These are the Blue Jays prospects to watch at every level
Keegan Matheson
@KeeganMathesonThis story was excerpted from Keegan Matheson’s Blue Jays Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
The Blue Jays announced their remaining Minor League rosters Wednesday, the eve of Opening Day for Double-A New Hampshire and Single-A Dunedin.
The High-A Vancouver Canadians open their season Friday while the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons are already underway, so there’s plenty of baseball to track beyond the Blue Jays.
Tracking prospects has long been the habit of the hardcore fans, but it’s getting easier for casual fans to watch and follow the stars of tomorrow. Here’s a look at the Top 30 prospects assigned to each level, plus something to watch for if you’re new to following the Minor Leagues regularly.
TRIPLE-A BUFFALO
Manager: Casey Candaele
Barger starred in Spring Training, then opened the Triple-A season with a 465-foot blast. He’ll play some shortstop and third base, but he will also learn the outfield. Barger needs a bit more seasoning against Triple-A pitching, but he’s putting together quality at-bats already, and a midseason MLB debut looks likelier by the day. Lopez will also be part of that conversation, though, after just missing out on the 26th roster spot out of camp. Toronto’s infield depth is in a great place.
Casual viewing: Try to catch one of Zulueta’s starts on MLB.TV. The Cuban right-hander touches 99 mph with unusual ease, and while injuries have slowed him over the past few years, he’s incredibly talented when he puts it all together. Zulueta’s best shot at the big leagues in 2023 is in a multi-inning relief role.
DOUBLE-A NEW HAMPSHIRE
Manager: Cesar Martin
Martinez returns to Double-A, where he launched 30 home runs in 2022 but hit just .203 with a .286 on-base percentage. This is your classic case of a power prospect who needs to limit the empty at-bats, but Martinez is still very young at 21 and has quietly generated some optimism over the offseason. He and Palmegiani should do some damage in the heart of this lineup. Palmegiani is built for power and slugged his way onto the Top 30 Prospects list last season with 24 home runs and an .815 OPS. Hernandez is a surprise here, frankly, after reaching Triple-A in 2022, but Buffalo’s bullpen is stacked with talent, and he didn’t impress in camp.
Casual viewing: Soon enough, you’ll have Ricky Tiedemann to track. The Blue Jays’ No. 1 prospect is expected to join New Hampshire shortly, and his starts will be must-watch when you get the chance. Just like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Nate Pearson before him, Tiedemann now captains the prospect hype train.
HIGH-A VANCOUVER
Manager: Brent Lavallee
Vancouver is loaded with prospects, making for a nice balance of pitchers and position players. Doughty, De Jesus, Machado and the big power-hitting Nunez give the High-A Canadians a great infield while Martinez and Brown star in the outfield. The lefty Macko, brought over in the Teoscar Hernández trade, is loaded with upside if he can put it all together and stay healthy.
Casual viewing: You’re going to love watching Brown play ball. The Canadian looked much better at the plate in 2022, but it’s his elite speed and great defense that give him a clear path to the big leagues someday.
SINGLE-A DUNEDIN
Manager: Donnie Murphy
The D-Jays should add No. 2 prospect Brandon Barriera at some point during the season, which will immediately become one of the biggest stories in the system. Until then, Dunedin’s prospect appeal will be in the infield. Beltre is an 18-year-old with a veteran’s feel for the game -- and a good breakout candidate -- while Pinto “plays with his hair on fire."
Casual viewing: By this time next year, you’ll be hearing Toman’s name a lot more. The organization loves this switch-hitting prospect.