After Marcus Semien and Robbie Ray left the Blue Jays organization during the 2021/2022 offseason, the Blue Jays entered the 2022 MLB Draft with 22 picks to use through 20 rounds. Overall, the front office was able to sign 19 of their 22 selections, one of which was a left-handed reliever, Ryan Chasse.

Getting to know the Raleigh, North Carolina product, Chasse spoke fondly of his time at Campbell University, “I chose to attend Campbell because Coach Haire and the rest of his staff made me feel valued and that they believed in me.” The southpaw spent three seasons with the Fighting Camels (the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19) and amassed a 3.58 ERA through 196.1 innings, making 33 starts over 57 appearances with 192 strikeouts. Chasse also spent some time with the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League during the summer of 2022, racking up a 16.6 K/9 through nine relief appearances.

“My favorite moments at Campbell were definitely playing in regionals in 2019, 2021, and 2022 because I felt that we were able to go to some cool venues but also compete with some of the best teams in the country,” speaking highly of the Fighting Camels and their program’s accomplishments, with the left-hander making the first team all-Big South squad during his final year at Campbell (amongst numerous honours).

With the MLB Draft last summer, Chasse, a redshirt Junior, was selected by the Blue Jays in the 17th round at 518th overall, “Being drafted in July was a dream come true. Playing professional baseball has been a goal of mine for a majority of my life and it was a very gratifying experience to finally achieve that goal. Having just finished my 4th year of college I was not sure what the draft would hold, which resulted in a couple stressful days but I couldn’t be happier with where I was selected.” Chasse joined a stacked Blue Jays draft class, joining the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays after signing with the Jays and starting his professional baseball journey in early August.

With Dunedin, Chasse worked out of the bullpen, making seven appearances while earning a 3-1 record with two games finished as well as his first save against the Bradenton Maureders on August 24th. Speaking on the difference between college baseball and his first season with the Jays organization, Chasse discussed of one the biggest challenges he faced, “I think that the biggest challenge that I faced was just adjusting to the everyday schedule as a professional because it’s much different than college… I am glad I had a couple of weeks to play in Dunedin after the draft so that I know what to expect going into the spring.”

Armed with a wicked changeup in his arsenal, Chasse continues to work on his craft during the offseason as well as his health as he gears up for his first full season in professional baseball, “My biggest objective this offseason has been becoming more athletic and mobile and trying to refine my pitches… my expectations are to have a successful and healthy 2023 season and I’d like to see myself continue to improve my game in every facet and soak up all the knowledge available.” Standing at 6’3″, the North Carolina product has an explosive approach to the plate, which armed with his low-80’s changeup can rack up the strikeouts as evident by his stat lines at Campbell University.

After a brief stint in Single-A last season following the MLB Draft, Chasse will enter next season looking to continue making an impact on the mound within the Blue Jays organization. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward and good luck in the upcoming season!