5 early Blue Jays 2024 draft targets

The college baseball season is in full swing and it's a good time to get an early look at some names that project to be available for the Blue Jays at pick No. 20. It's inevitable that the board will significantly shift by draft day but it's never too early to start thinking about one of the most fun days on the MLB calendar (for prospect lovers like me at least).

When trying to project the next Blue Jays first round pick it's important to look at draft history. Here's a look at the Jays' recent history in the first round.

The Jays have shown that they're willing to invest heavily in plenty of different demographics. It's not unusual to see teams heavily favour college players or heavily favour high school players but the Jays appear to be somewhere in the middle with their philosophy. The way the board seems to be shaking out, they'll be a wealth of college players for the Blue Jays to select from at No. 20. For this reason, the focus of this article will be on college players. However, you should never rule out a high school player slipping to them like Nimmala in 2023 or them targeting a high schooler they're really high on like Barriera in 2022. It's important to always advocate for drafting the best player available and not for need.

Without further ado, here's 5 early Blue Jays draft targets.

Dakota Jordan (Mississippi State)
20 y.o / RHH / OF

If you like rooting for freak athletes, Jordan is your guy. He might have the fastest bat speed in the country, it's a thunderous swing that explodes through the zone. There's little doubt that he has elite raw power in the tank but there are some questions on if he'll elevate the ball enough to get to it consistently in games.

After hitting 10 home runs in 184 PA in 2023, he's looking to build on that this year as he's already hit four in 57 plate appearances. Jordan also has above average plate discipline. He chased at a good 22.1% clip in 2023 and he is walking at a ~19% clip early on this year. The main question that stands in the way of his hitting profile is the swing and miss in his game.

Jordan has the bat-speed, athleticism, and coordination to keep improving against fastballs but there's significant whiff issues against soft stuff. You can live with Jordan needing some time at the plate because he's going to help you on defense. He has played all three outfield positions in college but runs well enough for center field. Even if he slides over to a corner spot, he'll likely be above average there and he's going to hit for the power you look for at that position. You don't expect to get a perfect player at No. 20 and Jordan does have his warts, but he presents monster upside with his power, approach, and defense.

Carson Benge (Oklahoma State)
21 y.o / LHH / OF

Benge has the all-around offensive profile that the Blue Jays seem to covet in a hitter. He makes plenty of contact, has great swing decisions, and hits the ball hard. His hands are quick through the zone and his swing is designed for flyballs and pull-side power.

Benge walked more than he struck out in 2023 and it's been a similar trend in 2024 through 55 plate appearances. He sees spin well out of the hand and can lay off and make contact on multiple pitch types. Benge did struggle against lefties in 2023 and patching that weakness will be important if he wants to be more than a platoon player at the highest level.

A two-way player, Benge has a monstrous arm. He's going to get drafted as a hitter but his potentially double-plus arm will be an asset when he likely lands in the corner outfield.

Jonathan Santucci (Duke)
21 y.o / LHP / SP

Santucci represents a lot of what the Blue Jays seem to like in pitching prospects. They've been all over lefties with good sliders and Santucci is just that. He's yet to surrender a run in his 17.0 IP this year.

Santucci typically sits in the 94-95 MPH range with his fastball. The pitch had a great 30% whiff rate in 2023 as it seemingly jumps on hitters thanks to it's riding life and his ability to locate it up in the zone. His slider got whiffs on half the swings it caused in 2023 and it's looked just as dominant if not more in 2024. Santucci adds on an above average changeup. He can sell it well and kills lots of spin on it.

With the chance for three above-average offerings, there's plenty to like in Santucci's arsenal. The big question heading into 2023 was innings. There's a long way to go but a healthy and productive 2024 with manageable walk rates makes him an option for the Jays and other interested teams in this range.

Luke Holman (LSU)
21 y.o / RHP / SP

I know the Jays like Holman because they drafted him in 2021. He ended up going off to college and had a strong season with Alabama in 2023. Holman transferred to LSU in 2024 and just like that he's the Friday night starter in Alex Box Stadium. Through three starts and 18.0 IP, he's yet to surrender a run with 30 strikeouts to just 2 walks.

Holman wasn't looked at as a first round guy entering the year but that looks like it might change. Everything works off his 93 MPH fastball. He boasts huge strike rates with the pitch and isn't afraid to attack hitters thanks to its exceptional shape. Holman's arsenal features two breaking balls. The slider has become more of a focal point for him but his curveball will get whiffs too. Holman also mixes in a changeup.

The main critique of him is his lack of a true plus secondary offering but he makes up for it with a great fastball and strong starter traits. Holman fills the zone up and has a big league body and operation. If he can add a bit more velocity to one (or both) of his breaking balls he has above average MLB starter potential.