Blue Jays' top prospect enjoys 5-hit doubleheader amidst red-hot stretch
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The hits just keep on coming for JoJo Parker.
The Blue Jays' top-ranked prospect continued his recent tear at the plate with a five-hit day -- including a home run and a pair of doubles -- across a Single-A doubleheader as Dunedin dropped Game 1 to Lakeland 11-1 before salvaging a split in the twinbill with a 6-0 blanking of the Flying Tigers in the nightcap at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Friday.
After collecting a pair of knocks in Game 1 on Friday, Parker went 3-for-4 in Game 2 with a dinger and two doubles. It marked the 21st multihit performance of the 19-year-old's rookie campaign, fourth with at least three knocks and first with three extra-base hits. He also tied his season high with four RBIs.
After a scorching June in which MLB's No. 27 overall prospect slashed .297/.430/.662 with six homers, a pair of triples, five doubles, 20 RBIs and seven stolen bases in 21 games, Parker appeared to cool off a bit in July but has found his boomstick again of late. The 2025 No. 8 overall Draft pick is batting .483 (14-for-29) with a 1.600 OPS and four taters, a triple, three doubles, 14 RBIs and nine runs scored over his past seven games.
In the nightcap of his club's doubleheader on Friday, Parker opened the scoring with an RBI double down the first-base line off an 0-1 changeup from Tigers No. 10 prospect Malachi Witherspoon in the first inning. The Mississippi prep star stepped to the dish in the following frame and turned around a 95 mph heater from Witherspoon for a three-run jack -- his 13th long ball of the year.
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In his final plate appearance of the day in the seventh, Parker sent a 105.8 mph laser to right off a breaking ball from right-hander Pedro Garcia.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound shortstop ranks atop the Florida State League with 66 RBIs; his 24 doubles, 40 extra-base hits and 68 runs scored are second among the circuit. He also ranks among the top six with 24 doubles (third), 63 walks (third), 153 total bases (fifth) and a .388 OBP (fifth).
Parker entered the 2025 Draft as the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year and the Blue Jays signed him away from his Mississippi State commitment for slightly under slot at $6,197,500. After not getting into an official game after signing, Parker made his pro debut at Single-A this season.
His overall hitting ability and athleticism have always stood out. Parker has a powerful left-handed swing, but he’s shown the ability to keep his hacks under control, impressing scouts with his advanced strike zone awareness. Though he tended more toward line drives, there was already a feel to add loft in his swing and with his power stroke already beginning to show promise, there is the potential that he could get to plus power in the future.