TORONTO – Technically speaking, the Toronto Blue Jays‘ draft just got started Monday. More likely, though, the three players they selected will go a long way toward determining the success of their 2017 draft.
Even with two days and 38 rounds remaining in the draft, those Day 1 picks represent the best chance to add impact talent. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at the Blue Jays’ first three selections…
First-round pick, 22nd overall
Name: Logan Warmoth
Position: Shortstop
Bats/Throws: R/R
Age: 21
Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 190 lbs.
School: North Carolina
Pick value: $2,795,200
Warmoth developed into a top college shortstop at North Carolina and now has the potential to contribute in all facets of the game, including on offence. In the words of one scout, he has “feel to hit with some power potential”—a desirable combination at any position, and especially up the middle.
First-round pick, 28th overall
Name: Nate Pearson
Position: Pitcher
Bats/Throws: R/R
Age: 20
Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 240 lbs.
School: Central Florida Junior College
Pick value: $2,302,900
Pearson’s fastball regularly reaches 97 m.p.h., and it’s been clocked as high as 102 in a bullpen session, so it’s understandable if his secondary pitches aren’t quite as impressive. Still, the Blue Jays intend to develop Pearson as a starter to see how that velocity and off-speed stuff play in the rotation.
Second-round pick, 61st overall
Name: Hagen Danner
Position: Catcher
Bats/Throws: R/R
Age: 18
Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 195 lbs.
School: Huntington Beach High School, California
Pick value: $1,043,200
Even though Danner has touched 95 m.p.h. as a pitcher, the Blue Jays are more intrigued by what he can do behind the plate. The former Little League World Series star has an arm strong enough to keep the running game in check along with power potential as a hitter.