Jays Journal's Top 30 Blue Jays Prospects - 2024 Update

22. Michael Dominguez- AA (Previous Rank: 21)
23 y.o / RHP / SP/RP

When identifying potential major league pitchers, being unique can go a long way. Dominguez had a 3.87 ERA across over 100 innings with shaky peripherals. He was the pitcher version of three true outcomes with a high strikeout rate, high walk rate, and a high home run rate. Dominguez's fastball is in the low 90s from an incredibly flat vertical approach angle with lots of riding life. It's as close to an "uphill" fastball as you'll see and hitters can really struggle to climb the ladder against it. They tend to swing under it and it can find barrels when Dominguez doesn't locate it effectively. As unique as his fastball is, his slider is just as wacky. It has the shape of a pitch you expect to get chases and miss a lot of bats and for the most part it has done that. Dominguez throws a changeup against left-handed hitters. His feel for its shape and location is inconsistent but it tunnels well off his aforementioned pitches. He has below average command and control which has given him trouble with walks and has contributed to his home run problem. Dominguez will continue to get chances to start but a profile like this makes a lot more sense in the bullpen. Both his fastball and slider would be plus pitches with a few more ticks of velocity and shorter outings could artificially induce that. His control issues and struggles with left-handed hitters would also benefit greatly from this move.

21. Fernando Perez- ROK (Previous Rank: 26)
19 y.o / RHP / SP

Perez isn't well known among Blue Jays fans but that could change in 2024. He was the most productive pitcher in the entire Florida Complex League with a 2.72 ERA, 29.2% K%, and just a 6.2% BB%. Perez isn't the uber-projectable young arm we often dream on but he may end up with the best command and control in the Jays system. He pounded the zone with a two-seamer and a four-seamer that sit 92-94 MPH. He also has a breaking ball and changeup that both look like potential above average offerings. Perez has a large range of outcomes and if his individual pitches do not take a step forward his command will only get him so far. However, a teenager with three solid offerings and elite command should be watched very closely as he makes the leap to affiliate baseball.