4 Blue Jays prospects that will raise their stock this season

Although the Blue Jays’ farm system lacks star power (aside from Ricky Tiedemann, of course), there are many prospects in the system with great potential to contribute to the team in the future. The team’s development staff has been highly successful recently, proven by the success of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Alek Manoah. There are several exciting prospects that some fans may not be familiar with, here are four whose stock will rise in the 2023 season.

No. 8 prospect 2B/3B - Cade Doughty

Cade Doughty was selected 78th overall by the Blue Jays in the 2022 compensatory round of the MLB Draft. He hit 30 home runs with an impressive slash line of .301/.379/.541/.921 during his three-year college career at LSU. Making his pro debut last season, Doughty played in just 24 games with the Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League, where he slashed .272/.370/.495/.865. Splitting time at 2B and 3B, the young infielder owned .975 and .906 fielding percentages, respectively. Since his professional sample size is too small to take into account, he showed solid consistency in college with 13 and 15 home runs, with 55 and 57 RBI in his final two seasons. The 21-year-old prospect is still very raw, though his discipline at the plate and defensive versatility on the left side of the infield should help him rise through the system in 2023. Doughty has the potential to develop into a well-rounded hitter at the major league level. 

No. 9 prospect LHP - Adam Macko

Adam Macko was acquired as a piece in the Erik Swanson for Teoscar Hernández trade this off-season. The Slovakia native was selected in the seventh round of the 2019 draft and has since progressed to High-A. His 3.99 ERA from a season ago is not eye-catching, but his 14.1 K/9 certainly is. MLB.com’s scouting grades rank both his fastball and curveball at 55, and his control at 40 (50 being league average). Clearly, the lefty has good stuff but struggles with command and consistency. Still just 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to work on his control and further sharpen his tools. Likely to begin the season at A+ with the Vancouver Canadians, Macko is a talented young arm with major league upside and will raise his stock in 2023.

No. 12 prospect OF - Gabriel Martinez

Gabriel Martinez is coming off an impressive 2022 season where he spent time at the Florida Complex League, A-ball and High-A. Across all three levels, the 20-year-old slashed .293/.355/.477/.832 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI. Playing both corner outfield positions, Martinez isn’t the fastest runner and needs to improve his range, but his contact ability and plate discipline at a young age is exceptional. With a strikeout to walk ratio of 64:32, the Venezuelan prospect has a good eye and a strong ability to reach base. The raw power is nothing spectacular, though his production was not hindered. Since joining Toronto, Martinez has grown into his 6'0" body and the power that comes with it. His swing has always been built for pull-side power, which helps him convert raw power into game power. The young Venezuelan will continue to progress through the system, led by his contact hitting, and should his power continue to develop, he would rise through the rankings quickly, making a push for a spot on the 40-man.

No. 15 prospect OF - Dasan Brown

Dasan Brown was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 amateur draft, and has since progressed to A+ ball. He played for Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and while he only made a single appearance as a pinch runner, the experience will be invaluable for his development. Totaling a slash line of .283/.383.420/.803 across Rookie Ball, A-Ball and High-A, the Oakville, Ontario native is developing into a good contact hitter with his elite speed and solid defense. Brown has racked up 52 stolen bases and a .989 fielding percentage in 150 professional games. Plate discipline is what Brown needs to improve, because his speed is dangerous on the bases if he could manage to get on more. The 21-year-old still has plenty of time to develop further, but his athleticism and speed could accelerate his progression through the rankings.