The Toronto Blue Jays are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 20th overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
The Toronto Blue Jays are picking 20th in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft this month, and Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has the Jays taking Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt in that spot.
“Loud exit velocity numbers and a high contact rate have helped Waldschmidt make a late surge up draft boards as evaluators have started to dig further into batted-ball data and other metrics. The consensus seems to be that the Blue Jays prefer a college hitter in this spot, and while he doesn’t have the same track record of production as someone like LSU slugger Tommy White, Waldschmidt has a more well-rounded skillset.”
Walꦺdschmidt’s skill set sets him apart from most players in this Draft because he consistently makes contact, avoids chasing after pitches, and generates high exit velocities. His patient approach and quick right-handed stroke have improved since his first season with the Wildcats, now appearing less uphill. While he uses the entire field, he ♏also prefers to drive balls in the air to his pull side.
As Waldschmidt’s health has improved, so have his run times, progressing from fringy earlier in the season to solid with occasional flashes of excellence. The main criticism of Waldschmidt is his below-average performance as a left fielder, where he🅷 sometimes appears tentative. However, some evaluators question whether his quickness could make him a viable candidate for center field at the ne𓆏xt level.
MLB.com’s Jonathan May agrees with Reuter in :
“The Blue Jays prefer a hitter in this spot and wouldn’t be upset if one of the ones just taken slips down to them. Waldschmidt could lead a pack that includes White and Sam Houston catcher Walker Janek.”
However, Keith Law was hearing that the B✨lue Jays were in on a few other names in his last mock draft inꦏ June, only ruling out prep pitchers for the Jays in this spot.
“I’ve heard the Jays all over the place, on names like Gillen, White, Christian Moore, Waldschmidt, and more, anything but high school pitchers.”
Law has the Jays taking Mississippi State pitcher Jurrangelo Cijnt🐎je at No. 20.
