CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Each spring, we get a glimpse at the next big thing.
Two years ago, in the first Spring Breakout game, it was recent first-round pick Arjun Nimmala. Last year, it was Trey Yesavage, who shot all the way from Spring Breakout to Game 7 of the World Series in one season. Now, it’s JoJo Parker’s turn.
The Blue Jays’ first-round pick from a year ago, eighth overall out of high school in Mississippi, already ranks as the No. 2 prospect in the system behind Yesavage. By the time Yesavage gets back on the mound and pitches himself out of prospect eligibility, Parker will be the new No. 1, this organization’s next big shot at developing a homegrown star like it did with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
The jump from Year 1 to Year 2 as a pro is crucial, even for a prospect like Parker who didn’t play in games after being drafted. There’s still a level of physical maturation, too, and now that Parker is 19, it’s the first thing you notice.
“I got in the weight room hard this offseason and gained 20 pounds. I hit it really hard,” Parker said.
Growing up, Parker played football when baseball was in its offseason, so he never had a stretch of time to focus solely on baseball and building his strength. Parker was a quarterback in high school, and while he gave himself a Patrick Mahomes comp in the pocket, this is where he’s supposed to be.
“I was a twig out of high school,” Parker said. “Gaining that weight has added a little power for me, but I’m still the same guy, so I’ve got to continue to play baseball my way.”
Looking down the road, power could be the tipping point between Parker being a solid player or truly unlocking an elite hitter. He was already one of the top prep bats in his class with an excellent feel for hitting and an uncanny ability to make contact, but if Parker starts driving the ball, look out.
That’s what has the Blue Jays so excited already. There’s always a bit of mystery to the early years of development, even with how well organizations get to know the players they draft before the big day comes. Since Parker landed at the Blue Jays’ complex in Dunedin, Fla., all he’s done is impress.
“One standout is that he’s just a great human being,” said Joe Sclafani, the Blue Jays’ director of player development. “He’s been awesome to work with, he asks questions and he works his tail off. One of the most impressive things is how his body has transformed. He had a really good offseason. Then, with his comfort in the box, he just looks like he’s in full control.”
Parker is surrounding himself with the right people, too. Talent is half the battle, but organizations can’t stay on top of their young players 24/7. The players themselves need to carry their routines into the offseason and take each day seriously as professionals, which Parker has nailed.
This past winter, he trained again with Konnor Griffin, baseball’s No. 1 prospect who’s been one of the biggest stories in the league this spring and could soon be one of the faces of the Pirates alongside Paul Skenes.
“Konnor is an awesome human being,” Parker said. “Even if he didn’t play baseball, you wouldn’t know it because he’s a humble guy. All great things to him. He’s one of my best friends, so training with him was an awesome experience and we just pushed each other to get better every day.”
What else could you ask for with Parker’s foundation? He has all the raw talent you could ask for, solid intangibles and plenty of time to grow. This is a dream project for player development people, and given how polished Parker’s game is, he could move quickly.
Expect to see Parker begin the season in Single-A Dunedin, but this organization has shown a willingness in recent years -- think of Nimmala -- to challenge young, mature prospects with aggressive assignments. No. 7 prospect Juan Sanchez will start behind Parker, likely in the Florida Complex League, but he could eventually give the Blue Jays an exciting new duo rising up the ranks alongside one another.
There’s so much to dream on here, which is what Spring Breakout is all about. Ask Parker what he’s looking forward to most, though, and it’s simple.
“I get to play baseball every day,” Parker said. “That’s what I’m most excited for.”