4 Blue Jays prospects who need to be called up next

After a recent shaky patch, the Blue Jays have won seven of their past nine games. Combined with the inconsistency of other playoff contenders, they're back in a Wild Card spot - at least for now.

The Blue Jays will be the first to admit they've underachieved/performed so far in 2023. As a result, ongoing poor form from individuals -- along with potential injuries -- mean always considering the next man up.

In this respect, which Blue Jays prospects are in line to be called up next? We take a look at four of the most deserving candidates:

NB - All statistics up to and including September 11.

Addison Barger

When recently writing about Addison Barger, we mentioned how the Blue Jays had to be patient with his development after being drafted as a high school prospect five years ago. Now it's Barger who needs to display patience, after being snubbed for a call up to the Majors at the beginning of September.

In fairness, you can understand why the Blue Jays picked Spencer Horwitz as the position player to be called up. Regardless, it doesn't mean Barger isn't deserving of getting that promotion himself.

There is a lot of potential surrounding the 23-year-old, who was one of just two Blue Jays included on FanGraphs' Top 100 prospects list during spring training. His production in 2023 has justified this inclusion, albeit after a slow start to the season highlighted by a .237 batting average and .662 OPS through his first 20 games with the Bisons.

It was only after returning from an elbow injury, that Barger started to show more of what he's capable of. This improved consistency includes a .282/.390/.400 slash line during his previous 23 games in Triple-A.

Admittedly the .790 OPS over the same period doesn't stand out per se, but as a whole the left-handed bat is looking good. He's also shown more patience and discipline at that plate as the season has progressed, evidenced by a gradual decrease in his strikeout rate.

Further helping Barger's case for a call-up, is his versatility on defence. He can already play all four infield positions, particularly at short stop and third base.

However, this season has also seen the Bellevue, Washington native make 21 appearances in right outfield, recording a reassuring .979 fielding percentage in the process. If there's any justice he will be called up sooner than later to the Majors, but for now he will have to remain patient.

Rafael Lantigua

In some respects, you can make the argument Rafael Lantigua is underrated. Regardless, it's becoming harder and harder to ignore what he's doing in the Minors for the Blue Jays.

Lantigua got his first taste of Triple-A last season, playing 42 games with the Bisons. He showed plenty of potential with his bat, as evidenced by a .286/.346/.373 slash line and .748 OPS.

One of the main questions however, was if the 25-year-old could produce at such a consistent rate over a longer period of time. The answer has been an emphatic 'yes' in 2023, with him actually being even more productive.

Lantigua has an excellent .295/.418/.464 slash line and .882 OPS through 118 Triple-A appearances. In the process, he's proven to be one of the offensive leaders in Buffalo this year.

In this respect, the right-handed bat leads the Bisons in RBI, doubles and walks, while also being second in hits and homers. (He is also second in steals.) He might be diminutive in size, but he's a monster at the plate.

Defensively, like Barger and Martinez, Lantigua's importance and allure is increased due to his versatility. Helped by his speed, this season he has played all three outfield positions, as well as every infield position save for first base.

The projections have Barger and Martinez slated for a call-up to the Majors first. However, in line with Lantigua arguably being underrated, don't be surprised if he somehow gets promoted to the Blue Jays before his two Bisons teammates.

Cam Eden

If you were asked to use one word to describe Cam Eden, the first one would likely be 'fast'. It's tough for anyone in the Blue Jays organization to match his blazing speed.

This is no hyberbole either, as Eden last month set a Bisons modern day record with 44 steals in a season. At the time of writing he now has 50 steals, four off the lead in the International League.

Making this even more impressive, is how smart and efficient the 25-year-old is. Consider that he has only been caught four times trying to steal a base this season.

Eden's speed, smartness and efficiency extends to his defence, particularly in center field, where he has made the majority of his starts in 2023. He has a 1.000 percent fielding percentage at the position, while only making a combined three errors at the other two outfield spots.

The 2019 sixth round draft pick might not be as dynamic with his bat, particularly in respect of just three home runs and a .682 OPS in 124 games for the Bisons. This aside though, he hasn't been too shabby.

In this respect, Eden has a .259 batting average, .347 OBP, 46 RBI and 39 walks. And we've already mentioned what he's capable of once he gets on base.

Ultimately, the Yuba City, California native is the long-shot out of the four players in this article, to be the next one called up. However, his time is coming, when he will finally make his fully deserved Major League debut for the Blue Jays.