Toronto Blue Jays farm system is 20th in MLB's latest rankings

The Blue Jays are in the swing of a new season and they seem to be the early favorites to win the AL East division, despite the rocky start. The rankings and predictions which involve the blue birds are truly promising and exciting. However, per MLB.com the Blue Jays seat at the 2023 farm system rankings has been announced; Toronto landed in the 20 spot of the 30 major league teams.

Key facts and reasons that show the Blue Jays overall state speaks louder than the farm system rankings

We can dwell on where we sit at the farm system table or we can rationalize the notables behind it. It is important to take into consideration the advancement of players and the transaction of valued players towards a better product on the field.

In 2021, the current established Blue Jays major league core were the value to the top 30 prospect list. The team on the field at the time won an impressive 91 games; however fell one win short and one loss exceeding the Red Sox final 92-70 record. The Red Sox proceeded to a wild card game while Toronto packed up.

Highly graded names in the farm system at the time included RHP Nate Pearson and Alejandro Kirk who now have earned their way into the majors. Kirk found himself an everyday starter role behind the dish and punched a 2022 All-Star appearance. Top prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson were traded to the Minnesota Twins for RHP José Berríos. Top 30-ranked 2021 prospect Jordan Groshans was dealt to Miami for relievers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop.

These acquisitions held weight as the returns were accumulative to a 92-70 record in 2022 and a spot in the AL Wild Card Series. The Blue Jays battled to coast behind the Yankees in the East and held on to that first wild card spot while beating out Seattle and Tampa in the race.

In the 2022 offseason, top Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno was dealt to improve Toronto’s everyday outfield situation while maintaining coverage behind the plate and bringing an established bat to the lineup in Daulton Varsho. Toronto also sent top 30 ranked prospect Samad Taylor to Kansas City for Whit Merrifield, along with Nick Frasso and Moises Brito to the Dodgers for Mitch White and 21st ranked Blue Jays prospect Alex De Jesus.

These returns are expected to pay dividends in 2023 with the diversity in tools and depth in the lineup, bullpen, and rotation. While the Blue Jays traded their top catching prospect, this leaves room for young prospects such as Luis Meza to develop, grow, and climb that list. The Blue Jays played the “win now” card as management sees an opportunity to capitalize on the current on-field scenario. The 2023 MLB Draft will ensure a replenish on farm system talent as current prospects will be expected to graduate to the big show, and or possibly dealt at the deadline.