The Toronto Blue Jays have built a perennial playoff contender. Even though they have been bounced from the postseason the last two years in the Wild Card round, the Blue Jays have a roster that is built for a competitive October run. With a formidable veteran rotation, and the young core bats of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. alongside the newly signed Justin Turner, the Blue Jays are mostly there from a talent standpoint. Though, the Blue Jays seem to be one missing piece away from reaching that next level. They had hoped that Daulton Varsho could step in and be that bat right away, though he went through adjustments and they will need him to step forward to achieve their title goals. The Jays received a timely boost from within the org last season from Davis Schneider who projects as a productive hitter for the Jays.
Though nothing may top the recent 2018-2019 hype of the Blue Jays farm system, they feature some potential at the top with the high upside duo of Ricky Tiedemann and Orelvis Martinez who each could be the missing piece in 2024. There is some high variance prospects and longer ETA’s as the list continues, though the contracts at the big league level suggest the club is mostly expected to be as is for the next couple of years. There is time for those beyond the top to blossom into the next Blue Jays crop. (@TBDubbs11)
Eight Prospects1500 writers contributed to this column and rankings including Ben Wilson (@TBDubbs11), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Two J15 international signees, Franklin Rojas, C and Andres Arias, OF, could make this list when we update it midseason. Right now Rojas would be in the 40-45 range while Arias might be at the very end in the 49-50 range.
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2023
Tier 1
1. Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, 21, Triple-A
Tiedemann is undoubtedly one of the top pitching prospects in the game. Easy Tier 1 choice here. He missed a couple of months with a biceps issue early last season following four starts at Double-A New Hampshire. His rehab went well and he made it back in July to pitch another 30+ innings from FCL, to Single-A, to another seven starts in Double-A, and even one start for Triple-A Buffalo in September. To get him some additional outings, Toronto sent him to Arizona and he threw another 18 innings across four AFL starts, garnering good results with 23 strikeouts and a 2.50 ERA. Seemingly 100% entering 2024, give Ricky some Triple-A games and he’ll likely be with the MLB club by the All-Star break. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tier 2
None
Tier 3
2. Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B/2B, 22, Triple-A
Signing with the Jays all the way back in 2018, Martinez has largely been held back from a hitting perspective as his contact rates were never up to par with his immense power. That began to change starting in 2023, with Martinez controlling the zone better along with almost 30 more walks than he ever accumulated during a season. Even with advancing to Triple-A for the first time, the power was as prevalent as ever with him totaling 28 home runs. Right now, you could add him to any major league lineup and pencil in 25-30 homers. He can move around the diamond but likely finds a long term home at third, especially with Matt Chapman on the free agent block. We’ll see what 2024 holds for the slugger, and it’s all but certain Martinez will get a significant amount of at bats in the majors. (@aj_greene1015)
3. Arjun Nimmala, SS, 18, Rookie (FCL)
Much has been made of Nimmala’s cricket background and him crediting that for his ability to handle the bat, but it has certainly done him well. While his hips can open early leaving the hands lagging behind some, it doesn’t impact the power at all as he has plus power despite his lean frame. The swing itself actually reminds me a lot of Mookie Betts, especially in a finish (not a player comp, a swing comp). In the field he is a guy who can absolutely stick at short, although probably won’t be a great fielder there, he has shown good actions at all four infield positions and could handle any of them at the pro level. The body maturity will be something to keep an eye on during his development. If he adds a lot of strength and bulk to his frame (much like his brother already has, a 2024 draft prospect) he will likely move over and be a power hitting third baseman. If he stays lean and keeps his range, he can be a power hitting shortstop. (@ShaunKernahan)
4. Alan Roden, OF, 24, Double-A
Roden was the Blue Jays 3rd round selection back in the 2022 draft out of the University of Creighton. While not eye popping, his numbers in 2023 were very solid. In 442 at-bats across High-A/Double-A, he slashed .317/.430./.459 with ten home runs, 68 RBI, and 24 stolen bases while walking more than he struck out. He currently has a fairly safe floor as a fourth outfielder, but a swing adjustment to add loft could give him the potential for 15 HR and 12-15 SB’s. Combined with a high OBP, that could make him a full time regular. (@JMahyfam)
5. Addison Barger, OF/SS/3B, 24, Triple-A
If it weren’t for injuries and the missed 2020 pandemic year, Barger would surely have made his major league debut by now. He took a noticeable step forward in 2022, and although last season was somewhat of a down year, his advanced metrics still showed why he’s a top ranked prospect with contact rates and plate discipline. He can slot in almost anywhere in the infield, and provide solid defense. After his 2023 season, Barger will be looking to get back on track this season. (@aj_greene1015)
6. Brandon Barriera, LHP, 19, Single-A
In Barriera, the Jays took a chance on a young, high-upside arm in the first round of the 2022 draft. The 6’2” southpaw dealt with injuries last year limiting him to just over 20 innings last year. He has a plus arsenal in his fastball, slider, and changeup that are all high spin offerings. If he can have a healthy season in 2024, he will be a fun one to watch. If his control/command improves there is #2 upside here. Patience will be key. (@JMahyfam)
7. Leo Jimenez, SS/2B, 22, Triple-A
Like Barger, Jimenez has been a part of the Jays system for over a half-decade now. However, 2023 was his first taste of the upper minors, playing 94 games between Double-A and Triple-A. His defense, mainly at short, is very much ready for the show. It’s the bat that still needs work, but Jimenez does get on base at a decent clip. His next season will be focused on reducing the ground ball rate and bringing the average up a few points. The skillset needs more time to round itself out before Jimenez gets his MLB call-up. (@aj_greene1015)
8. Landen Maroudis, RHP, 19, High School
Maroudis has a true starter’s pitch mix with four offerings, two versions of his fastball, a breaking ball, and a change, but a reliever’s delivery, plenty of short arm and effort. That said, he gets a lot of help from his legs with a really good leg drive, allowing him to hold his stuff deep into outings. That stuff includes a plus fastball, the four seam up to 96 while the two seam in the low 90s with plenty of sink. He also has a change that could become a plus offering, and a quality breaking ball. The breaking ball has some inconsistencies in it, sometimes a bit slower and bigger, others harder and sharper, and it really does work best as the higher velo/sharper version. How well the breaking ball develops will go a long way into determining the role long term. With the high effort and two pitches above average, he looks like a reliever, but with the ability to work deep into games and a breaking ball that develops into a true out pitch, he could develop into a mid-rotation starter. (@ShaunKernahan)
Tier 4
9. Damiano Palmegiani, 3B/1B, 24, Triple-A
10. Yosver Zulueta, RHP, 26, Triple-A
11. Spencer Horwitz, 1B/OF, 26, MLB
12. Chad Dallas, RHP, 23, Double-A
13. Dahian Santos, RHP, 20, High-A
14. Juaron Watts-Brown, RHP, 21, College
15. Adam Macko, LHP, 23, High-A
16. Connor Cooke, RHP, 24, Triple-A
17. Tucker Toman, 3B/SS, 20, Single-A
18. Josh Kasevich, SS, 23, High-A
19. Cade Doughty, 3B/2B, 22, High-A
20. Kendry Rojas, LHP, 21, Single-A
21. Enmanuel Bonilla, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
22. Gabriel Martinez, OF, 21, High-A
Palmegiani has great power and if he can control the strikeouts somewhat better, he could be a nice player in the majors, as soon as this season. Zuleta should be a part of Toronto’s bullpen as soon as this season, and may be a source of holds and potentially strikeouts. Horwitz looked decent during his short time in the majors last year and has a good shot at sticking this season as a platoon player at the minimum. Dallas improved his command in 2023 over the previous year and could see some spot starts this season for the Blue Jays. Santos had pitched well as a starter in the minors and could stick with another solid year. Watts-Brown didn’t pitch last year after being their 3rd round pick. Macko has dealt with many injuries during his career, but heads into 2024 healthy. Toman didn’t look great in Single-A but could still be a utility type. Kasevich has solid all-around tools without one really standing out over the others. Doughty has a good approach at the plate with blossoming power. He’s one to keep an eye on in this tier. Rojas has been hittable in the minors and a move to the bullpen might play better to his tools. Bonilla was a highly touted international signing and looked great in Rookie ball with potential for speed and power as he matures. Martinez struggled a bit in High-A, but has increased his power and it’ll be interesting to see how he does this season. (@tonybps1)
Tier 5
23. Hayden Juenger, RHP, 23, Triple-A
24. Jace Bohrofen, OF, 22, Single-A
25. Adrian Pinto, 2B/SS, 21, Single-A
26. Alex De Jesus, 3B/SS, 21, High-A
27. CJ Van Eyk, RHP, 25, Double-A
28. Manuel Beltre, SS/2B, 19, Single-A
29. Dasan Brown, OF, 22, High-A
30. Mason Fluharty, LHP, 22, Double-A
31. Rafael Lantigua, OF/3B, 25, Triple-A
32. Miguel Hiraldo, 2B, 23, Double-A
33. Connor O’Halloran, LHP, 21, Single-A
34. Fernando Perez, RHP, 19, Rookie (FCL)
35. Hagen Danner, RHP, 25, MLB
36. Nick Goodwin, SS, 22, High-A
37. Estiven Machado, SS/2B, 21, High-A
38. Sam Shaw, 2B, 18, Rookie (FCL)
39. Rainer Nunez, 1B, 23, Double-A
40. Devereaux Harrison, RHP, 23, High-A
41. Trent Palmer, RHP, 24, Single-A
42. Lazaro Estrada, RHP, 24, Single-A
43. Trenton Wallace, LHP, 24, Double-A
44. Irv Carter, RHP, 21, Single-A
45. Yhoangel Aponte, OF, 19, Single-A
46. Nolan Perry, RHP, 20, Rookie (FCL)
47. Devonte Brown, OF, 24, Double-A
48. T.J. Brock, RHP, 24, Double-A
49. Rafael Sánchez, RHP, 24, High-A
50. Otto López, SS/2B/OF, 25, Triple-A
Juenger has good stuff on the mound but needs to work on his command better. Bohrofen could be a backup outfielder type with his power and potential for more if he can develop better hitting control. Pinto’s injuries haven’t allowed him to show exactly what he can do at the plate, but he has good speed but not much power. Beltre hasn’t shown much at the plate yet but is only 19 years-old. Brown has great speed and plays a solid centerfield but hasn’t hit well enough to be more than a bench type yet. Fluharty could contribute in the bullpen in the majors sometime this season. O’Halloran could be a spot starter in the majors. Goodwin is a power over hit type of player who can take a walk. Shaw has a solid hit-tool and can grow into power as he matures and develops. Harrison gave up on hitting to focus on pitching last year and the results were encouraging. Wallace looked great last year and could be a mid-rotation to back-end starter in the majors. Aponte has solid power but needs to work more on making contact at the plate. Perry has good stuff but only threw 38 innings last season, so 2024 will give us a better idea of what type of pitcher he may become. Brock looks to be a future reliever. Sánchez has been inconsistent so far, but has good tools and could improve this season. López is no relation to former Jays great Otto Vélez, but his first name is a palindrome. The 25-year-old has a .600 career batting average in the majors (6-10), but spent all of 2023 at Triple-A. (@tonybps1)
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Adam Greene is a Sport Management and Marketing double major at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. His main focus is sport marketing, where he's already had internships with the local Westfield Starfires and Springfield Thunderbirds. He now writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life. When Covid hit, he started paying a lot more attention to the Red Sox minor league teams, and now, follows them almost as much as the big league squad. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing in real life. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
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Jeremy Mahyhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/athletics006/
Don’t sleep on Aponte. He’s going to tear up A ball this year