One Year Later: How the Blue Jays' Top 10 2022 draftees have performed in 2023

As August gets closer to becoming September, with it comes the first official glance at a full season's work for some of the newer prospects in the Blue Jays organization. For the 2022 draftees, it means roughly one full year has passed since the team has drafted them, and in this article, we'll go over the first 10 draft picks and how they've performed so far.

1. Brandon Barriera - LHP - #4 Prospect (Dunedin, Currently on IL)

The Blue Jays' first-round pick last year, Barriera got off to probably the best start imaginable, throwing four no-hit innings in his first pro appearance for Dunedin back in May. Barriera followed that up with three rocky starts before being placed on the IL with an elbow injury on June 6th. After a brief rehab with Bluefield Barriera was back up with Dunedin and things have been sharp since. Across two starts Barriera yielded two hits, two walks, and struck out five (across five innings). Equipped with a mid-90s fastball and an effective slider/changeup mix, Barriera's season came to a halt when he was placed on the IL once again on August 3rd with bicep soreness. The lefty's 2023 season has likely come to an abrupt end but the potential is definitely there, and if he can consistently stay healthy the future is bright for the 19-year-old.

2. Josh Kasevich - SS/3B - #12 Prospect (Vancouver)

Drafted 60th overall by the Jays, Kasevich was drafted as a contact first middle infielder with an above-average ability to get on base, and so far he's more than met that expectation. In 78 games so far this season Kasevich is slashing .292/.368/.361, and has only struck out 35 times (compared to 31 walks). At only 22 there's a lot of room for growth for Kasevich, but his defense has been solid (only 11 errors this season), and his ability to get on base makes him an intriguing prospect. Unfortunately for him and multiple prospects later on, there's a Bo Bichette-sized obstacle blocking the way for major league experience at shortstop. Not to mention other prospects such as Orelvis Martinez, Addison Barger, and Leo Jimenez are ahead of him in the prospect rankings. It might take him a little while (or a new organization) but the future looks bright.