5 sluggers that might pique the Blue Jays' interest in this year's MLB Draft

PJ Morlando (Summerville, High School)
19 y.o / LHH / 1B/OF

Morlando entered the year as the consensus top pure hitting prospect in this year's prep class. Now in May, it's not hard to see him falling out of the first round altogether. Much of that fall has to do with the industry's reluctance to invest significant draft capital in a first baseman out of high school. Triston Casas and the Rays' Xavier Isaac are the only real examples dating back to 2018. Projecting offense from high schoolers is very difficult and at a position like first base there's really no margin for error.

Morlando's bat has the chance to be pretty special though. He has a rare blend of hit tool and raw power that gives him arguably the highest offensive ceiling in the prep class. Morlando's swing is powerful and effective which highlights his immense bat speed. He has shown the ability to get to his power in games. The problem this spring has been seeing pitches to hit. Morlando has been getting walked constantly, partially a result of his strong plate discipline and partially because high school pitchers want nothing to do with him. He even had a stretch where he was intentionally walked 8 times in a row.

It's shaping up like Morlando will be available at pick No. 20. If the Jays want to take a player underslot and invest more money in their middle round picks, Morlando is a viable option. He'd add significant offensive pedigree to a system that is currently lacking it.