The Blue Jays are planning to call up right-hander Trey Yesavage, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the organization’s No. 1 prospect, to start Monday night against the Rays in Tampa.
Yesavage, the No. 25 overall prospect, was selected 20th overall by Toronto out of East Carolina University in the 2024 Draft. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-hander pitched across four levels in his first professional season this year, going from Single-A Dunedin all the way to Triple-A Buffalo in a matter of months.
“It’s insane. I’ve always dreamed about this and it’s finally come true,” Yesavage said Sunday, beaming in the Blue Jays’ dugout soon after arriving in Toronto. “This is awesome.”
Across all four levels, Yesavage posted a 3.12 ERA over 25 appearances (22 starts), striking out 41.1% of the batters he faced over 98 innings. He features a fastball that ranges from 93-95 mph with great carry from an unusually high arm slot -- nearly straight over the top. He also has an assortment of plus secondary pitches -- a slider/cutter, a splitter and a spike curveball.
Yesavage’s assignment to Single-A to open the season seemed like it wouldn’t be enough of a challenge immediately, but that was done intentionally. The Blue Jays wanted to keep Yesavage away from any weather variables in the High-A Northwest League while they built up his routines in Dunedin with their new player development complex nearby, and by the time they started to push Yesavage, he responded to every challenge.
“I was talking to my agents before the season started and they said it was a possibility that this could happen. I didn’t believe it,” Yesavage said. “Jumping from level to level and this being my fifth team, it’s crazy. It’s just crazy. It’s been a great experience.”
COMPLETE BLUE JAYS PROSPECT COVERAGE
- Blue Jays Top 30 prospects
- Prospect stats: Today | Last 10 | Last 30
- Draft pick stats
- Highlights
John Schneider said Sunday that Yesavage will have no workload restrictions, which frees up the Blue Jays to keep him in a starting role or shorten him up in the bullpen, which he’s already experimented with in the Minor Leagues. Yesavage just kept forcing the Blue Jays’ hand, though, and those numbers have been undeniable all along.
“I think the scales have been tipping for a while,” Schneider said. “At this point, we’re trying to have the best 14 pitches in our system helping us win games. I think the way he’s been able to adapt to different roles and the stuff speaks for itself.”
Yesavage could still be made postseason eligible, too, similar to Jackson Jobe, Detroit’s No. 1 prospect who was promoted in September of 2024 and pitched for the Tigers in the postseason.