Blue Jays: Could a 12-year old be the franchise’s future star shortstop?

The Blue Jays scouting department does a fantastic job each and every year in finding and adding talent.  I can bet the change in my pocket that the scouting department is aware of the name “Enmanuel Beltre” for many reasons.

The Toronto Blue Jays carry a very deep and diverse talent level in the farm system, with a ton of exciting names that have the potential to touch Rogers Centre turf.  A ton of the Jays’ prospects are products of the international free agent signing classes. As we move forward towards a hopeful spring training season, I want to introduce you to a name that you’ll remember about 5-6 years from now.

The name is Enmanuel Beltre.  Write it down.  Why? Years from today, when you’re keeping score at the ballpark, this kid’s name will be in the two-spot on your lineup card with position number six beside it, on a Major League roster, with a strong assumption that he will be a Blue Jays shortstop.

So, let’s begin with who this kid is; Enmanuel Beltre is a 12-year old amateur shortstop out of the Dominican Republic.  Yes, 12 years old. Beltre already has a profile live through Perfect Game Baseball, with an 8.5 PG grade, listed as a 2028 graduate. Enmanuel is currently a part of the FTB Select Club, based out of Winter Garden, Florida. Standing 5’6” at 130lbs in weight, Beltre hits and throws from the right side and has posted metrics with a 7.93s 60-yard dash, a 71mph positional velocity and 69mph exit velocity.

Why are the Blue Jays relative to Enmanuel Beltre?

Firstly, you’re wondering why we’re talking about a 12-year old (turning 13).  Remember, draft picks are not noticed at their draft year, there is a constant build-up from young talent.  Enmanuel Beltre is not your average 12U player.  This kid works up to the standard of division 1 athletes. In a recent documentary, it is said that Enmanuel started taking the game seriously at 9-years old, was in the gym by 11-years old, and currently plays up in age due to his talent level.  Beltre works vigorously on dryland and baseball specified performance training at Fortuna Training Facility (FTF), with owner and Coach Jose Fortuna.  By watching highlights and reels of this kid’s at-bats and fielding, his tools are very clear.  He has quick feet, quick and soft hands, solid footwork, and an on-point throw.  His tools are similar to a Jose Reyes style of defence.  His bat is the most artistic piece of movement.  He is zoned in, all eyes for his pitch and a swing, staying on top of the ball, comparable to Josh Donaldson.  He can hit for extra-base hits and can take you yard.

Now, why is this kid in the same conversation as the Blue Jays? Let’s begin with his brother, Manuel Beltre.  Manuel is a Blue Jays prospect, a short-stop for the DSL Blue Jays, and 10th ranking prospect in the Blue Jays system. Manuel was signed as an International free agent in 2021 by Toronto at only 16-years of age. With the Blue Jays being a family tradition now, it is without question that the young Beltre has his eyes set on playing for Canada’s team. Enmanuel is set for the 2025 international class, and the 2028 USA graduate class.

Stay tuned for this future stud!