5 Blue Jays prospects who could see the big leagues post-trade deadline

Damiano Palmegiani 

Finally, we have one of last season’s breakout prospects in Damiano Palmegiani. Currently ranked 19th on the Jays Journal top prospects list, Palmegiani had a huge 2023 minor league year split between New Hampshire and Buffalo. Over 128 games, he batted .255 with an .842 OPS, along with 70 runs scored, 33 doubles, 23 home runs, 93 RBI and going a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen bases. His production numbers were so impressive that some thought he would have a legitimate chance to make the big league club some time during the current season.

However, 2024 hasn’t gone as planned for Palmegiani as he has had an up-and-down, underwhelming year so far with the Bisons. After starting off with a solid month in April, his season would be interrupted by an IL stint in mid-May. Palmegiani would make his return to Buffalo in mid-June to pick up where he left off, but has since struggled mightily in the month of July. For the season, he has hit just a paltry .212 with a .706 OPS, but has managed to still be mildly productive with 37 runs scored, 12 home runs and 39 RBI in 72 games played with the Bisons.

Depending on which positional players will be moved by the trade deadline by the Jays, Palmegiani could find himself promoted to the big leagues due to his flexibility in being able to play both in the infield and outfield positions. He may not be having his best season to date, but given that many of his fellow prospect teammates have also been struggling with their hitting at Buffalo, along with Orelvis Martinez being ineligible to return until mid-September, the Jays may have no choice but to give Palmegiani a shot at the big show.