Toronto Blue Jays: Top Prospects and the Rule 5 Draft

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LAKELAND, FLORIDA – MARCH 04: Joey Murray #73 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers during a spring training game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 04, 2021 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Prospect #29 – Curtis Taylor
The Blue Jays acquired Curtis Taylor as one of two prospects that were players to be named later after the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline for Eric Sogard. Taylor split time between the Buffalo Bisons and New Hampshire Fisher Cats this past season where he combined to post a 5.71 ERA over 34.2 innings out of the bullpen. He did have a rate of 10.6 strikeouts over nine innings and although I don’t see the Blue Jays adding him to the 40-man roster, I could see another team taking a shot at adding him to their bullpen, so he could get claimed.

Prospect #28 – Bowden Francis
Bowden Francis came over to the Blue Jays with Trevor Richards in the deal for Rowdy Tellez. He is a 25-year old starting pitcher who joined the Bisons and started 13 out of his 14 appearances combining to throw 73 innings. He posted a 6-4 record and in total between the Brewers and Blue Jays minor league teams struck out 136 batters in 132.2 innings pitched. If Francis is not added to the 40-man roster, there is a chance that a team without much starting depth takes a chance on him as a fifth starter.

Prospect #27 – Zach Logue
The Blue Jays selected Zach Logue in the ninth round of the 2017 MLB Draft and he has slowly climbed up the system to the point he started 17 games for the Buffalo Bisons this past season. Logue also made seven starts with the Fisher Cats and posted a 12-4 record between the two levels with a 3.67 ERA over 125 innings, while averaging 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Logue is in a similar situation as Francis and could be claimed.

Prospect #25 – Joey Murray
There was speculation during Spring Training that former eight round pick Joey Murray may crack the Blue Jays opening day roster for 2021, however injuries derailed his entire season. TSN’s Scott Mitchell touched on Murray’s spin rate ability on his fastball that led the franchise in strikeouts during the 2019 season. Many teams may be spectacle at giving a roster spot to a pitcher who missed the 2021 season.

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