This overlooked prospect seems poised for a Spring Training breakout

Year after year, Spring Training brings fans an exclusive look into the minor league talent in the system. Last year, Alan Roden made the Opening Day, solely due to his explosive showing before the games even counted. Headed into 2026, all signs point to R.J Schreck as being the next prospect poised to breakout in Spring Training.

The 25-year-old, who climbed four minor league levels last year, was a ninth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, selected by Seattle Mariners out of Vanderbilt. He began his career at Duke, but had an additional year of eligibility, a result of COVID, then chose to transfer, meaning he was an older draftee.

Fast forward a year later, and he found himself as the return in the deal to send Justin Turner over to the Mariners, which worked out well for the Blue Jays, considering Schreck's rising stock and Turner's age.

His stock is rising... fast

Schreck is an intelligent and mature hitter, one who consistently crafts strong game plans at the plate, a trait reflected in his advanced approach as a left-handed bat. That approach is his calling card, although continuing to add impact power will be key to his long-term development.

On the defensive side of the ball, Schreck is a fundamentally reliable outfielder with solid athleticism, giving him a strong foundational skill set if one or more of his tools take a meaningful step forward. Over his minor league career, he's logged significant games in both corners, along with in centerfield.

Just like many other rising prospects in the system, Schreck perfectly fits the mold of another “Blue Jays-style” hitter, joining a long line of prospects valued for their disciplined plate approaches. He handled right-handed pitching well in 2024, which could carve out a path to the majors if he settles into a fourth- or fifth-outfielder profile.

Although the Blue Jays outfield looks to be set in stone, with Daulton Varsho, Anthony Santander, Myles Straw, Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Jonatan Clase, Kazuma Okamoto, and Joey Loperfido all as possible options, a breakout few weeks from Schreck could result in a shakeup.

Through 41 games in New Hampshire, he hit nine home runs to a tune of a .914 OPS, resulting in a promotion to Buffalo. To finish off the season, he slashed .242/.392/.435/ with a .828 OPS and nine home runs across 58 games, raising his stock dramatically.

While the Blue Jays’ outfield picture appears crowded, Spring Training has a way of reshaping depth charts quickly, pushing the hot hand at the time to the Opening Day roster. If his late-season surge carries over into camp, Schreck has a real opportunity to separate himself from the pack and position himself as one of the organization’s more intriguing upper-minors bats entering 2026.