Today’s prospect hasn’t quite lived up to the hype… yet.
This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual Pre-Season Prospect Countdown, this time looking at the top 40 prospects in the organization. We’ll look at the player’s stats, my observations, and other publications’ scouting reports if available.
Let’s take a look at our 23rd-best Toronto Blue Jays prospect, Enmanuel Bonilla.
Getting to know Enmanuel Bonilla…
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Right
Born: January 22, 2006
Acquired: 2023 International Free Agency
Previous ranking: 23
At the beginning of the 2023 International Free Agency period, outfielder Enmanuel Bonilla signed for $4.1 million, one of the largest bonuses the Blue Jays have ever given in the IFA. With the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays, Bonilla slashed .307/.407/.429 with three home runs in 226 plate appearances with an 11.9 BB% and a 24.3 K%. Of the 50 games Bonilla played, he failed to reach base twice.
His first taste of stateside baseball didn’t go as well though. Last season with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays, Bonilla slashed .186/.257/.299 with four home runs in 214 plate appearances for a 54 wRC+. Worryingly, the 19-year-old’s strikeout rate sat at 35.5 K% while his BB% was on the low side at 6.1%.
Bonilla ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 13th-best Blue Jays prospect in their 2024 mid-season update. He has some of the highest upside in the organization but has yet to show that pop that makes him so intriguing. His hit tool, especially after the 2024 season, looks as if lags behind and he’ll likely end up in a corner outfield. Hopefully, his 2025 season, likely with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, is better.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.