Blue Jays conclude night one of MLB Draft by securing a Chandler Simpson clone

Speedy outfielder was selected in the third round of the 2025 MLB draft
Southern Miss Golden Eagles outfielder Jake Cook (2) makes a play against the Columbia Lions during a 2025 NCAA Hattiesburg Regional game at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on May 30, 2025.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles outfielder Jake Cook (2) makes a play against the Columbia Lions during a 2025 NCAA Hattiesburg Regional game at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on May 30, 2025. | Matt Bush/Special to USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays concluded the first night of the draft by selecting one of the most exciting players in Jake Cook from Southern Mississippi. The outfielder is a Chandler Simpson clone, bringing 80 grade speed to the organization with solid hit tools.

There is a lot to like with this pick, following an exhilarating first round selection of Jojo Parker. The Blue Jays completely went offense in night one since their pitching pipeline is getting deeper and deeper. That strategy is going pretty well so far as both may jump into the top 15 of Toronto's top prospects.

Blue Jays secure one of the fastest players in college baseball with Jake Cook in MLB Draft.

Cook in particular is going to be an exciting prospect to watch grow throughout the organization for various reasons. First of all, he brings speed. At the MLB combine, his 30 yard dash was recorded at a 3.51 seconds. That is absolutley unreal speed to work with and it's not like that is his only tool either. He brings above average hit tools, a great arm, and an outstanding glove, projecting to be a great defensive centerfielder.

His game will be small ball, as his power is far below average, while he strikes out at an incredibly low rate of 6.7%. He batted .350 this season, while posting a 131 wRC+. The only issue with him is that he can't steal bases. With 80 grade speed, how could he possibly even run into outs? Well, his jumps aren't very good and he finished last season 3/8 on stolen bases. He's got great reads on balls in the outfield, but his jumps just have not translated.

That is the area of growth the Blue Jays must unlock for him to reach his potential. If he adds stealing bases to his game, he is going to generate lots of runs, while also adding Gold Glove upside in the outfield. That defensive upside will easily be able to get unlocked after Toronto brought in Kevin Kiermaier as a coach last offseason.

This pick is looking like a steal to end the first night. Two high upside bats join the organization, while this could help make other prospects more expandable at the Trade Deadline. Great start Ross Atkins, finish the job tomorrow in day two.