The pitcher’s and catcher’s report date is just under three weeks away for the Blue Jays. The front office is still on the grind, attempting to equip their ball club as best as possible for the upcoming season – hence all the Pete Alonso and Max Scherzer news you have likely been seeing on social media.
On the same note, prospect development is equally important, and one name standing out is Nicolas Deschamps, a Canadian product.
The Blue Jays have always had an interest in players North of the border, and the club hosts a showcase annually to evaluate draft potential talent along with 29 other major league teams.
Deschamps was a part of this showcase a few years ago, before his graduation year. Hailing from Quebec City, Que., Deschamps was part of the Academie De Baseball Canada. This program is better known as “ABC”, and offers a highly elite environment. They now compete in the recognized elite league, the Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL).
Deschamps showed up early and quickly, putting him on the radar as a potential draft pick or division one player. His career has elevated over the years and is continuing to flourish.
Nicolas Deschamps: Prospect Background
Deschamps primarily works behind the plate and suits up as a first baseman from time to time. The Quebec prospect graduated in 2021. He left ABC to play with the notorious TNXL Academy in Florida, which is where the Blue Jays eventually signed him.
This was a developmental move with showcase intentions. At this time, Deschamps was committed to Stetson University. During his tenure with TNXL, the backstop was pushing the envelope aggressively. He was ranked 39th in the state of Florida by Perfect Game Baseball; he was 414th overall in the state.
Deschamps’ goal was to amplify his awareness and stock, leading up to the 2021 MLB draft. His tools were identified and evaluators spoke highly of the catcher. Unfortunately, Deschamps did not hear his name called in the 2021 draft.
The catcher did not let up, as his tools were sharp and he believed that he was ready for professional baseball. In August of 2021, the Blue Jays signed the catcher as an undrafted free agent. He took the professional route instead of his Stetson offer although he was just days away from pursuing the college route. Deschamps Showing in the Minor Leagues
Deschamps lingered between two leagues in 2021 and 2022. He reported to Rookie Ball when he signed, competing in the Florida Complex League. Shortly after, he advanced to the Florida State League with Dunedin in single-A.
In 2022, he saw only 24 games with little to show in little time. In 76 plate appearances, he recorded 10 hits, one home run, scored 14 times, walked 21 times, and struck out 18 times, slashing .196/.447./.353 between two leagues of competition.
The 2023 season allowed him to suit up more behind the plate, where he saw 57 games and 212 plate appearances in single-A ball. Deschamps recorded 28 hits, three home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .170 batting average. His consistency was his on-base percentage which lowered in 2023, but was his best attribute offensively.
In 2024, there was more light at the end of the tunnel for the backstop. He took another step up, getting his shot at high-A, and playing between three different leagues. His totals were more satisfying than the previous year, improving his batting average to .231 and a .352 on-base percentage.
What Does the Future Hold for the Canadian Catcher?
Undrafted free agents usually have a stigma; that stigma defines them as “organizational talents”. This is often seen as guys who can help the organization with depth but not exactly advancing type players.
Although Deschamps has a ways to go, the Quebec backstop has some strong qualities and is trusted behind the dish. His 5’11”, 180 lbs frame works well behind the plate and his grit and ability to field his position and get on base is useful. The catcher has a strong eye from the batter’s box and can make pitchers work for their glory. He makes good contact and can put the ball in play when needed. His on-base tendencies for a catcher are his best offensive offering. Drawing walks is not an issue for the prospect.
Deschamps’ ability to catch is obvious. He calls a good game and defensively plays his position aggressively and assertively. He posted a .986 fielding percentage as a catcher in 2024 between three leagues of play. He did commit six errors, two less than the previous year but also recorded 387 put-outs in 415 chances. His arm and pop-times need some repetition, as he had a 21% caught-stealing rate, throwing out 14 runners, while 53 snagged bags.
Deschamps should start 2025 in Vancouver and will be an asset to the roster. This season will be a meaningful one for his career.
