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Toronto Blue Jays: 2022 International Prospects to Watch

By Nick Prasad

Mar 14, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; A general view of TD Ballpark where the spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays has been canceled do to the COVID-19 virus. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; A general view of TD Ballpark where the spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays has been canceled do to the COVID-19 virus. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Back in January of this year, the Blue Jays inked 18 international free agents in the 2022 class. The Blue Jays made selections from nations including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Nicaragua.

As I featured Luis Meza months ago, the Venezuelan catcher happened to be our top International Free Agent signing; the Blue Jays paying $2,250,000. Meza is high-ranking and will complement our catching prospects, under top catching prospect, Gabriel Moreno, who was also an international free agent signee in 2016.

The Blue Jays finished the signing with seven Dominican Republic players, eight Venezuelan players, one Colombian player, one Panamanian player, and one Nicaraguan player.  The Blue Jays’ international scouting department has been on the grind, filling spots with worldwide talent.  The interest for International prospects has risen extremely over the years and is gaining excitement parallel to the amateur draft. The Blue Jays organization is growing exponentially.

Which Blue Jays International Prospects to keep an eye on?

Railin Tejada – OF

Tejada is a 5’10”, 160lbs outfielder, currently 17 years old from the Dominican Republic.  The Blue Jays signed Tejada at the second-highest compensation for $600,000. This kid is built with a strong athletic body; the teen version of Miguel Sano (from the Minnesota Twins). He’s from the class of 2021 Elm Niche Baseball Academy.  Railin has a powerhouse swing, pull-side hitter, and is able to shoot on the left-side gaps.  His bat power is raw, has some ability to run, and has an above-average arm. He will be a name to watch at the plate in the Dominican Summer League.

Jean Joseph – CF

Jean Joseph is a 5’1” 160lb center-fielder, doing it all from the right side. He’s also a 2021 graduate out of Ruddy Santin Baseball Academy. Joseph is slim-built with sparks of strength, quick hands with the bat, and quick feet on the base-pads. He can hit to all fields and makes solid contact early in counts.

Next. Adding Freddie Freeman could be a legitimate option. dark

Faruk De La Cruz – C

Faruk is a catcher out of El Bauty Baseball Academy in the Dominican Republic. He’s 5’10” at 145lbs and all right-handed. This is a kid that has size and athleticism and can be solid once he figures out how to use his body. He has a good swing with the ability to make contact.  His defense is above satisfactory with a ton of room to develop.

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