<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Toronto Blue Jays have completed their stock-up for the future, in the 2024 MLB draft. The draft took place on July 14th-16th with 20 rounds of selections. This year’s draft was of high significance due to the status of the current big league team. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Was the draft successful? Toronto led off the selections with a couple of top collegiate picks to pad the front end of the draft. The end result finished with 11 of the 20 selections being pitchers. So who did the Jays select?</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 1 &#8211; Pick #20 &#8211; RHP Trey Yesavage, East Carolina </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Blue Jays top selection is ranked 11th on the MLB draft prospect list. The 6’4” right-hander showed out really well in his junior year in the American Athletic Conference. An 11-1 record, 2.03 ERA, and 145-32 strikeout-walk rate solidified his rank and high pick. He has a four-pitch arsenal with a 98 mph max fastball, followed by a mid-80s curveball, and a put-away slider and splitter. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 2 &#8211; Pick #59 &#8211; RHP Khal Stephen, Mississippi State </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The jump from Purdue to the Southeastern Conference was the right move for Stephen. Mississippi State allowed his tool to flourish as a starter instead of the consistent relief he’s been asked off. His 96 innings of work brought an 8-3 record followed by a 27.9% strikeout rate. His big 225 lbs 6’4” frame offered a 96 max fastball with command along with three junk options, including a put-away slider. His overall makeup and pitch-ability land him in round two. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 3 &#8211; Pick #95 &#8211; LHP Johnny King, Naples (HS)</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Doing all from the left side, the Miami commit portrayed projectability with extreme baseline numbers. The southpaw showed physical maturity with a 95 mph fastball that works off into fishing territory. He has a three-pitch selection all with out-pitch potential. He’s big, athletic and proven to play his position with compete and intellect. A lefty of his build and repertoire lands him in the third round. </span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With the 95th pick in the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLBDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLBDraft</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJays</a> select LHP Johnny King (<a href="https://twitter.com/NaplesHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NaplesHS</a>).</p>
<p>Johnny was the 2024 Prep Baseball FL Player of the Year. </p>
<p>Congratulations to Johnny and his family. <a href="https://twitter.com/johnnyhking4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@johnnyhking4</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CBU_FL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBU_FL</a></p>
<p> <a href="https://t.co/25HqAKbSkh">pic.twitter.com/25HqAKbSkh</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Prep Baseball Florida (@PrepBaseballFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballFL/status/1812917655873192367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 4 &#8211; Pick #125 &#8211; 3B Sean Keys, Bucknell University</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A 6’2” left-handed hitting third baseman gave the Jays one in line for the hot corner, at least from the offensive standpoint. The lefty is a barrel master and brings raw power and hard contact to the dish. His Cape Cod summer ball performance raised his draft stock, prior to his hot junior year, slashing .405/.355/.798. He’s banged out 26 home runs in two years with an all-around ability to put the ball in play. His long-term defence is questionable, but his left-handed bat makes him a three-four stick guy. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 4C &#8211; Pick #136 &#8211; OF Nick Mitchell, Indiana </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This Big-Ten conference prospect is a left-handed hitting outfielder with a small frame and athletic cues. He has gap-to-gap contact ability with stints of power and good bat speed. This year he slashed a .335/.458/.512 in the BigTen. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 5 &#8211; Pick #158 &#8211; RHP Jackson Wentworth, Kansas State </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tommy John surgery threw a wrench in the engine for Wentworth but that didn’t stop his grind, even after a recent struggle. The surgery cancelled his first year of college baseball, which left two seasons to showcase his stuff. In 2024 he cut an 8.72 ERA down to 4.24. His pitch profile revealed its value after a 115-27 strikeout-walk rate. The righty isn’t over-powering but he pushes a 96mph top fastball that needs some bite. His offspeed makes up for the heater as his slider, changeup, and cutter all affect batters in tandem. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 6 &#8211; Pick #187 &#8211; C Aaron Parker, UC Santa Barbara </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Jays needed to prioritize the backstop and they went with a right-handed hitting catcher in the Big West conference. He’s smaller in frame from uses his barrel well for gap-to-gap contact and above-average power. In 2024 he launched 12 bombs slashing a .379/.460/.632. Defensively he has a valuable arm with the ability to play his position and call a game. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 7 &#8211; Pick #217 &#8211; RHP Austin Cates, University of Nevada </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This right-hander is projectable in all ways and dominated 2024 in the Mountain West Conference. In 90 and ⅓ innings, Cates struck out 107 batters, walking only 15. Cates shows longevity in games as he goes the mile, and controls his counts with his put-away splitter. He has a low 90s fastball and works the zone aggressively. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 8 &#8211; Pick #247 &#8211; OF Eddie Mitcheletti, Virginia Tech</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A left handed hitting outfielder in the Atlantic Coast Conference shows streaky power with the strong ability to get on base. His compact swing mashed 12 dingers with 55 hits, and 50 RBIs this season. His speed in the outfield satisfies tough plays being made. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 9 &#8211; Pick #277 &#8211; RHP Colby Holcombe, Mississippi State </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teammates with the first-round pick, Holcombe is another right-hander with projectability. His numbers are not very convincing and his playing time is a part of the problem. However, his mechanics with fluent arm action, repeated delivery, and an ability to command a top 98 mph fastball show promise in the ninth pick. </span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BSB | Here’s what the <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJays</a> are getting in former <a href="https://twitter.com/NEMCCBASEBALL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NEMCCBASEBALL</a> All-American selection Colby Holcombe! </p>
<p>Holcombe set the program record for most strikeouts in a single season with a 🔥 ball that topped out near 100 MPH!</p>
<p>🐯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerTown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerTown</a> ▶️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOTHECORE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOTHECORE</a> <a href="https://t.co/0FJ76HDips">pic.twitter.com/0FJ76HDips</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Northeast Tigers (@NEMCCTigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/NEMCCTigers/status/1813325321778692468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 10 &#8211; Pick #307 &#8211; OF Carter Cunningham, East Carolina </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sticking from the left and primarily in the outfield, Cunningham has shown value with his bat. He slashed .367/.464./653 in 2024 and drove in 66 RBIs on 92 hits and 17 homers. Cunningham is quick on his feet and covers ground on the green. He also can play first base which is where he’ll probably end up. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 11 &#8211; Pick 337 &#8211; RHP Troy Guthrie, Parrish Community High School </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right-handed high school pitcher ranked 18th in his position in the State of Florida, 77th overall. He’s committed to the Florida Gulf Coast. He’s touched low 90s on his fastball with a slider and changeup in the mix. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 12 &#8211; Pick #367 &#8211; RHP Carson Messina, Summerville HS</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His fastball touches up to 95 mph with life, consistent at 92-93 mph. He has a good early 80s curveball with a 12-6 drop and a decent change piece. Messina ranked 222nd on the MLB draft prospect list and is the sort of player the Blue Jays will need to save bonus money elsewhere in the draft to sign. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 13 &#8211; Pick #397 &#8211; C Brock Tibbits, Indiana </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another back-stop option from the University of Indiana. He slashed a .313/.404/.472. He drove in 43 runs on 55 hits. Tibbits needs more time on the field to refine his defence and swing. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 14 &#8211; Pick #427 &#8211; 2B J.R. Freethy, University of Nevada </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Freethy hits from both sides of the dish with a compact swing and quick hands with the barrel. He takes bases with a selective approach and is a big multi-base type hitter. He also launched 10 dingers this season. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 15 &#8211; Pick #457 &#8211; RHP Jonathan Todd, Western Carolina University </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical maturity is obvious with Todd at a 6’6” athletic frame. He’s early 90s on his fastball with some bite and room to develop. As a primary reliever, he emerged from the bullpen and was trusted in vulnerable situations. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 16 &#8211; Pick #487 &#8211; RHP Colby Martin, Southeastern University</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He’s a rookie arm with little experience on the mound and a smaller-than-usual frame. His recent success has sparked some interest to push him further in development. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 17 &#8211; Pick #517 &#8211; SS Gavin Smith, Valley Christian HS</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the positional guys selected by the Blue Jays. He’s a Perfect Game Grade 8 with athleticism and the ability to field his position with range. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 18 &#8211; Pick #547 &#8211; RHP Holden Wilkerson, Virginia Military Institute </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Returning from injury, Wilkerson bounced back slowly to compete through 18 and ⅓ innings of work. His velocity took a dive but showed signs of reconnecting. His profile is a toss-up.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 19 &#8211; Pick #577 &#8211; IF D’Marion Terrell</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lefty on each end of the field, ranked the 153rd prospect in the draft by MLB. He’s an Auburn commit with bat speed, physical maturity, and will eventually develop a big bat. This would be a late-round steal for the Blue Jays if they could get Terrell to forgo his college commitment. He would immediately become one of the most exciting bats in the team&#8217;s system. </span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Swings from this past week. <a href="https://t.co/OW9iuYv4p2">pic.twitter.com/OW9iuYv4p2</a></p>
<p>&mdash; D&#39;marion (BUB) Terrell (@BubTerrell) <a href="https://twitter.com/BubTerrell/status/1773423624159895760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 20 &#8211; Pick #607 &#8211; SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, UC San Diego</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The son of former Major Leaguer Mark Grudzielanek, shortstop Bryce slashed a .284/.369/.405 line in 2024. He does all from the right side and boasts average tools at shortstop. </span></p>
<hr />
<h2>More 2024 MLB Draft Coverage from Blue Jays Nation&#8230;</h2>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" frameborder="0" height="110px" src="https://embed.acast.com/$/62965cf1b3afd700123d5344/the-2024-mlb-draft-and-rebuilding-with-brendon-kuhn?" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Toronto Blue Jays have completed their stock-up for the future, in the 2024 MLB draft. The draft took place on July 14th-16th with 20 rounds of selections. This year’s draft was of high significance due to the status of the current big league team. </span>



<span style="font-weight: 400;">Was the draft successful? Toronto led off the selections with a couple of top collegiate picks to pad the front end of the draft. The end result finished with 11 of the 20 selections being pitchers. So who did the Jays select?</span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 1 - Pick #20 - RHP Trey Yesavage, East Carolina </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Blue Jays top selection is ranked 11th on the MLB draft prospect list. The 6’4” right-hander showed out really well in his junior year in the American Athletic Conference. An 11-1 record, 2.03 ERA, and 145-32 strikeout-walk rate solidified his rank and high pick. He has a four-pitch arsenal with a 98 mph max fastball, followed by a mid-80s curveball, and a put-away slider and splitter. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 2 - Pick #59 - RHP Khal Stephen, Mississippi State </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The jump from Purdue to the Southeastern Conference was the right move for Stephen. Mississippi State allowed his tool to flourish as a starter instead of the consistent relief he’s been asked off. His 96 innings of work brought an 8-3 record followed by a 27.9% strikeout rate. His big 225 lbs 6’4” frame offered a 96 max fastball with command along with three junk options, including a put-away slider. His overall makeup and pitch-ability land him in round two. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 3 - Pick #95 - LHP Johnny King, Naples (HS)</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Doing all from the left side, the Miami commit portrayed projectability with extreme baseline numbers. The southpaw showed physical maturity with a 95 mph fastball that works off into fishing territory. He has a three-pitch selection all with out-pitch potential. He’s big, athletic and proven to play his position with compete and intellect. A lefty of his build and repertoire lands him in the third round. </span>

https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballFL/status/1812917655873192367
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 4 - Pick #125 - 3B Sean Keys, Bucknell University</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">A 6’2” left-handed hitting third baseman gave the Jays one in line for the hot corner, at least from the offensive standpoint. The lefty is a barrel master and brings raw power and hard contact to the dish. His Cape Cod summer ball performance raised his draft stock, prior to his hot junior year, slashing .405/.355/.798. He’s banged out 26 home runs in two years with an all-around ability to put the ball in play. His long-term defence is questionable, but his left-handed bat makes him a three-four stick guy. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 4C - Pick #136 - OF Nick Mitchell, Indiana </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This Big-Ten conference prospect is a left-handed hitting outfielder with a small frame and athletic cues. He has gap-to-gap contact ability with stints of power and good bat speed. This year he slashed a .335/.458/.512 in the BigTen. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 5 - Pick #158 - RHP Jackson Wentworth, Kansas State </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Tommy John surgery threw a wrench in the engine for Wentworth but that didn’t stop his grind, even after a recent struggle. The surgery cancelled his first year of college baseball, which left two seasons to showcase his stuff. In 2024 he cut an 8.72 ERA down to 4.24. His pitch profile revealed its value after a 115-27 strikeout-walk rate. The righty isn’t over-powering but he pushes a 96mph top fastball that needs some bite. His offspeed makes up for the heater as his slider, changeup, and cutter all affect batters in tandem. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 6 - Pick #187 - C Aaron Parker, UC Santa Barbara </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Jays needed to prioritize the backstop and they went with a right-handed hitting catcher in the Big West conference. He’s smaller in frame from uses his barrel well for gap-to-gap contact and above-average power. In 2024 he launched 12 bombs slashing a .379/.460/.632. Defensively he has a valuable arm with the ability to play his position and call a game. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 7 - Pick #217 - RHP Austin Cates, University of Nevada </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This right-hander is projectable in all ways and dominated 2024 in the Mountain West Conference. In 90 and ⅓ innings, Cates struck out 107 batters, walking only 15. Cates shows longevity in games as he goes the mile, and controls his counts with his put-away splitter. He has a low 90s fastball and works the zone aggressively. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 8 - Pick #247 - OF Eddie Mitcheletti, Virginia Tech</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">A left handed hitting outfielder in the Atlantic Coast Conference shows streaky power with the strong ability to get on base. His compact swing mashed 12 dingers with 55 hits, and 50 RBIs this season. His speed in the outfield satisfies tough plays being made. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 9 - Pick #277 - RHP Colby Holcombe, Mississippi State </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Teammates with the first-round pick, Holcombe is another right-hander with projectability. His numbers are not very convincing and his playing time is a part of the problem. However, his mechanics with fluent arm action, repeated delivery, and an ability to command a top 98 mph fastball show promise in the ninth pick. </span>

https://twitter.com/NEMCCTigers/status/1813325321778692468
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 10 - Pick #307 - OF Carter Cunningham, East Carolina </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Sticking from the left and primarily in the outfield, Cunningham has shown value with his bat. He slashed .367/.464./653 in 2024 and drove in 66 RBIs on 92 hits and 17 homers. Cunningham is quick on his feet and covers ground on the green. He also can play first base which is where he’ll probably end up. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 11 - Pick 337 - RHP Troy Guthrie, Parrish Community High School </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Right-handed high school pitcher ranked 18th in his position in the State of Florida, 77th overall. He’s committed to the Florida Gulf Coast. He’s touched low 90s on his fastball with a slider and changeup in the mix. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 12 - Pick #367 - RHP Carson Messina, Summerville HS</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">His fastball touches up to 95 mph with life, consistent at 92-93 mph. He has a good early 80s curveball with a 12-6 drop and a decent change piece. Messina ranked 222nd on the MLB draft prospect list and is the sort of player the Blue Jays will need to save bonus money elsewhere in the draft to sign. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 13 - Pick #397 - C Brock Tibbits, Indiana </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Another back-stop option from the University of Indiana. He slashed a .313/.404/.472. He drove in 43 runs on 55 hits. Tibbits needs more time on the field to refine his defence and swing. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 14 - Pick #427 - 2B J.R. Freethy, University of Nevada </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Freethy hits from both sides of the dish with a compact swing and quick hands with the barrel. He takes bases with a selective approach and is a big multi-base type hitter. He also launched 10 dingers this season. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 15 - Pick #457 - RHP Jonathan Todd, Western Carolina University </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical maturity is obvious with Todd at a 6’6” athletic frame. He’s early 90s on his fastball with some bite and room to develop. As a primary reliever, he emerged from the bullpen and was trusted in vulnerable situations. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 16 - Pick #487 - RHP Colby Martin, Southeastern University</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">He’s a rookie arm with little experience on the mound and a smaller-than-usual frame. His recent success has sparked some interest to push him further in development. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 17 - Pick #517 - SS Gavin Smith, Valley Christian HS</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the positional guys selected by the Blue Jays. He’s a Perfect Game Grade 8 with athleticism and the ability to field his position with range. </span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 18 - Pick #547 - RHP Holden Wilkerson, Virginia Military Institute </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Returning from injury, Wilkerson bounced back slowly to compete through 18 and ⅓ innings of work. His velocity took a dive but showed signs of reconnecting. His profile is a toss-up.</span>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 19 - Pick #577 - IF D’Marion Terrell</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Lefty on each end of the field, ranked the 153rd prospect in the draft by MLB. He’s an Auburn commit with bat speed, physical maturity, and will eventually develop a big bat. This would be a late-round steal for the Blue Jays if they could get Terrell to forgo his college commitment. He would immediately become one of the most exciting bats in the team's system. </span>

https://twitter.com/BubTerrell/status/1773423624159895760
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Round 20 - Pick #607 - SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, UC San Diego</span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The son of former Major Leaguer Mark Grudzielanek, shortstop Bryce slashed a .284/.369/.405 line in 2024. He does all from the right side and boasts average tools at shortstop. </span>

<hr />

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