The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Toronto Blue Jays made four trades — three of which directly impact the MLB roster — as they aim to solidify their postseason chances and push for a division title with a top-two seed to earn a first-round bye.

To acquire Seranthony Domínguez, Shane Bieber, and Louis Varland, the Blue Jays had to dip into their pitching prospect pool, parting ways with Juaron Watts-Brown, Khal Stephen, and Kendry Rojas. The Varland deal, in particular, came at a steep cost, requiring not only Rojas but also outfielder Alan Roden to complete the trade. It was a high price — but potentially a worthwhile one — for a high-end arm with 4.5 years of team control.

Despite parting with several key arms, the Blue Jays’ farm system remains strong, thanks in large part to a successful 2024 draft class and a handful of breakout performers. Arjun Nimmala and Trey Yesavage are still in the system, but beyond those two, here are three standout prospects Jays fans should be thrilled are still around:

Drafted in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Naples High School, Johnny King has dominated in his first professional season across two levels (CPX and Low-A). Through 45 innings, King boasts an exceptional 1.40 ERA, 2.13 FIP, and 2.53 xFIP. He’s kept the ball on the ground with a 48.6% groundball rate and has yet to allow a home run this season.

Even more impressive: King has struck out 81 batters in those 45 innings, good for a 42.2% strikeout rate—the third-best in all of minor league baseball. The only real blemish is his 13% walk rate, but even that hasn’t led to much trouble. He’s shown the ability to work through high-stress situations using overpowering stuff and elite composure.

Recently turning 19 years old, King is shaping up to be a top-tier pitching prospect, not just for the Jays, but potentially in all of baseball.

Victor Arias has flown under the radar for years, but that’s starting to change.

Despite a smaller frame (5-foot-9, 150 lbs), the Venezuelan native impacts the baseball with authority, regularly posting some of the top exit velocities in the Blue Jays’ system.

At just 21 years old, Arias recently earned a promotion to double-A New Hampshire. After a brief adjustment period, he’s catching fire again, slashing .267/.404/.467 with two home runs and 5 stolen bases in just 14 games—good for a 147 wRC+ (before last night’s game).

His elite plate discipline has been a standout feature, walking at a remarkable 20.8% clip. Arias brings a skill set similar to Addison Barger, with slightly less raw power but more speed and on-base potential. Now that he’s in double-A, Arias is becoming a fast-rising prospect with growing proximity to the big leagues.

Stanifer began the 2025 season piggybacking with Trey Yesavage in single-A Dunedin and later in Vancouver. With Yesavage promoted to double-A, Stanifer has continued to shine. Over 74 innings between the two levels, he’s posted a 2.92 ERA, 2.19 FIP, and 3.03 xFIP with a 37.2% strikeout rate and zero home runs allowed.

Like King, Stanifer’s one area of concern is his command — he’s walked 14.6% of hitters in High-A — but he has consistently suppressed damage with elite swing-and-miss stuff. His slider, in particular, ranks among the highest whiff rates of any pitch in minor league baseball.

With Kendry Rojas now in Minnesota, there may be room for Stanifer to join New Hampshire before season’s end—possibly reuniting with Yesavage once again.

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