The Toronto Blue Jays are just weeks away from the 2026 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. The scouting season is nearing its conclusion, draft boards are beginning to take shape, and it’s time to ask the question: who should Toronto target with its first selection?

The Blue Jays will pick 39th overall this year after receiving a 10-spot penalty for exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold. While the difference between selecting the 29th and 39th is significant, the organization’s overall approach shouldn’t change dramatically.

Toronto must be realistic with its expectations. Elite prospects like Grady Emerson and Vahn Lackey will be off the board within the first few selections. Instead, the Blue Jays should focus on drafting the best player available among their positional priorities.

Run production and power remain premium commodities, especially for a team looking to build an exciting lineup. Toronto could target a polished collegiate outfielder who brings both offensive upside and athleticism.

Sawyer Strosnider is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with an impressive athletic profile. A former multi-sport athlete, Strosnider features two standout offensive tools, with both his power and speed earning 60 grades on the scouting scale. His arm is also above average, grading out as a 55.

Strosnider has a smooth, repeatable swing with excellent barrel control. He consistently makes hard contact and demonstrates a mature approach at the plate. During two seasons at Texas Christian University, he recorded 127 hits, 24 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases across 403 at-bats.

His combination of athleticism, left-handed power, and ability to handle both left- and right-handed pitching would make him a valuable addition to Toronto’s farm system.

Another intriguing possibility is right-handed pitcher Logan Reddemann, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound starter from UCLA. After spending two seasons at the University of San Diego, Reddemann transferred to UCLA, where he went 8-0 in Big Ten Conference play.

Over his collegiate career, Reddemann threw 191 innings, faced 785 batters, struck out 203 hitters, and walked just 42. His breakout development came through improvements to both his fastball and changeup.

His fastball typically sits between 95-96 mph and can reach 99 mph. His changeup serves as his primary put-away pitch, complemented by a quality slider and a serviceable curveball that he uses effectively.

Reddemann pounds the strike zone, misses bats consistently, and attacks hitters with confidence and intelligence. Ranked 28th on MLB’s draft prospect list, he could realistically be available when Toronto makes its first selection.

Ryder Helfrick would also be an outstanding addition if he somehow slides into Toronto’s range. While the Blue Jays haven’t drafted many catchers early in recent years, Helfrick offers the type of complete skill set that’s difficult to pass up.

The Arkansas product starred over three seasons in the Southeastern Conference, hitting 36 home runs while collecting 137 hits and 99 RBIs. Behind the plate, he displays polished defensive fundamentals, a strong throwing arm, and the leadership teams covet from the catching position.

Helfrick is ranked 13th on MLB’s draft prospect list and trails only Vahn Lackey among catchers. His combination of raw power, bat speed, defensive ability, and overall upside makes him an ideal target for an organization looking to strengthen its long-term catching depth.

Whether the Blue Jays opt for a power-hitting outfielder, a high-upside starting pitcher, or an impact catcher, each represents a logical fit for the organization’s current needs. While the 39th overall pick limits Toronto’s chances of landing one of the draft’s elite talents, there should still be several quality prospects available who can make a significant impact on the franchise’s future.

Stay ahead of the first pitch! From breaking news, unexpected trades and must-read analysis, BlueJaysNation delivers the insight serious Jays fans rely on—straight to your inbox. Sign up for the Bluejaysnation newsletter here!