The Major League Baseball draft is creeping closer and closer as the summer goes on and the Toronto Blue Jays have something to look forward to in the midst of an up-and-down season. The importance of the future of this club is a top priority, especially in the possibility of the club being potential sellers at the trade deadline depending on how the next month or so unfolds.

Even with the potential wins they may earn in the draft selections, there’s always the option of a free agent signing away from the draft. Why not add an arm or a bat that’s proven to have professional qualities and attributes? Amongst the hot topic draft names on the charts this year, the Blue Jays may be able to add to their farm system without digging into their draft class to acquire a player who is already suiting up on home soil.

The Frontier Baseball League is split between the United States and Canada and the organization is MLB-partnered and an artery for free agents looking for affiliated opportunities, and for recent free agents to actively up their stock. After right-hander Kumar Rocker was left unsigned by the New York Mets in his initial draft year and was unable to return to the NCAA, he pitched briefly in the Frontier League as a showcase opportunity. The quality of tools in the league varies but is consistent on the competitive level. Most players who transition from Independent Baseball leagues have their contracts purchased by a professional club.

A right-handed pitcher from Japan chucks for one of the Canadian destinations, the Trois-Rivieres Aigles, in right-hander Kosei Naito. He has been a strong name in the league and has a high ceiling to take his talents to the next professional level with an affiliated club if he continues on his current trajectory.

Naito spent this past winter in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) for the Canberra Cavalry. He saw 10 2/3 innings and pitched to a 3.38 ERA, only allowing four runs while striking out 12 and only walking two hitters. Before Australia, Naito pitched in the Japanese equivalent of minor league baseball in the Industrial Leagues. In 31 games last season, he posted a 5-2 record and 85 and 2/3 innings under his belt. He only allowed 20 earned runs of the 26 scored and struck out 80 batters.

Fast forward to the present time, Naito has a win to start the 2024 season, throwing 12 2/3 innings with a 2.13 ERA, 13 strikeouts, and two walks.

What does Naito bring to the bump?

The 6-foot-2 pitcher stands on the right side of the rubber and works a repertoire of variety. His high leg kick and low separation create balance and a strong weight shift in his delivery. He throws a four-seam fastball that is a liner, sitting 93-94 mph and tops at 96 mph with life, followed by a rarely used 2-seamer. His cut fastball works the hands of righty batters and sits at 88 mph while his slider works horizontally off the plate at 82-84 mph. Naito’s real weapon is his splitter with an extreme diving break at 82-85 mph.

Naito’s repertoire is also complimented by the above satisfactory makeup. His pitch-ability is key to his profile, as he can work the zone, stay off to avoid damage and bounce back from being down in the count. He understands his pitch arsenal and is very good with pitch selection. Naito’s strengths include pitching with runners on base, handling situations when ahead or behind in the count and on the field, and working as both a starter and reliever.

He’s developing a fork ball which is another option on his chart, and this pitch is making effective improvements. Naito is fairly composed and can work his way out of jams – high-pressure situations do not affect him.

Naito has high hopes of eventually signing a minor league contract with an affiliate team. Being in the backyard of the Blue Jays, Toronto could be a promising landing spot.