Prospect seen as 'throw-in' in Yimi Garcia trade off to dominant start for the Blue Jays

One of the Blue Jays' many roster casualties at this year's trade deadline was reliever Yimi Garcia, who Toronto shipped to Seattle in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers. At the time of the trade, Jonatan Clase, the big league-ready outfielder the Blue Jays acquired, seemed like the prize in the return.

However, a little bit over a week after the trade, it's catcher Jacob Sharp that has stolen the headlines in the Blue Jays' minor league system. At the time of the deal, he felt like a mere throw-in, since his early numbers in the Mariners low-minor league affiliates didn't exactly scream "future star". Yet, he's been on fire since joining his new organization.

Jacob Sharp off to red-hot start in Blue Jays minor league system

While it's still only been just six games, Sharp, a 22-year-old backstop, has already hit three home runs and driven in eight runs. He's 6-for-19 (.316) with a 1.251 OPS, walking and striking out two times each. His sudden power surge has been a welcomed development, as he had hit just six big flies in 44 games for the Mariners' Low-A affiliate prior to the trade. He didn't hit a single home run in an 11-game cameo in the Mariners' rookie ball affiliate last year.

Sharp was taken by the Mariners in the 17th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He is widely regarded as more of a defensive-first catcher whose offensive contributions will be nothing more than an added bonus. The Blue Jays have consistently been low on catching depth over the years, but his power outburst is certainly encouraging as the club begins life without Danny Jansen at the big league level.

Clase, 22, has begun his tenure in the Blue Jays organization in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons. He's only made it into three contests so far, going 2-for-12 (.167) with a run driven in, two runs scored and one stolen base in two attempts. He's seen as a player who could see time in the big leagues before the end of the year, and will give the Jays yet another speedy outfielder who can play all three spots out there.