Scouting reports on all 19 Blue Jays draft picks from the 2023 MLB Draft

The MLB Draft marks a thrilling period for both aspiring players and teams, as it opens doors for promising new talents to joining teams' farm systems. The Blue Jays welcomed 19 new prospects from this draft class, hailing from diverse backgrounds: four from high school, two from Junior College, and 13 from College. MLB.com's scouting grades, ranging from 20 to 80, provide valuable insights into each prospect's projected development. A grade of 20-30 indicates well below average potential, 40 suggests below average, 50 represents an average outlook, 60 signifies above average, and 70-80.

Round 1 (20) - SS Arjun Nimmala - Strawberry Crest High School (FL)

The Blue Jays selected Arjun Nimmala as their first pick making him the only first-generation Indian American drafted in the MLB. The 17-year-old batted .479 with six home runs as a senior in high school this year, and has committed to play for the Florida State Seminoles for next season. When speaking about himself, he’s described his approach at the plate as “patient aggressive,” and has already shown the ability to be selective at the plate and to use the entire field.

MLB.com’s prospect rankings had Nimmala as the 11th overall prospect and the second best Shortstop in the class, creating good value for where the Blue Jays selected him. He’s also been given a hit grade of 50, a power grade of 55, a run grade of 50, an arm grade of 55, a field grade of 50 and an overall grade of 55. Nimmala has the ability to develop into a five-tool player offensively, and a solid defensive shortstop as well. Every top draft prospect seems promising at the time, but must develop their skills and are years away from cracking a major league lineup, but Nimmala has great potential and looks to be a good draft choice.

Round 3 (89) - P Juaron Watts-Brown - Oklahoma State

Juaron Watts-Brown was selected 89th overall after two seasons with two different schools at the college level. He played the 2022 season with the Long Beach State Dirtbags, where he threw the first complete no-hitter in program history, before transferring to Oklahoma State for this past season. Watts-Brown has a very talented arm evident by his 13.6 K/9 rate across 155.2 college innings.

He does however struggle with his overall command of his pitches, much like many young pitchers coming out of high school or college. MLB.com ranked him as the 67th overall prospect prior to the draft, including a fastball grade of 50, a curveball grade of 55, a slider grade of 60, changeup grade of 50, control grade of 45 and an overall grade of 50. The 21-year-old has great stuff and has plenty of time to refine his command and further develop more life on his fastball.