Blue Jays: Five prospects next in line for a promotion to the big leagues

Hobie Harris – RHP

Drafted by the New York Yankees back in 2015, right-hander Hobie Harris was picked up by the Blue Jays off of waivers during the 2019/2020 off-season. He did not pitch in 2020 because of the minor league season being canceled but has been throwing well in AAA this year, pitching to a 3.03 ERA through 34 games with 15 walks, 43 strikeouts, and a 1.07 WHIP. He also has seven saves on the year and has limited opponents to a .180 average.

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Given that the club has already called up Bryan Baker and Nate Pearson when the active rosters expanded on September 1st, it is unlikely the Blue Jays will be adding Harris to the club this year. He is not on the 40-man roster, one of the biggest obstacles for him joining the club, but a strong spring next year could see the former Yankees prospect knocking on the major league door, with the prospect status starting to be lost on the 28-year-old.

Dany Jimenez – RHP

Another member in the Buffalo Bison’s bullpen, Dany Jimenez was sporting a 5.79 ERA by the end of May but has been on an absolute tear since the start of June, pitching to a 2.53 ERA in June, 2.25 ERA in July, and a clean 0.00 ERA in August. Through 32 appearances, the Dominican product has thrown to a 2.70 ERA with 22 walks, 59 strikeouts, and 1.28 WHIP while keeping opponents limited to a .187 average.

Jimenez is also not on the 40-man roster, meaning he would have to be added before any potential call-up. The right-hander will be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this off-season, a process that he has been exposed to twice and selected two years in a row, only to be returned later in the season from both the Giants (2020) and Athletics (2021). It will be interesting to see if the cub will add him prior to the Rule 5 Draft or expose him once again.

Honourable Mentions

Bowden Francis – RHP

Acquired in the Rowdy Tellez trade with the Milwaukee Brewers along with reliever Trevor Richards, right-hander starter Bowden Francis currently sports a 4.53 ERA through nine starts with 28 strikeouts.

Zach Logue – LHP

Drafted in 2017, southpaw Zach Logue started in AA but was promoted on June 12th to the Buffalo Bisons, where he has thrown to a 3.66 ERA through 13 outings, 12 of which were starts.

Samad Taylor – OF

Working his way through the Blue Jays farm system since being acquired from Cleveland back in 2017, Samad Taylor has worked his way up the prospect rankings after a strong 2021 campaign down in AA. Through 84 games, Taylor sports a .300/.391/.516 with 16 home runs, 52 RBI, and a .907 OPS with 29 stolen bases. Next year should see the prospect move up to AAA but a pretty Blue Jays outfield core may be one of his biggest obstacles to making the roster except in a bench role.