Blue Jays: Five lesser known prospects to keep an eye on in 2023

Dasan Brown, CF

Canadian Dasan Brown, a third-rounder in the 2019 draft, is listed by MLB Pipeline as the Jays' No. 29 prospect.

Looking at his grades, Brown's 80-grade speed jumps off the page. The 21-year-old from Oakville is an elite athlete and is in the running for the top speed tool in the minor leagues, also making him a top defender in the outfield.

The challenge for the speedy center fielder will be to develop his hit tool and power, both of which are slightly below average. As his scouting report tells us, "The exit velocity readings on Brown show that he can certainly be more than a slap-and-sprint hitter, so the Blue Jays are excited to see what he's" capable of if he can improve his pitch selection and contact rates."

Improvement at the plate will be essential for Brown, as he has shown a propensity to strike out. After spending 2019 in Rookie ball, he played 2021 at Low-A, where he hit .212 with 22 steals through 51 games. He posted a strikeout rate of 32.7% and an 8.8% walk rate.

Brown started to get his bat going in 2022, playing at three levels and improving his average at each stop. In 38 games at Low-A, he slashed .279/.369/.450 with four home runs and 11 stolen bases. At High-A, he slashed .298/.392/.411 with two homers and 11 steals in 40 games. Despite improving his slash line, he again posted a high strikeout rate of 28.3%, along with a 9.2 walk rate.

It was encouraging to see Brown show out as the top hitter in the playoffs for the Vancouver Canadians. While their postseason only lasted three games, he slashed a crazy .467/.500/1.200 and popped off for three long balls and a couple of stolen bases.

Brown should start the 2023 season at Double-A and hopefully will continue progressing at the plate to make himself a legitimate offensive threat. MLB Pipeline thinks he can become "one of the highest-upside prospects" in the Blue Jays organization if he continues improving when facing more advanced pitching at the higher levels.