Where will the Blue Jays' top 10 prospects start the 2023 MiLB season?

Now that the Toronto Blue Jays’ season is well underway, that means their affiliate teams in Minor League Baseball are in game shape too.

Although the organization recently placed 20th on MLB.com’s farm system rankings, 2023 is a key year of development for several young players across the different levels of the minors.

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There are a few who flashed during Spring Training and others who are knocking on the door for a call-up to the show. Here’s where the top 10 prospects will start the year.

1. Ricky Tiedemann, Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats (once activated from IL)

After his impressive showing in Spring Training, Tiedemann was sidelined with left shoulder soreness that will see him miss the start of the season. Once he’s ready to go, MLB’s No. 31 overall prospect is expected to be a major part of the Fisher Cats rotation.

2. Brandon Barriera, Rookie ball, Florida Complex League

After being the top selection of the Blue Jays in the 2022 MLB draft, Barriera was added to the FLC roster in early March. Although the 19-year-old is still at least two years away from even being close to the majors, this year will be an important step for the lefthander’s career.

3. Yosver Zulueta, Triple-A Buffalo Bisons

Out of all the prospects in the system, Zulueta may be the one who’s closest to being ready for a call-up. He’s 25-years-old and has looked sharp throughout his progression through the ranks. Last year alone, Zulueta played in four leagues, A, high-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. If one of the relievers falters early, look for the Cuban international to get the call.

4. Orelvis Martinez, Double-A

It’s gotten into put-up or you-know-what time for Martinez, who has shown tremendous power, but also a high-strikeout rate that has caused him to plummet out of the top 100 MLB prospects lists. If Martinez can cut down on the Ks, he could find himself on the Bisons' roster at some point this season. The question of whether he can stick at shortstop is also up for debate.

5. Tucker Toman, Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays

The fact that Toman received $2M after being the 77th overall pick (much higher than slot value) in last year’s draft should tell you how highly the infielder is thought of within the organization. Still just 19, Toman was considered one of the more polished high school hitters available and will look to terrorize the Single-A circuit after getting a taste of rookie ball last year.

6. Addison Barger, Triple-A

Barger’s power show was so impressive during Spring Training that he was a legitimate candidate to make the Blue Jays' opening roster. Obviously, that didn’t happen, but the 23-year-old third baseman hasn’t stopped launching baseballs into orbit for the Bisons and will be a potential call-up consideration.

7. Sem Robberse, Double-A

After starting 2022 at High-A Vancouver, Robberse graduated to Double-A and that’s where he’ll start this year. He looked comfortable over six innings of work over the spring and has the unique distinction of being a prospect who hails from the Netherlands.

8. Cade Doughty, High-A Vancouver Canadians 

Doughty has been shooting up the prospect ranks over the last year or so after the Jays took him 78th overall in the 2022 draft. He played well over a short stint with Dunedin and could be on the move again before long.

9. Adam Macko, High-A 

A piece in the Teoscar Hernández trade, Macko will look to stay on the field after injuries limited him to less than 40 innings in 2022.  He gives the team a much-needed left-handed reliever possibility and his best pitches are considered to be his curveball and fastball. 

10. Hayden Juenger, Triple-A 

Juenger is a player who could be close to making his major league debut. After excelling in 2021 in Vancouver, he was used as a multiple-inning reliever who would also sometimes function as an opener. Juenger pitched nearly 90 innings across the Double-A and Triple-A levels and is likely the second closest pitcher to being MLB-ready.