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Toronto Blue Jays updated 2021 Top 10 Prospect rankings

By Clayton Richer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Alejandro Kirk #85 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Alejandro Kirk #85 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: Starting pitcher Nate Pearson #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays works the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Blue Jays are hosting the Nationals for their 2020 home opener at Nationals Park due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays played as the home team due to their stadium situation and the Canadian government’s policy on COVID-19. They will play a majority of their home games at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: Starting pitcher Nate Pearson #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays works the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Blue Jays are hosting the Nationals for their 2020 home opener at Nationals Park due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays played as the home team due to their stadium situation and the Canadian government’s policy on COVID-19. They will play a majority of their home games at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

#2. Austin Martin- Shortstop

Hit: 70. Power: 55. Run: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50

It still blows me away that Austin Martin fell to the Blue Jays in the amateur draft as the budding superstar is already the top-ranked position player in the entire organization without having played a professional game.

Martin was the best pure hitter of the entire draft class which is also reflected in his 70 Hit rating from Baseball America. The 21-year old spent three seasons at Vanderbilt University where he hit .368/.474/.532 with 200 hits including 39 doubles, 14 home runs, 76 runs batted in, and 43 stolen bases in 140 games with the Commodores.

Baseball America has already proclaimed Martin the Best Average Hitter in the minors. Martin will be a vital cog in the Blue Jays future plans once they determine where he plays defensively.

#1. Nate Pearson- Pitcher

Fastball: 80. Curveball: 50. Slider: 70. Changeup: 55. Control: 55

Nate Pearson finally made his MLB debut in 2020 albeit to mixed reviews as the fireballer ended up on the injured reserved following just four starts. In 18 innings of work, Pearson posted a 6.00 earned run average while striking out 16 and surrendering five homers.

The 24-year old factors to be an important piece in the rotation next season after getting his feet wet in 2020. Pearson is the hands-down best prospect in the Blue Jays organization, however, he will soon be passing the torch to Martin once he no longer qualifies for prospect status.

Pearson has an electrifying fastball which is the best in the entire organization including anyone on the current MLB roster. Pearson received an 80 grade for his heater and a 70 grade for his accompanying slider by Baseball America.

This kid is the real deal and will be a pleasure to watch for the next decade or more.

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