A Blue Jays prospect right on the cusp of a promotion not being talked about enough

A Blue Jays prospect who may be on the cusp of a MLB promotion still isn't being talked about enough.

Riley Tirotta, Jays Journal's number 29 ranked prospect, has risen quickly this season through the Toronto farm system. Drafted in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Tirotta is now playing for his third team in 2024, the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Heading into Friday night's contest against the Rochester Red Wings, Tirotta was 46-for-183 in 226 plate appearances with the Bisons. He has hit nine doubles, 10 home runs, knocked in 34 runs, and scored 30 runs in 53 games. Tirotta has also stolen four bases without being caught, and has been hit by a pitch eight times. His on-base percentage of .389 and an OPS of .854 are among the best on the Bisons.

Tirotta, 25, hails from Mishawaka, Indiana, where aside from cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in football, he starred on the diamond for Marian High School. Tirotta then starred for four years at the University of Dayton in Ohio, and was invited to play in the Cape Cod League in 2019.

One area where Tirotta has had an issue with is strikeouts. With Buffalo, Tirotta has drawn 34 walks, but struck out 59 times after a 1-for-8, five-strikeout performance in a 10-5 loss and 5-3 win in Wednesday's doubleheader. According to Matthew Rowell of Jays Journal, despite his swing-and-miss issues, Tirotta has hitting ability that could translate to the majors. His swing path has been graded as elite, which usually helps a player make consistent contact.

Fixing the strikeout problem is something Tirotta is working on, he told the Herd Chronicles. Tirotta said when he was drafted, he probably swung at everything. But now, his mechanics and approach are constantly being refined.

Tirotta has some versatility on the field as well. Drafted as a third baseman, Tirotta has spent the majority of his Triple A time at first base. He has played second base, left field and right field during his time in the minors. Being able to play multiple positions well should help any ballplayer reach the next level.

It's pretty clear a number of young Blue Jays are going to get a chance to play after the team's Trade Deadline moves. While there hasn't been much chatter about Tirotta so far, it wouldn't be surprising to see him join the MLB conversation soon. The Blue Jays need to figure out what talent they have in the organization if they're serious about contending in the near future.