Blue Jays 2021 MLB Draft Canadian Prospect Watch: Evan Elliot

Another Canadian arm that could assist the Blue Jays farm system? Right-handed pitcher, polished and draft-eligible, Evan Elliot, from Toronto, Ontario.

Background

Evan Elliot is a right-handed pitcher at Virginia Commonwealth University.  The Toronto-born north-paw sprouted out of the Ontario Terriers program while attending Michael Power St. Joseph High School.  He has an impressive baseball resume; in 2017, he represented Team Ontario in the Canada Summer Games.  He was a Canada/Puerto Rico All High-School team member and a member of the notorious Canadian Junior National Team program.

In 2019, Elliot had a Perfect Game USA national rank of 500 overall, 529 overall as a right-handed pitcher, 15 overall rank In Ontario, and a 5 overall rank as a right-handed pitcher.

In 2020, Elliot did not play, as COVID-19 seized a lot of baseball operations.  This did not stop Elliot from ramping up and refining his craft.  Local Toronto Baseball Organization, known as the Baseball Development Group or “BDG” was a partner along the way in his development.  In 2019, Elliot had a max velocity of 91mph on his fastball, sitting averagely between 87-89mph, with a 73-77 curveball and 75-79 changeup.

In July of 2020, BDG and Elliot executed a physical assessment that resulted in specified treatment plans and lifting programs.  After all the work done on their end, January 6th, 2021, we saw a session where Elliot was touching between 95-96 consistent, topping at 98mph.

What would Evan Elliot look like as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays?

Scouting and Evaluation Report

GRADE SCALE:

Fastball: 65          Slider: 45              Changeup: 40     Curveball: 40

Synopsis

Elliot, a Toronto kid, is in his sophomore year at VCU. He was unable to play in his freshman year due to COVID-19.  On January 20, 2021, Elliot announced his new commitment to the University of Iowa.  Despite the lack of present play, Elliot has shown previous and present impressive

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numerical evidence of his ability to play at a competitive level.  Elliot grew up playing for the Ontario Terriers travel baseball program while involved with the 18U Canadian Junior National team.

In 2019, Elliot was sitting 90-91 consistent on his fastball with solid command and strong tail.  His development through the 2021 offseason had shown a spike in his numbers, staying consistent between 95-96mph, topping 98mph.  His consistent delivery with a violent whipping finishing over the top, on a line, has his fastball tailing and in and right off the zone.  The slider moves well from top to bottom shelf and comes out between 84-85mph.  His curveball can be thrown for a strike, works more like 12-5 with good movement rarely hangs.

With a promising season on its way, Evan Elliot will be one to watch leading up to the draft.  Elliot is a hidden gem and could hear his name called earlier than expected.

We’ve seen the Blue Jays take a shot at local talent for the position on the bump.  Guy’s such as Jordan Romano, Sean Radcliffe, Alex Nolan fit the mold.  Evan Elliot would be a strong competitor in the Blue Jays system, probably a quick climb up to the big club.

The Blue Jays main struggle so far was pitching in 2021; to a point where signing a former Blue Jay and recently retired RHP John Axford was a smart and solid idea. Elliot would be another prospect to project numbers and speed up his expectancy to start for the Blue Jays on the big stage.