4 former Blue Jays' prospects who are putting themselves on the map for 2027

As they say with prospect development, development is not always linear. Some prospects are able to figure things out immediately while others may need more time. For every Bo Bichette, there's an Anthony Alford. Things may not have worked out with the Blue Jays, but it is nice to see these former top prospects having a chance to thrive elsewhere.

These four players are poised to make an impact in 2027

Kendry Rojas could be an effective bullpen piece

Rojas was signed as an international free agent by the Blue Jays in 2020. He would make his professional debut in 2021 and slowly climb up the Minor League system. He would spend the next couple of seasons between the FCL and Low-A.

In an injury-shortened 2024, Rojas had a breakout season in which he posted a 2.59 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 62.2 innings with 69 strikeouts. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League that same season to make up for lost time, though he wasn't as effective posting a 5.74 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 15.2 innings while recording 13 strikeouts.

At the 2025 Trade Deadline, Rojas was sent along with Alan Roden to the Minneosta Twins for Louis Varland and Ty France. Since then, Rojas has primarily spent time at Triple-A and even made his debut in May this season.

In 2027, look for Rojas to cement a role in the Twins bullpen. Their rotation currently features: ace Joe Ryan, Pablo Lopez returning from Tommy John surgery, an emerging Taj Bradley, Dean Kremer, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, and Connor Preilipp.

Remember old friend Nate?

Some pitchers come in with huge potential but never figure it out. In the case of former top pitching prospect for the Blue Jays, Nate Pearson, he may be finally figuring things out in year six.

Pearson was drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He would make his professional debut shortly after and pitched in eight games. He missed a majority of the 2018 season as a line drive fractured his right forearm. He would spend two more seasons in the minors before making his long-awaited debut in 2020.

In his debut, he went up against Max Scherzer and the Nationals. Pearson pitched five scoreless innings, striking out five. He missed some time with right elbow tightness but pitched in four more games that season.

From there, injuries and inconsistencies caused Pearson to become a reliever. He was traded to the Cubs at the 2024 Trade Deadline and spent a year and a half with the Cubs. He was designated for assignment in September 2025 and was picked up by the Astros one month later. This season, Pearson missed the start of the season as he was recovering from offseason elbow surgery. Pearson was designated for assignment in July and was traded over to the Royals.

Since joining the Royals, Pearson has looked like a changed man. In 22 games, Pearson has a 1.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, across 23 innings while striking out 22. He has been utilized in set up roles and as a closer for the Royals. Controllable for two more seasons, look for Pearson to lock down the closer role with the Royals.

Don't forget about Samad Taylor

Taylor has been in professional baseball for over 10 seasons and has made stops in various organizations. Selected by the Guardians in 2016 MLB Draft, Taylor was traded along with Thomas Pannone to the Blue Jays for Joe Smith one year later.

Taylor would spend four more seasons in the Blue Jays system before getting traded along with Max Castillo to the Royals for Whit Merrifield at the 2022 Trade Deadline. During his time in the system, Taylor showed an ability to draw walks, steal a lot of bases and possess average power.

Taylor would make his debut the following season with the Royals. He appeared in 31 games, primarily as a pinch runner, hitting ,200/.279/.268 with a 50 wRC+ and recorded eight stolen bases. During the 2024 offseason, Taylor was traded again, this time to the Mariners for a Player To Be Named Later.

He spent the following two seasons primarily at Triple-A and would appear in seven total games in the Majors. In January 2026, Taylor was designated for assignment and was outrighted by the Mariners. Taylor elected for free agency and was picked up by the Padres after.

After a strong start at Triple-A this season, Taylor had his contract selected in June after the Padres designated Nick Castellanos for assignment. Though a right oblique strained sidelined Taylor, he has been a revelation for the Padres. In 38 games, Taylor has hit .312/.386/.384 with a 123 wRC+ while being an everyday player.

If the Padres decide not to upgrade left field over the offseason, do not be surprised if Taylor becomes an everyday fixture for the Padres in left field. If not, Taylor should be an impactful bench player.

Griffin Conine can make an impact, literally

Son of Mr. Marlin, Jeff Conine, Griffin is looking to carve out a Major League path of his own. Conine was drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Blue Jays where he spent two seasons in the Blue Jays system. He was the Player To Be Named Later that was sent to the Marlins for Jonathan Villar.

Conine would spend four seasons in the Marlins system before getting his contract purchased in August 2024. He played 30 games, and hit .268/.326/.451 with a 115 wRC+. Though he did appear in 24 games in 2025, he missed most the season with a left shoulder disclocation and did not return until late September.

This season, while Conine has primarily played in the Majors, he missed significant time with a left hamstring strain. When he has been on the field though, he has shown a lot of power in his bat. In 85 games, Conine is hitting .257/.354/.478, posting a 129 wRC+ along with 16 home runs and 38 RBIs.

When healthy, Conine has a knack for doing a lot of damage. He has well-above average bat speed, and can put up elite exit velocities (115 mph max EV in 2026). The main issue with Conine is his swing-and-miss. In his professional career, he has never posted a strikeout rate lower than 27.2%.

If Conine can stay healthy in 2027, he has the makings of a middle of the order bat that can hit for 25+ home runs in a season. Though he struggles with lefties, he would make a great strong-side platoon bat.

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