Franchise first – Blue Jays to select 23rd overall in 2022 MLB Draft

After posting a 91-71 record in 2021, the Toronto Blue Jays will be selecting 23rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. The Jays would have been selecting at 22nd overall if it wasn’t for the New York Mets receiving the 10th pick as compensation for failing to sign Kumar Rocker last year, their second pick in the first round (14th overall after posting a 77-85 record).

As compensation for losing Marcus Semien and Robbie Ray this offseason after they rejected their respective qualifying offers, the Blue Jays will receive two more draft picks that will be in Competitive Balance Round B between the second and third round.

Looking back at the Blue Jays draft history, this will be the first time the organization will be selecting a player at 23rd overall. They have been close before, but never 23rd:

21st: 1981, 2007, 2011, 2016

22nd: 1990, 2012, 2017

24th: Never drafted before

25th: 1977, 1985, 1988, 1992

For the first time in Blue Jays franchise history, the club will be selecting 23rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft after posting a 91-71 record.

Some notable players drafted around this slot include Ed Sprague (1988), J.P. Arencibia (2007), Marcus Stroman (2012), and T.J. Zeuch (2016) while players like Steve Karsay (1990) were used in trades, sent to the Oakland Athletics to acquire Rickey Henderson in 1993. Tyler Beede was selected in 2011 by the Blue Jays but did not sign with the organization.

Looking at the early prospect projections for the 2022 MLB Draft, there are a few players the Blue Jays may be interested in with their first-round selection. The front office will have to keep in mind that they may have to save some funds considering they have four picks before the third round, all of which will require some significant funds from the pool to bring on board. Some names/prospects to watch in that area right now as per MLB Pipeline:

• Brandon Barriera – LHP; American Heritage High School
• Andrew Dutkanych – RHP; Brebeuf Jesuit
• Daniel Susac – C; Arizona
• Cam Collier – 3B; Chipola Junior College
• Dylan Beavers – OF; California

It is obviously early in the year and a lot will change come draft time, which has yet to be given an official date this summer.