After a remarkable rise through the minor-league ranks in 2025, Trey Yesavage is being recognized.
The Toronto Blue Jays No. 1 prospect was named the team's Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America on Monday.
It comes as no surprise after Yesavage struck out a staggering 160 batters over 98 innings across all four levels, leading the minors with a 41.1 per cent strikeout rate before graduating to the majors less than 14 months after being drafted in July 2024.
The 22-year-old recorded a 3.12 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 25 appearances in the Blue Jays' minor-league system, 22 of them starts.
Yesavage boasts unique mechanics and repertoire, with an unusually steep arm angle and high release point that both rank amongst the highest in MLB, and a pitch-mix that features nothing that breaks to the glove side.
The right-hander has allowed five runs over nine major league innings in his first two starts, striking out 11 and walking five. He set the Blue Jays franchise record for strikeouts in a major league debut with nine.
If Yesavage pitches well enough to warrant consideration for a post-season spot, the Blue Jays will have the flexibility to use him in October as an injury replacement, pending MLB approval.
