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Outlook on Blue Jays Prospects for the 2015 Futures Game
Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA pitcher Daniel Norris throws a pitch in the second inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Putting aside the arbitrary nature of all-star game showcases for a moment, it was definitely positive to hear about the results from the Blue Jays’ representatives at the 2014 Futures Game in Minneapolis last Sunday. The three players, catcher A.J. Jimenez, outfielder Dalton Pompey, and pitcher Daniel Norris, all made an appearance in a game that featured exceptional performances from Norris and Pompey in particular.
Although the Blue Jays’ farm system has taken hits from scouts in recent years after trading away prominent prospects, the success shown by these prospects on the big stage proves that the Jays still have some serious top-tier talent developing in the system. In light of the struggles with the big league club, fans can take some solace in the solid developments within the minor leagues and it’s never too early to look ahead to which prospects in the lower minors are up and coming as a potential representative for the Jays at the next Futures Game.
Here are some of the names that could be in contention for the 2015 game in Cincinnati…
Roberto Osuna winds and fires for the C’s. Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Sun vancouversun.com
Roberto Osuna
The big right handed-pitcher from Mexico just recently made his return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season, but he is still very much a top-tier talent in the organization. Before the surgery, Roberto Osuna was skyrocketing through the organization and mowing down batters at every level, to a clip of 10.8 K/9. He is still only 19 years old and although he is only pitching in rookie ball at the moment, but he should be on track to return to Single A Lansing or even Dunedin for a full season in 2015.
Promising news regarding Osuna’s comeback was delivered via Chris King of Baseball Prospectus. King reports that Osuna is back up to 95-97 on the radar gun with his fastball, and he was particularly impressed with his repeatable delivery and overall conditioning. If the stuff translates into results by the end of this season, he will most definitely cement himself among the top prospects in the organization, which is probably enough in and of itself to earn him a roster spot at the Futures Game next season.
Toronto Blue Jays prospect Franklin Barreto. Credit: MLB Prospect Portal
Franklin Barreto
The 19-year-old shortstop from Venezuela was a well-known name in the 2012 international free agent class, and after signing with the Blue Jays he really put himself on the map with a solid debut in rookie ball last season. Franklin Barreto moved up to Low-A ball for a short-season this year, where he has continued to rake against much older competition – to the tune of an .832 OPS over 130 PA.
Although scouts have questioned whether or not he has the defensive prowess to stay at shortstop, there has been no denying his offensive abilities in the lower minors. He also grades out as having a plus speed tool, which has helped him steal 11 bases so far this season.
Currently, Barreto is on track to advance through the ranks right up to Lansing next year, which could make for a very interesting middle infield there if fellow shortstop Dawel Lugo does not advance to Dunedin. If Barreo continues to succeed while playing against older competition in Single A ball he will really see a boost in his prospect status, and potentially put himself in a position to be nominated to the Futures Game next season.
Bluefield Blue Jays 3B Mitch Nay follows up a swing in Bluefield, VA on July 19, 2013. Mandatory Credit: Jay Blue
Mitch Nay
The 20-year-old third baseman from Chandler, Arizona was rated to have the best strike zone discipline in the organization before the 2014 season by Baseball America, and he has been showing all season long why he earned that title. Even during the month of May, when he had an abysmal .233 batting average, Mitch Nay managed to walk just as many times as he struck out (15:15), and he has since gone on to rebound and terrorize opposing pitchers during the months of June and July. He has hit .338 over 130 AB during that timeframe and set himself up to have a huge second half after being named a midseason all-star in the Midwest League for Lansing.
Nay will almost definitely be promoted to Dunedin either sometime this season or to start the next, where he should continue to refine his craft. The home of the D-Jays, Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, is known for being tough on hitters, but if Nay can continue to mash the ball there he will certainly be in line to receive some consideration for the Futures Game.
Dean played for the Bluefield Blue Jays during the 2012 season (Image from Bleacher Report)
Matt Dean
The 21-year-old first baseman from Highland Village, Texas is Nay’s teammate across the diamond, and has also been his partner in crime in the lineup during the first half of the season. Matt Dean has put his raw power on display during the month of July, hitting 4 home runs in his last 12 games, but its been his ability to hit consistently all season long that earned him a spot on the midseason all-star team as well this season. The situation for Dean is much like it is for Nay; if the right-handed slugger can carry his .308 batting average and .836 OPS up to Dunedin successfully next season it will do wonders for his prospect status.
Even more importantly for Dean is if he can convert some of his 18 doubles into home runs next season, which will make up for the higher amount of strikeouts he collects. The odds may be against a guy who was drafted in the 13th round, but like Pompey proved this year it’s not impossible as it’s all about raw talent and results in order to get selected to the Futures Game.
Jun 7, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals infielder Sutton Whiting (1) tags out Kennesaw State owls catcher Max Pentecost (3) at second base during bottom of the first inning at Jim Patterson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Max Pentecost
Due to a lack of track record the 2014 first rounder may be the biggest wildcard on this list, but his overall upside is as comparable to anyone on this list.
21 year old catcher and 11th overall draft pick Max Pentecost dominated for Kennesaw State in the NCAA this season and carried that over into his debut for the Gulf Coast League Jays this month, collecting 8 hits and 2 doubles over six games. The former Cape Cod League MVP and Johnny Bench Award winner was labelled the top true catcher in the draft, and he has a real chance to be a force on both sides of the ball for the Blue Jays in the near future. For now, he’ll make his debut for the Vancouver Canadians this Tuesday, after receiving the Bench award during the all-star festivities in Minnesota.
After getting a taste of the midsummer classic this season Pentecost will surely want more, and in order to get it he will have to continue to hit in Vancouver this season while preparing to move up to a full season league in Lansing or maybe even Dunedin in 2015.