Blue Jays: Which prospects are next in line to debut this season?

Mar 18, 2022; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Adrian Hernandez (74) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2022; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Adrian Hernandez (74) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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TORONTO, ON – MAY 22: Franklin batting gloves are seen on the turf ahead of the MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre on May 22, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

Samad Taylor -2B/OF

Acquired from the Cleveland Guardians back in 2017, Samad Taylor has also battled his way through the Minor League ladder and is now a prominent feature on the Bisons roster. It makes sense considering he was one of the top hitters on the Fisher Cats roster last season with a .888 OPS and 16 home runs.

The biggest task for Taylor this year was to keep the strikeouts in check, as he accumulated 110 K’s last year through 87 games. The righty-batter is faring much better this season, only having 45 strikeouts through 55 contests this season while also posting a .262/.352/.401 slash line with a .753 OPS, adding five home runs and 35 RBI, both of which lead the Bisons roster. Taylor has also become a versatile player, splitting time between 2B and LF with just one error on the year through 405 innings this year.

Right now, his biggest internal competition is Nathan Lukes should a spot for an outfielder open up on the Jays roster. The power is there and the strikeouts have been drastically reduced, so it would not be a crazy notion if the club decides to give him a chance later on this season.