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Blue Jays sign international outfield prospect Michael Mesa for $900k
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Photo credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Jan 15, 2026, 19:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 15, 2026, 19:39 EST
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The Toronto Blue Jays made two major signings on the first day of the 2026 International Free Agency period.
We’ve already looked at one of them, as they signed Venezuelan catcher Juan Caricote to a bonus of $1.95 million. The other notable signing, Michael Mesa, signed for a bonus of $900,000, according to Baseball America’s Ben Badler.
Mesa ranked as Baseball America’s 55th-best International Free Agent, while he ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 30th-best IFA prospect. According to his Baseball America scouting report, Mesa stands 6’1”, 190 lbs with good power. A left-handed batter, his swing is considered an upper cut and is an all-gap hitter with his home run power going to right field. Mesa will likely play a corner outfield position in the future.
As for his MLB Pipeline scouting report, they have him standing 6’2”, 209 lbs. They note that he has a strong work ethic off the field and barrels it up on the field. His swing is described as “whippy” and he could be an extra-base hitter. Like Baseball America’s assessment, MLB Pipeline believes he’ll be a corner outfield, as he has average speed and a fringe arm that could improve in the future.
Once a sore spot in the organization, the Jays have a bunch of intriguing outfielders in the system. RJ Schreck and Yohendrick Piñango were both acquired before the 2024 trade deadline as the Jays sold, and both had strong years in the upper minors. Schreck, in particular, slashed .249/.395/.459 with 18 home runs in 427 plate appearances, and could be a legitimate option to make the big leagues at some point in 2026.
Joantan Clase is another outfield prospect the Jays acquired before the 2024 trade deadline, as the switch-hitting outfielder has an interesting blend of speed and power. Jake Cook was selected in the third round of the 2025 draft, and he’s a very intriguing outfield prospect. Victor Arias is another outfield prospect who ranks in MLB Pipeline’s top 10 prospects for the Blue Jays.
Mesa is still years away from even sniffing a big league spot, but the 17-year-old could become one of the Blue Jays’ top prospects in quick fashion.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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