Blue Jays: Sign High School Prospect Irv Carter

Just days after agreeing with the Blue Jays first round pick Gunnar Hoglund, the team signed another top pitching prospect on Monday when they inked Irv Carter to an $850,000 signing bonus. Carter was the Blue Jays’ fifth round pick, and could represent great value for that spot in the draft.

The 18-year old, who already stands 6’4” and 210 lbs was selected out of Calvary Christian High School. The right-handed pitcher had a verbal commitment to Miami University, however, decided to turn professional instead.

Many teams may have feared not being able to sway him from collegiate baseball as he was ranked #93 by Keith Law and #118 by MLB Pipeline and dropped to the 152 pick. The signing bonus comes around half a million over his slot value of $350,000, but was necessary to get the stand out high school pitcher to commit to the Blue Jays.

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MLB Pipeline reported that Carter already has a fastball that touches 94 mph and has a promising slider. Further stating that the many scouts believe he has “more in the tank” due to his large frame. In his high school season this past year, Carter made 10 appearances and posted a 1.87 ERA which helped him be selected as an All-County player.

It is unclear right now where Carter will start his development, but my assumption is that he will begin his journey in the Florida Complex League with the Blue Jays Rookie Ball team as he just finished up High School and won’t turn 19 until this upcoming offseason.

Carter can join a team with top pitching prospect Eric Pardinho as the 20-year old continues to rehab from Tommy John surgery, and while he’ll need several years to develop, he has high-end potential.

Do you think Irv Carter can become the steal of the MLB Draft for the Blue Jays?