Sean Keys' promotion shows Blue Jays' 2024 draft was a stroke of genius

We are two years removed from the 2024 draft, but the Toronto Blue Jays are already seeing major accomplishments from their top four picks. They focused on power pitchers and big bats who are making waves in the big leagues or were traded to bring in useful assets.

The quick results prove that GM Ross Atkins pulled off a stroke of genius, a rare achievement to make a successful hit with all your top picks in a single draft in this day and age of baseball. With those picks, the Blue Jays selected Trey Yesavage, Khal Stephen, Johnny King, and Sean Keys.

The first four of the Toronto Blue Jays' 2024 draft picks are quick successes

Round 1 Pick: Trey Yesavage

Yesavage flew through all four levels of the Blue Jays’ Minor League system last season, totaling a 3.12 ERA and an impressive 41.1 percent strikeout rate over 98 innings. The quick rise was rewarded with a September call-up, making his Blue Jays debut on September 15. Yesavage made three regular-season starts, with mixed results.

However, the team saw enough to add him to the postseason roster, where he had a few standout performances. In Game 2 of the ALDS, he struck out 11 New York Yankees hitters in 5.1 innings to lead the Blue Jays to a 2-0 advantage. He helped the team stay alive in Game 6 of the ALCS by striking out seven Seattle Mariners over 5.2 innings. In Game 5 of the World Series, Yesavage struck out 12 Los Angeles Dodgers over seven innings to give the Blue Jays a 3-2 lead in the series that would eventually be squandered.

So far this year, the Blue Jays’ righty is off to another decent start, posting a 3.56 ERA and holding batters to a .192 batting average. However, his strikeout rate is down to his standards at 23.3 percent. The future is bright for the 22-year-old, and hopefully, Yesavage will be a Blue Jay for the foreseeable future.

Round 2 Pick: Khal Stephen

Stephen is a power right-handed pitcher who tallied 99 strikeouts over 91.2 innings in the Blue Jays' farm system last season. It was the only season that Stephen spent as a Blue Jay minor leaguer before he was traded at the deadline for Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber.

The trade was risky because Bieber missed all but two starts in 2024 due to needing Tommy John surgery. He was beginning his rehab assignment when the trade last season was made, drawing mixed feelings from fans. The risk paid off, with Bieber being a strong contributor in the second half of the regular season and the postseason.

Surprisingly, in the offseason, Bieber opted in to his $16 million player option. It was an unexpected move that quickly boosted Toronto’s pitching staff. He could have easily opted for free agency at 30, but decided to return to building his value before becoming a free agent at this season’s end.

Round 3 Pick: Johnny King

King is a left-handed pitcher who relies on his sinker heavily. He hasn’t advanced past the High-A affiliate level in his second minor league season, but he’s been dominant. He has a 2.45 ERA and 177 strikeouts over 114 innings combined over his career. However, he still needs to work on his control, as he posted a 13.1 percent walk rate.

If the Blue Jays are aggressive at the trade deadline, it’s very likely that King will be the key piece in a blockbuster trade. Arjun Nimmala and JoJo Parker are likely untouchable, which will make King the one to be dealt. We may see a repeat of last season’s blockbuster trade for Bieber.

Round 4 Pick: Sean Keys

Keys has made a huge name for himself in his third minor league season. This season, he’s hitting .284/.409/.619 with 21 home runs, 55 runs, and 54 RBIs. The success has earned him a call-up to join an underpowered Blue Jays offense. His hitting has been proven, but the question mark around Keys’ promotion is where he will play. In his major league debut on Saturday (Jun. 27) Keys played first base and went 1-for-4 with a run.

He’s primarily played the corner infield positions, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto hold those down. Keys could also see time at DH. In his MLB debut yesterday, he played first base and batted sixth, going 1-for-4 with a run scored. George Springer got the day off with Vladdy slotting in at DH.

The Blue Jays rank 22nd in both home runs and RBIs, which has been an unexpected outcome. Okamoto has 19 of the team's 85 home runs, with the next highest total being only eight from George Springer. Guerrero Jr. has been a solid hitter all season, but he only has four long balls due to his hard-rate and exit velocity being his lowest since his 2019 rookie season.

It’s evident that the Blue Jays need the help offensively, so if Keys can perform, the Blue Jays have no choice but to leave him in the lineup, especially with Springer’s struggles. There may be a platoon role that decides the DH for each game, since Keys is on the strong side of the platoon. No matter how the positions play out, Keys may be the in-house option to jump-start an offense that’s been doing just enough to get wins.

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