Blue Jays lose 2 payers, gain 1 in minor league Rule 5 Draft

While Wednesday's big league portion of the Rule 5 Draft did not result in any movement for the Blue Jays, the club took to social media to announce a few roster moves as a result of the minor league portion of the draft.

Hernandez is a right-handed hitting outfielder who turned 21 in October and slashed .252/.345/.364 (106 wRC+) in 174 plate appearances with the Red Sox Single-A team this year. He added on 11 stolen bases. Taking a look at some of the more advanced data, Hernandez is a patient hitter who has above average plate discipline. His selective approach in the zone allows him to make an above average amount of contact on pitches he decides to swing at and he likes to work deep into counts and draw walks. He has not hit for much power yet.

SoxProspects.com had this to say in their scouting report on Hernandez.

Converted pitcher who is an above-average athlete and has a plus arm. Fringe-average bat with some power potential. Plays corner outfield and first base. Organizational depth.

Finding his power stroke will be the key to Hernandez's progression. Only 22.9% of his batted balls went for flyballs. If there's above average raw power in the tank, he'll need to elevate the ball more to utilize it in games. He's likely to repeat Single-A with the Blue Jays in 2024.

Trevor Schwecke, a 25-year-old utilityman was selected from the Blue Jays' Double-A affiliate. He had a 127 wRC+ in 294 PA at Double-A but had struggled to get anything going at Triple-A prior to his demotion. Schwecke is known for his versatility and played all four infield positions and both corner outfield spots this year. He's a free swinger who is a good "bad ball hitter" but does not have much power to speak of. In an interview with Eric Treuden of Jays Journal, Blue Jays prospect Alan Roden named Schwecke as one of the veteran players who helped him adjust to Double-A.

In a separate move, Angel Del Rosario was selected by the Twins. The 20-year-old posted a 116 wRC+ in 211 PA at Single-A Dunedin where he spent the majority of his time this year. He mostly played left field but got some time at third base as well. Del Rosario is a big stolen base threat and nabbed 25 bags in his relatively short season for Dunedin. Prior to his selection, he was not on the prospect radar much because of his lack of power and worrisome plate skills.

We wish Schwecke and Del Rosario the best of luck with their new teams and welcome Hernandez to the Blue Jays family.