logo
Blue Jays 2026 mid-season top prospect list: No. 36 Jared Spencer
alt
Photo credit: © Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Aug 27, 2026, 09:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 27, 2026, 08:59 EDT
Comments
A potential starting pitching breakout candidate has yet to make his professional debut.
In the 11th-round of the 2025 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Jared Spencer. The left-handed starter’s 2025 collegiate season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, one he is still recovering from.
That said, whenever he makes his debut, he’s certainly a breakout candidate as he was widely considered a top 200 draft prospect before his injury. Even without pitching in over a year, Spencer ranks as our 36th-best Blue Jays’ prospect in the mid-season top prospect list. If you missed who ranked as our 37th-best prospect, you can read about Elaineiker Coronado here!

Jared Spencer

Position: Starting pitcher
Throws: Left
Born: July 1st, 2003
Acquired: 11th-round, 2025 MLB Draft
Previous ranking: 27th
Spencer began his collegiate career with Indiana State, spending three seasons with the Sycamores. In 2024, he posted a 4.08 ERA and 4.45 FIP in 53 innings of work, starting nine of the 18 games he appeared in. While posting a 29.5 K%, the left-handed pitcher struggled with command as he had a 13.5 BB%. Still, the Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the 14th round of the 2024 draft.
Instead of signing with the National League team, Spencer elected to return for his senior year, joining the University of Texas, Austin. It turned out to be the right decision, as he drastically improved.
Making 10 starts before the shoulder injury, Spencer posted a 3.27 ERA and 4.38 FIP over 52.1 innings of work. His K% remained around the same spot as the year prior, 29.3%, but his BB% dropped to 10.2% as well.
More importantly, Spencer’s stuff improved big time. According to his MLB Pipeline scouting report ahead of the draft (where he ranked as the 113th-best draft eligible prospect), Spencer’s fastball velocity jumped and sat in the mid-90s while touching 98 mph before the injury. His slider velocity also improved, while he developed an above average changeup.
With less than a month remaining in the minor league baseball season, it’s unlikely Spencer will make his professional debut in 2026. But not only is Spencer a breakout candidate if he’s healthy in 2027, but he could also be a fast mover. Of course, that’s the best-case scenario, because who knows how he’ll perform after such a long layoff?
Still, the left-handed starter has some potential.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, DFOEdmonton, and DFOCalgary. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
News
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News