Pitching prospect acquired in Connor Sebold trade has impressive debut in Blue Jays' system

The Toronto Blue Jays just might have gotten something out of the on-again-off-again relationship they've had with Connor Seabold this season. The Blue Jays originally signed the right hander to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

The 30-year-old turned heads by posting a 17.55 K/9 rate in 6.2 innings pitched with Toronto in that spring stint and many expected him to find a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen when the season began. It didn't work out that way though and Seabold instead began the year with the Detroit Tigers.

He pitched well enough that the Blue Jays were willing to give up a prospect to get him back. After 15.2 innings in which he posted a 3.45 ERA with 14 strikeouts and a 1.40 WHIP, he was sent back north of the border and landed in Toronto.

This stint also did not work out though as he allowed three runs in 3.1 innings pitched and walked two while striking out just one hitter. Once the Blue Jays got a couple of arms back off the injured list, Seabold was squeezed out and sent to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a 21-year-old prospect from Panama.

That prospect is right-handed pitcher Denis Samudio and it really felt like a depth move to replace the prospect the Blue Jays had sent to the Tigers when the traded for Seabold. But after one game it seems like there might be a few things to like about Samudio's game.

In his debut with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, Samudio struck out seven hitters over four innings. He allowed three hits, two of which were solo home runs, but only allowed one walk in Dunedin's win over the Detroit Tigers Single-A squad.

Newest Blue Jays prospect has "work in progress" written all over him

One outing won't change anyone's mind but it's a good first step in a new system for Samudio. He signed with the Royals as an international free agent and spent the 2025 season in the Dominican Summer League, pitching to a 1.72 ERA and 0.955 WHIP in 11 games (nine starts). He struck out 44 batters and walked 10.

Since coming stateside the stuff hasn't been as sharp, but he is limiting damage. He's posted a 4.18 ERA in 23.2 total innings of minor league ball, in his first professional season. He has 29 strikeous and 11 walks, while allowing 14 runs (11 earned) and five home runs. Hitters have managed just a .186 batting average against him, while he's posted a 1.14 WHIP and a .212 BABIP against.

It could be a long trek to getting Samudio on the major league roster radar, but for the time being the numbers he's posting are just fine for a guy that is getting his first taste of pro-ball.

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