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Two Blue Jays infield prospects fans need to watch closely in 2027

Ryan Cooney and Josh Kasevich are earning praise for the qualities they could bring to Toronto both on the field and in the clubhouse
ByEdward Eng
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Mar 2, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Josh Kasevich (86) scores a run during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mar 2, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Josh Kasevich (86) scores a run during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Every organization hopes its top prospects will eventually make an impact in the majors. The most valuable young players, however, can influence more than the box score by setting a standard in the clubhouse and helping build a winning culture.

The Toronto Blue Jays may have two of those players in Ryan Cooney and Josh Kasevich. Their development will be worth following in 2027, not only because of what they can contribute on the field, but also because of the leadership qualities they could eventually bring to Toronto, according to their University of Oregon coach, Mark Wasikowski.

Cooney and Kasevich both played at the University of Oregon under Wasikowski who remembers them for their work ethic, leadership and aggressive style of play. Eli Fishman of MLB.com spoke to Wasikowski recently and he said their intensity was “really comparable and almost identical”. Wasikowski believes those qualities will allow both prospects to influence the Blue Jays organization well beyond their individual performances.

“The Blue Jays got great players, but they got two really good coaches (in Cooney and Kasevich). They’re going to have a positive impact on everyone in that locker room. They understand the game, they get it, they’re smart, they’re not going to be out-prepared,” said Wasikowski.

Ryan Cooney and Josh Kasevich are already making their mark in the Blue Jays system

Cooney was selected by the Blue Jays in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft and the 21-year-old made his pro-baseball debut with Single-A Dunedin shortly afterwards. In 23 games, he posted a .618 OPS with 11 runs scored, two home runs, 10 RBIs and three stolen bases. He will need a little time to adapt from college ball to the pro ranks, but the focused mindset that Wasikowski emphasized, he should be able to make the right adjustments soon enough.

Kasevich, meanwhile, is coming off a strong season with Triple-A Buffalo. The Blue Jays second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft may not flash much home run power, but he was consistent the entire season. The 25-year-old hit .282 with a .727 OPS, 77 runs scored, 23 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 47 RBIs and eight stolen bases. He also had close to a 1:1 walk to strikeout ratio in 130 games played. That performance earned Kasevich the Bisons’ 2026 MVP.

Kasevich could make his major-league debut at some point in 2027 while Cooney is likely a few more years away. Nevertheless, Blue Jays fans have a reason to look forward to watching whether or not these two potential difference makers wind up in Toronto's clubhouse.

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