Blue Jays: Looking at where the unsigned 2021 MLB Draft picks ended up

Micah Bucknam

Born in New Zealand, right-hander Micah Bucknam was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 16th round at pick #482. At the time, Bucknam was attending the Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, British Columbia and took his talents south of the border to put his arm on display in front of more scouts like the Area Code Games, battling COVID-19 restrictions throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons. At the time of being drafted, Bucknam had a commitment to the University of Washington.

Following the draft and going unsigned, Bucknam decided to de-commit from Washington and instead reclassify for the 2022 MLB Draft. He also got a chance to suit up with the Canadian Junior National team, partake in the Super 60 PBR Pro Showcase, and decided to commit to Lousiana State in September of last year. Bucknam also decided to take his talents to the MLB Draft League, joining the Trenton Thunder in their rotation this past summer.

The 6’2″ right-hander started five games and pitched well, finishing with a 0.53 ERA through 17.0 innings while allowing just eight hits and one earned run to go along with five walks and 15 strikeouts, with his ERA leading all Thunder starters. Bucknam has a three-pitch mix with a fastball that sits in the 92-93 MPH area and two offspeed offerings in a curveball and slider.

Although he reclassified for this year’s draft, Bucknam did not hear his name called and will most likely be heading to LSU to continue on with post-secondary baseball and trying to improve his draft status for a future draft.