Although times have been bleak for the Toronto Blue Jays of late, the future is looking brighter.
A pair of Jays were among the top 50 prospects listed in Baseball America’s midseason rankings released on Monday, with left-hander Daniel Norris leading the way at No. 25.
Norris, a second-round pick in 2011, carved up the opposition at single-A Dunedin to start the season and has continued to impress at double-A. In three starts with New Hampshire, the 21-year-old has a 3.31 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and a staggering 25 strikeouts in 16.1 innings.
Here’s what Baseball America has to say about the top-ranked Blue Jay, who didn’t crack the top 100 list released in February: “Nice combo: lefty with three potential plus pitches (fastball, slider, change) and an average curve.”
Outfielder Dalton Pompey was the other Toronto prospect in the top 50, coming in at No. 47. The Mississauga native has split time between Dunedin and New Hampshire, combining for a .297 average with an .825 OPS and 31 stolen bases in 79 games. Pompey, who didn’t crack the top 100 earlier in the year, was drafted in the 16th round in 2010.
Here is Baseball America’s assessment: “Toolsy centre-fielder’s bat has caught up to rest of his tools in a breakout start in the Florida State League.”
Right-hander Aaron Sanchez fell out of the Top 50 in the midseason report after being ranked No. 32 before the season. While Sanchez is still a highly-regarded prospect, he has struggled with command this year, walking 55 batters in 92.1 innings.
