Strong starts for several Blue Jays' prospects that could have MLB impact in 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays have a strong stash of prospects within their minor league system heading into the 2026 season. More importantly, a significant number of them are already with their Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons to start the year. That means many of them are knocking on the door for their opportunity in the majors with Toronto pretty soon.

It just so happens that several Blue Jays prospects that could have an impact in the MLB this season have all been off to strong starts in Buffalo so far. 

Bisons hold many of what could be key future stars for the Blue Jays

For Jonatan Clase, he had made his Blue Jays debut last season, but failed to stick around with the big league club for the entire 2025 season. After failing to make the cut out of training camp, Clase began 2026 in Buffalo where he has recorded three runs scored, one home run, five RBIs and two stolen bases in six games of action.

Charles McAdoo, he had impressed with Toronto early during this past Spring Training. But McAdoo has now carried that over into his strong start with Buffalo to date as well. The 24-year-old prospect has posted a solid .333 average, .984 OPS, along with three runs scored, two doubles, one triple, one RBI, three walks and three strikeouts in just five games played.

One surprising candidate that many may have written off already is former 2020 second-round pick CJ Van Eyk. Van Eyk had a solid season debut with the Bisons, yielding just one earned run with five strikeouts in four innings pitched against the Omaha Storm Chasers. More importantly, he put on full display his elite curveball that induced a 67% whiff rate.

In terms of Brandon Valenzuela, who was one of the Blue Jays’ trade deadline acquisitions last season, he may have made Blue Jays management take notice already this spring. But he has furthered that performance with a great start to his 2026 minor league campaign with the Bisons, registering two runs scored, one home run, four RBIs, two walks and three strikeouts in four games of action.

That could become even more significant after Blue Jays’ starting catcher Alejandro Kirk went down to a thumb injury in the game against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. With that, Valenzuela could be on his way up to the big leagues if Kirk will be forced to missed any significant amount of time.

While Trey Yesavage may have surprised everyone after his promotion towards the end of 2025 after climbing four minor league levels to reach the big leagues by September, the Blue Jays could have many more prospects waiting in the wings this season, looking to make just as significant of an impact once they reach the majors as well.