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

No. 4 - LHP Brandon Barriera

2023 stats (two MiLB levels): 7 GS, 20.1 IP, 25 K (11.1 SO/9), 9 BB (4.0 BB/9)

Scouting Grades: Fastball - 55 | Curveball - 45 | Slider - 65 | Changeup - 45 | Control - 50

BA has Barriera labeled as "extreme risk" moving forward, and for good reason. The left-hander has had some issues with his conditioning early on in his professional career and spent a considerable amount of time this past year on the shelf.

There are few pitchers in the system who have more potential than Barriera, but it's going to be a matter of him tapping into it properly as he ages. His command has been decent-but-not-great to start off his career, but one thing is clear: his slider is devastating on hitters (see: BA's 65-grade).

Ultimately, a move to the bullpen as a high-leverage reliever may be necessary for Barriera, but for now he's being developed as a starter. His four-pitch mix that is highlighted by a solid fourseam fastball and wipeout slider is a good start if he hopes to remain in the rotation, but he needs to refine his secondary stuff.