Game%203_zpsexabio2i.png

W: CL Mike Scott (1-0)
L: CL Dave Davis (0-1)

Recap: The Yankees would turn to SP Josh Murphy to the hill in Game #3, Murphy is the leader in the American League East in wins with 22 and is fresh off a wild card victory over the Chicago White Sox. The Jays countered with SP Erik Black who was 14-5 with a 4.22 ERA this season. Black was very good going 7 innings allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with a pair of walks and 3 K's. SP Josh Murphywould last 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. Neither pitcher would factor in the decision however as it would go to extras and DH Arturo Rivera would hit a walk off double in the bottom of the 10th offCL Dave Davis to give the Yankees a 4-3 victory in game #4 and putting the Jays on the brink of elimination.

ALDS Game #4 - Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
SP Jose Cerventes (0-1 2.36 ERA)
SP Stephen Strasburg (3-8 4.88 ERA)

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W: Mr Phil Jones (1-0)
L: CL Mike Scott (1-1)
S: CL Dave Davis (2)

Recap: The Jays turned to game #1 starter SP Jose Cerventes to try and stave off elimination and the Yankees countered with veteran SP Stephen Strasburg who had missed most of the season with an arm injury. The Yankees jumped out to an early lead in this one as SS Francisco Lindor got them on the board int he 2nd with an RBI single making in 1-0. The Yankees would add 5 more runs in the bottom of the 4th capped off by a RF Arturo Rivera 3 run homerun. The Jays would however chip away at the lead with SS Carlos Correa getting them on the board with a solo homerun in the bottom of the 7th. They would not score again until they rallied for 8 runs in the top of the 9th inning capped off by a 3B Stu Daniels RBI sac fly that tied the game at 7 and then a DH Chris Danies 2 run double that gave the Jays the victory and forced a game #5.

ALDS Game #5 - New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays

SP Jorge Rivera (0-0 1.35 ERA0
SP Tyler Ivey (1-0 6.00 ERA)

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W: MR Ben Warner (1-0)
L: MR Sam Turner (0-1)

Recap: The Blue Jays got off to a great start in game #5 with CF Albert Almora belting a 3 run homerun in the bottom of the 1st. The Yankees didn't let the lead stand for long as 3B Rob Duncan hit a 2 run triple in the top of the 2nd cutting the Jays lead to 1. In the top of the 4th CF Jim Chavez had an RBI single in the 4th and that knotted the game at 3. The Jays retook the lead in the the with a sacrifice fly off the bat of LF Don Bergeron making it a 4-3 lead for the Jays. Once again that would not last long as 3B Rob Duncan belted a 2 run homerun in the 7th inning giving the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Once again Toronto would tie the game up in the 8th with C Max Pentecost had an RBI double in the 8th inning. In the top of the 9th veteran DH Giancarlo Stanton hit his 3rd homerun of the series a 2 run shot to give the Yankees a 7-5 lead. In the bottom of the 9th 2B Chris Goodwin would score on a wild pitch cutting the lead to 7-6 but thats as close as they would come as the Yankees would move on to the ALCS.

Up Next: 2025 World Series Winner

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Chicago Cubs are the Best in Baseball in 2025, Defeat the Yankees in 7

November 9th, 2025

The Chicago Cubs took home the 2025 World Series with a thrilling 7 game series victory over the American League Champion New York Yankees. The Cubs road to the World Series went through the Colorado Rockies whom thy defeated in 4 games in the NLDS and then a 4-2 series win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS. This is the first time the Cubs have won the World Series since 2018. 

Up Next: The 2025 Off Season Begins

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2025 Awards & Blue Jays Minor League POTY's


Major League Baseball announced its winners for the Gold Gloves, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award and the MVP today and there were a couple of Jays that took home some hardware. The Jays also announced their R. Howard Webster Award Winners for the Best Player at each level of the Jays minor leagues.

2025 AL Gold Gloves

P SP Ken Quick (Houston Astros)
C Johnny Mann (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
1B Will Benson (New York Yankees)
2B Reid Humphreys (Oakland Athletics)
3B Stu Daniels (Toronto Blue Jays)
SS Francisco Lindor (New York Yankees)
LF Oscar Tavares (New York Yankees)
CF Cisco Rodriguez (Boston Red Sox)
RF Bryce Harper (Boston Red Sox)

2025 NL Gold Gloves

P Erik Brown (Philadelphia Phillies)
C Tim Susnama (Colorado Rocikes)
1B Justin Belanger (Chicago Cubs)
2B Ricky Aracena (Philadelphia Phillies)
3B Mason Templet (Los Angeles Dodgers)
SS Cole Stobbe (Atlanta Braves)
LF Gareth Morgan (Los Angeles Dodgers)
CF Elijah James (Arizona Diamondbacks)
RF Kyle Parker (Arizona Diamondbacks)

2025 American League Rookie of the Year
1B Jarred Patterson (27 Years Old) (Chicago White Sox)
5th Round Pick 149th overall in 2017by Texas out of Miami High School in the USHSBA.
.271 25 HR 70 RBI

2025 National League Rookie of the Year
1B Daniel Thompson (24 Years Old) (Atlanta Braves)
Supplemental 1st round pick 26th overall by Atlanta out of Purdue University in the NCAA.
.270 22 HR 73 RBI

2025 American League Cy Young Award
SP Jamie Cox (33 Years Old) (Toronto Blue Jays)
1st Round Pick 9th Overall in 2014 by Toronto out of Michigan State University in the NCAA.
16-1 1.92 136 K

2025 National League Cy Young Award
SP Bryan Hoeing (28 Years Old) (Atlanta Braves)
1st Round Pick 4th Overall in 2015 by Atlanta out of Georgia High School in the USHSBA.
16-6 1.63 ERA 174 K

2025 American League MVP Award
SS Carlos Correa (31 Years Old) (Toronto Blue Jays)
1st Round Pick 1st Overall pick by Houston in 2012 out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in the USHSBA.
.374 47 HR 127 RBI

2025 National League MVP Award
LF Mike Brown (23 Years Old) (Colorado Rockies)
1st Round Pick 2nd Overall in 2023 by Colorado out of Florida State University in the NCAA.
.363 20 HR 84 RBI

2025 Blue Jays Minor League Players of the Year

AAA Buffalo Bisons - 71-73 5th in North Division
2B Jesus Valdes
24, RHB
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent out of Venezuela for $1,250,000 in 2018.
2025 Stats: .309 11 HR 64 RBI
GM's Comments: Valdes was easily the best hitter on the Bisons this year and he would have had even better numbers if he didn't spent significant time with the big club due to injuries. He hit .380 in 34 games with the Jays this year and has pretty much assured himself a job as the everyday second baseman with 2B Chris Goodwin expected to leave as a free agent. He was an International League All Star in 2025 and finished 3rd in the gold glove voting for second base. 

AA New Hampshire Fishercats - 88-54 1st in Northern Division & 2025 Eastern League Champions!
1B Cesar Garza
25, RHB
Acquired: 3rd round pick 95th overall in 2021 by Toronto out of the University of New Mexico in the NCAA.
2025 Stats: .322 23 HR 114 RBI
GM's Comments: The Fishercats were able to repeat as Eastern League Champs in 2025 and a big reason for that was the hitting of Garza. He was a 2025 Eastern League All Star and would take home the Eastern League MVP Award. Garza is never going to win a gold glove as his fielding skills are almost non existent so he will likely be a designated hitter at the next level. He is headed to Spring training with the Jays next season and could even compete for the DH spot with DH Chris Daniels who has been a disappointment for the Jays over the last few seasons.

High A Dunedin Blue Jays - 77-63 1st in North Division
SP Norberto Perez
25, LHP, V:94-96 MPH
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent for $122,000 by Toronto out of Cuba in 2017.
2025 Stats: 12-7 3.15 ERA 54 BB 117 K
GM's Comments: Perez was not a highly rated prospect on the International Market back in 2017 but is quietly making a name for himself in the Jays organization. He is a little old at 25 to still be pitching in A ball but he has shown good fastball command and has steadily increased his stock. He will never be a top of the rotation arm but should be a good 4th/5th starter option. He will be challenged this season heading to AAA and will probably get a few spring innings with the Jays as well.

Low A Lansing Lugnuts - 88-52 2nd in Eastern Division 
LF Dan Mueller
22, LHB
Acquired: 1st round pick 25th overall in 2022 by Toronto out of Hialeah High School in the USHSBA.
2025 Stats: .341 10 HR 61 RBI
GM's Comments: Mueller was a guy that we were very excited about in his draft year and he has burst onto the full season scene by hitting .341 and winning a Gold Glove in his rookie season in Lansing. The 22 year old is very close to being MLB ready and will get a shot at cracking the opening day roster in Spring Training. Our Scouting and development staff all think very highly of him and see him as an impact player and possible lead off hitter at the MLB level. 

Short Season A Vancouver Canadians - 53-23 1st in West Division & 2025 Champs!
SP Gilberto Cruz
20, RHP, V: 92-94 MPH
Acquired: Signes as an International Free Agent by Toronto for $350,000 out of Venezuela in 2021.
2025 Stats: 10-2 2.57 ERA 24 BB 83 K
GM's Comments: Cruz has developed nicely since moving to North America and was the Ace of the Canadians Staff this year leading the team in just about every pitching category. He is still very young at just 20 years old and his future is likely that of a #3 starter at the big league level. the plan is to have him spend all of 2026 in Lansing to get his feet wet in full season baseball and then see how he develops from there. 

Bluefield Blue Jays - 43-25 1st in East Division
SP Bob Dickey
21, LHP, V: 93-95 MPH
Acquired: Drafted by the Blue Jays in the Supplemental 1st Round 33rd overall in 2023 out of Madison High School in the USHSBA.
2025 Stats: 5-1 1.34 ERA 27 BB 46 K
GM's Comments: Dickey has shown that he has nothing left to learn in rookie ball and the Jays plan on challenging the former 1st round pick with full season ball next season. He will join SP Gilberto Cruz in Lansing and should headline a fairly impressive Lugnuts rotation. He has top of the rotation potential and is the Jays top pitching prospect. We have high hopes for him down the road. 

GCL Blue Jays - 40-20 2nd in North West Division 
SP Kevin Perkins
20, RHP, V:92-94 MPH
Acquired: Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 1st round 27th overall in 2024 out of Pasadena High School in the USHSBA.
2025 Stats: 6-2 1.95 ERA 25 BB 57 K
GM's Comments: Last years 1st round pick had a huge season in his second go around with Bluefield and he showed why the Jays took him in the first round. He is another guy that the Jays scouts are very high on but is still very raw. He will likely be moved up to Short Season A Vancouver to start the season next year and depending on performance could see some time in full season A ball before the end of 2026. 

Dominican Summer League Blue Jays - 32-36 4th in San Pedro De Marcois Division
3B Alfredo Lopez
22, RHB
Acquired: Signed by the Blue Jays as an International Free Agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2020 for $75,000.
2025 Stats: .329 5 HR 19 RBI
GM's Comments: Lopez was an under the radar signing back in 2020 and has spent almost 4 seasons in the Jays International Complex and had a breakout season in his second go around in the DSL. He projects to be a good back up infielder at the MLB level and probably is never going to be a starter. He will get his chance to make his debut in North America as the plan is to have him start the season in Vancouver. 

Up Next: Salary Arbitration

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2025 Salary Arbitration Cases & Possible Free Agents

The Blue Jays are going to see some significant turn over this off season as they have three compensation eligible free agents who will not be back with the Jays next year after declining Arbitration and electing to become free agents. Those include 3B Stu Daniels who has been with the Jays since being taken in the Rule V Draft from the Arizona Diamondbacks back in 2020. He will join the likes of 1B Cesar Melendez and 2B Chris Goodwin on the free agent market leaving the Jays with just C Max Pentecost and SS Carlos Correa returning from their opening day infield from 2025. In addition to the three comp eligible free agents the Jays had 10 players who were arbitration eligible. They would all resign with the club earning 1 year deals worth the following amounts:

1B Chris Daniels - $1,250,000
LF Don Bergeron - $5,250,000
SP Jose Cerventes - $7,500,000
MR Phil Jones - $1,500,000
RF Isaac Green - $5,953,750
MR Rodrigo Rivera - $1,600,000
C Jesus Lopez - $2,500,000
SP Erik Black - $7,500,000
MR Nick Kennedy - $1,600,000
MR Jorge Miranda - $2,035,750

2026 Operating Budget

The Blue Jays operating budget will remain the same for the 2026 season holding steady at $200,000,000. With the Jays current payroll sitting at $135,800,000 and the draft budget ($7,500,000) and international amateur budget ($3,000,000) the Jays have approximately $35,000,000 that they can use to spend on free agents. With a number of holes to fill, particularly on the infield a significant portion of that money could be eaten up finding replacements at first, second and third. The Jays do have a number of internal candidates that will be pushing to make the opening day roster next year and the team has been linked to a number of free agents. This could be a very eventful off season for GM Ryan Stewart and the Toronto Blue Jays.

GM Ryan Stewart's Off Season Wish List

The off season is just about upon us and my wish list for the off season includes:

1. Hire a New Assistant GM
At the conclusion of the 2025 season Assistant GM Jim Duquette decided that it was time to retire from professional baseball, He was hired by the Jays back in 2020 when GM Ryan Stewart took over the team and has been the GM's right hand man ever since. He was particularly good at working wit scouting director Brian Parker at identifying amateur talent and working with our player development department to get it up to the major leagues. 

2. Fill the hole at first base
1B Cesar Melendez had a huge season for the Jays last year slashing .283/.384/.395 with 7 HR and 77 RBI all while providing 4.8 WAR and gold glove caliber defense at first. He elected to become a free agent this off season after rejecting the Jays qualifying offer. The Jays are going to have to find a replacement for his bat and glove and with very few options available in free agency we will likely have to address the need through trade.

3. Fill the hole at 2B
We lost 2B Chris Goodwin to free agency after the veteran second baseman rejected a qualifying offer and became a free agent. The Jays are going to have to find a way to replace his .286/.316/.485 slash line with 25 HR and 94 RBI and 4.8 WAR.

4. Fill the hole at 3B
The third of the infield trio that elected free agency was 3B Stu Daniels. He slashed .317/.342/.452 with 10 HR and 71 RBI providing the Jays with 2.6 WAR. He was also a gold glove caliber defender at the hot corner. 

Up Next: 2025 Off Season Transactions Report

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