Blue Jays: Three prospects the Jays will regret letting go of

The Toronto Blue Jays successfully deployed and utilized multiple prospects during the course of Spring Training. Various prospects are getting their first taste of major league Spring Training and others are fighting for a roster spot.

Although the Blue Jays have an appealing farm system, there were a few prospects that departed to other clubs and have created a dent in the Toronto pipeline. The Jays ranked 14th top farm system in 2021’s midseason rankings, and dropped to the 20 spot at the end of 2022. In the long run, the club may have missed out on future talent in various organizational aspects.

Former Blue Jays prospects Toronto will regret giving up in the long run

Without a doubt, the loss of Gabriel Moreno is extreme for the Blue Jays. Daulton Varsho’s move to Toronto is a blessing towards the 2023 season, and the deal to swap the two was fantastic, however Moreno not in a Blue Jays uniform is a downfall going forward. Moreno may have been one of the best catchers Toronto has ever employed. With youth on his side, he brings potential to the backstops of any club in the majors, as an athletic offensive catcher.

Moreno’s 2022 numbers weren’t the greatest, but they weren’t a full reflection of his prospect profile. He’s having a good spring showing so far with the Diamondbacks, with a .412 batting average, .474 on-base percentage, 4 runs 7 hits 2 homeruns, and 2 RBIs. Although the Blue Jays have another catcher on the top 30 prospect list, they’ve definitely lost out on a legitimate well rounded future all star.

A trade between the Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals sent over a stud to Toronto, Whit Merrifield, in exchange for an infield prospect who was opening eyes at a fast rate. Samad Taylor was traded to Kansas City; a prospect we never thought would be touched unless involved in a blockbuster deal. Taylor was ranked 15th of 30 prospects in the Blue Jays farm system just under a year ago. His potential to rise on that list was evident, and his appearance onto a major league field was around the corner with much anticipation. Taylor’s prospect profile was impressive out of high school, selected in the 10th round of the MLB draft.

What did Toronto lose out on here? Speed, power, and ability to drive in runs. Taylor batting average hovers around .216 to .258 which is satisfactory for a double-A or tripe-A guy. In 2022, Taylor generated 45 RBI on 63 hits with 9 home runs and 23 stolen bases. In six minor league seasons he’s 470 games, resulting in 425 hits, 48 home runs, 232 RBI, and an impressive 136 stolen bags. The Blue Jays could use the help on the basepath with the running game; Taylor would have been it. His Spring Training with Kansas City looks solid so far, with 20 at-bats, 8 hits, 5 runs, 7 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, a .400 batting average, and a .435 on base percentage. This was a huge loss for Toronto.

With a hurting bullpen and pitching staff in 2022, Nick Frasso would have been a guy to groom and develop. The velocity of 100mph cannot be taught, and Frasso offered the high-heater. He came back from a UCL repair stronger than ever, showing to be a projectable mid reliever.

His fastball is a solid 60 on the 80-grade scale with good command followed by an effective curveball and a changeup. In 2022, Frasso threw 54 innings striking out 76 and only walking 17 with a 1.86 ERA. This was an arm the Blue Jays will dearly miss in the future; Frasso will strive in the major leagues as long as his health is satisfactory.