Baseball America releases Top 10 Blue Jays Prospects list for preseason 2024

Only 3 of the 10 players were carried over from 2023's preseason rankings.
A detail view of a Toronto Blue Jays hat and glove
A detail view of a Toronto Blue Jays hat and glove / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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No. 5 - INF/OF Addison Barger

2023 stats (three MiLB levels): 94 G, 88 H, 56 R, 25 2B, 9 HR, 47 RBI, .247/.353/.392/.745

Scouting Grades: Hit - 50 | Power - 55 | Run - 45 | Fielding - 45 | Arm - 60

While the 2022 season was a huge coming out performance for Barger, this past year was a fairly significant step back for the youngster. He experienced some issues with durability and saw nearly all of his numbers decline.

However, the 24-year-old is right on the cusp of a big league promotion, and it won't take long for him to reach the majors next year if he can start off on the right foot. BA loves his power, giving him a 55/80, but he failed to even reach double digits last year after hitting 26 the year before. There were times last year where his swing looked unnatural and awkward, which could have something to do with the elbow pain he dealt with early on.

On defense, it'd be difficult to find a harder throwing arm in the system. Barger plays a ton of third base and shortstop and has little-to-no problems throwing out runners, but his so-so range could limit him as he ages. The Blue Jays began trying him out in right field this past year to encouraging results, so his quickest path to a job in the big leagues may be as a utilityman ... for now.