Blue Jays: Where are the 2021 draftees beginning their pro careers?

The 2021 MLB Draft saw the Toronto Blue Jays sign 17 of their 19 selections, with Micah Bucknam and Luke Holman, both high school players drafted in the later rounds, choosing to instead honour their post-secondary commitments.

While the Blue Jays did not have a second-round pick because of the George Springer signing this past offseason, they still walked away with quite a haul. Of the drafted players, there are 12 pitchers, two outfielders, two third basemen, and one catcher being added to the organization.

Let’s take a look at where these prospects will be beginning their pro careers and how they are doing so far in the minor leagues.

Florida Complex League – Rookie Ball

In total, three of the 2021 MLB draftees are currently with the FCL Blue Jays however two players have already been promoted to the Low-A Dunedin Blue Jays since being assigned to the club earlier this month (and will be featured later). All three players listed below are position players.

Jaden Rudd – 7th round, 212 overall (outfield)

The second high school player drafted this year after Irv Carter, lefty batter Jaden Rudd is off to a strong start in Rookie League ball, slashing .261/.414/.478 with one home run, three RBI, and a .892 OPS. He also has five walks compared to six strikeouts while also stealing three bases through 10 games.

Damiano Palmegiani – 14th round, 422 overall (third base)

One of the later signees from this year’s MLB Draft, infielder Damiano Palmegiani has ties to Canada after growing up in British Columbia before taking his talents south of the border for college ball. So far in his first few weeks of professional baseball, Palmegiani is sporting a .316/.409/.526 slash line with one home run, two RBI, and a .935 OPS in eight games and 19 at-bats.

Juan Gonzalez – 19th round, 572 overall (catcher)

The only catcher selected by the Jays this year, Juan Gonzalez would be assigned to the FCL Blue Jays on August 5th has appeared in eight games so far, producing three hits and four RBI through 17 at-bats, slashing .176/.238/.235 with a .473 OPS.