Blue Jays 2020 Draft: A Deep Dive Into The Picks

Hey baseball fanatics! Let's rewind to the summer of 2020 and dive headfirst into the Toronto Blue Jays' draft class. It was a unique year, for sure, with the draft happening virtually due to the global pandemic. But that didn't stop the Jays from making some strategic selections, hoping to bolster their farm system with promising young talent. This article will break down each pick, offering insights into who the Jays snagged, what made them stand out, and what their potential was (and is!) for the future. We'll be looking at the overall strategy, the players' strengths and weaknesses, and the impact they could make on the Blue Jays' quest for a championship. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and let's get started!

The Overall Draft Strategy

The 2020 MLB draft, shortened to just five rounds, presented a unique challenge to all the teams, including our beloved Toronto Blue Jays. With fewer picks available, the emphasis was on quality over quantity. The Jays' front office, led by then-general manager Ross Atkins, seemed to have a clear strategy: focus on tools and upside. They aimed to select players with high ceilings, even if those players might require more development time. This meant targeting athletes with exceptional skills, such as power, speed, or arm strength, and hoping their other skills would catch up. It was a riskier approach, but one that could pay off handsomely if these players reached their full potential. Furthermore, the Blue Jays prioritized players who were considered to have a good work ethic and a strong commitment to improvement, understanding that the mental aspect of the game is just as crucial as the physical. The shortened draft also meant that teams needed to be even more diligent in their scouting and evaluation processes, ensuring that they had a comprehensive understanding of each player's capabilities and potential. The Jays leaned heavily on their scouting department to gather as much information as possible, including video analysis, statistical data, and personal interviews. This intensive scouting allowed them to identify players who might have been overlooked by other teams. In addition to player evaluation, the Jays also had to consider the financial implications of each pick. With fewer draft slots, the team needed to be mindful of how much money they could offer to sign each player, taking into account their bonus pool and the potential for exceeding it. This added another layer of complexity to the drafting process, forcing the team to balance their player evaluations with their financial constraints. Overall, the 2020 draft was a test of the Jays' ability to identify and develop talent in a challenging environment. It required them to be strategic, resourceful, and focused on the long-term goal of building a winning team. The success of this draft class would ultimately be measured by the impact these players had on the team, whether they became stars, key contributors, or valuable trade assets. The pressure was on, but the Jays were ready to make their picks.

Round 1, Pick 5: Austin Martin, SS/OF, Vanderbilt

Alright, let's kick things off with the big one: Austin Martin. The Blue Jays selected him with the 5th overall pick. Coming out of Vanderbilt University, Martin was considered one of the top bats in the draft, known for his advanced plate approach and ability to make consistent contact. The Jays were hoping they had snagged a future cornerstone for their team, a player who could hit for average, get on base at a high clip, and contribute defensively at multiple positions. Martin's versatility was a major selling point, as he could play both shortstop and the outfield. In his college career, he had shown remarkable discipline at the plate, rarely chasing pitches outside the strike zone, which led to a high on-base percentage. He was also praised for his speed and athleticism, making him a threat on the basepaths. However, there were some concerns. While he was an excellent contact hitter, some scouts questioned his power potential. Could he hit enough home runs to be a truly impactful offensive player? There were also questions about his defensive future, as his arm strength was considered adequate but not exceptional for shortstop. Despite these minor doubts, Martin was viewed as a high-floor player with a chance to develop into a star. The Blue Jays were betting on his hitting ability and baseball instincts to carry him through the minors and into the big leagues. Upon being drafted, expectations were high for Martin to quickly move through the Jays' farm system and contribute to the major league team. He was seen as a potential leader who could set the tone for the offense. However, things didn't go quite as planned. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins, along with Simeon Woods Richardson, for starting pitcher José Berríos. While he has yet to establish himself as a star in the majors, he's still young and has the opportunity to improve his game.

Round 2, Pick 41: CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State

Moving on to the second round, the Blue Jays selected right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk from Florida State University. The team was looking to add to its pitching depth, and Van Eyk was considered a promising prospect. He possessed a fastball that could reach the mid-90s, along with a solid curveball and a developing changeup. His overall package made him an intriguing prospect with potential to develop into a starting pitcher at the major league level. Van Eyk's fastball velocity and command were two of his strengths. He could throw it with good velocity and locate it effectively, keeping hitters off balance. His curveball showed good bite, often resulting in swings and misses. The changeup was still a work in progress, but it showed flashes of being a potential out pitch. Despite the promise, Van Eyk had some areas to improve. Scouts noted that he needed to refine his command and consistency. His arm action and delivery needed some smoothing to improve his stamina. He had to prove he could hold up over the course of a full season, which is crucial for a starting pitcher. The Blue Jays were betting on their player development staff to help him hone his skills and reach his full potential. The team believed that with the right coaching and training, Van Eyk could develop into a reliable starting pitcher. He was viewed as a potential mid-rotation arm who could contribute significantly to the team's success. As he began his professional career, the Jays focused on helping him develop his secondary pitches and improve his command. They hoped he would make strides in his consistency and pitch with more efficiency. Van Eyk was traded to the New York Mets along with Semien Woods Richardson for Marcus Stroman. Despite the ups and downs, Van Eyk’s potential is still there. He continues to work hard and develop his skills, aiming to make it to the big leagues.

Supplemental Round B, Pick 67: Trent Palmer, RHP, Jacksonville

Next up, in the supplemental round, the Blue Jays selected another pitcher, Trent Palmer, a right-handed pitcher out of Jacksonville University. The Jays were focusing on improving their pitching depth, and Palmer was seen as a high-upside arm with a lot of potential. He was known for his athleticism and his ability to throw strikes. Palmer's fastball sat in the low-to-mid 90s, and he paired it with a slider and a changeup. Palmer possessed a smooth delivery and a good feel for pitching. He showed the ability to command his fastball and keep hitters off balance. He also displayed good athleticism, which would help him in fielding his position and executing pickoffs. While Palmer had the tools to succeed, there were some areas for improvement. Scouts wanted him to develop his secondary pitches, specifically his slider and changeup. They wanted him to improve the consistency of his pitches. If Palmer could make these improvements, the Blue Jays saw a strong chance for him to become a valuable part of their pitching staff. Palmer was seen as a potential bullpen arm, who had the ability to move through the minors and make an impact at the major league level. His athleticism and work ethic were highly regarded, and the Blue Jays were excited to work with him. They put him in a rigorous training program to improve his skills and increase his velocity. The success of Palmer hinged on his ability to make these adjustments, which would determine whether he would become a major league pitcher. His career has faced setbacks from injuries, however, he continues to work hard to get back on the mound and prove himself.

Round 3, Pick 75: Dasan Brown, OF, Okemos HS (MI)

In the third round, the Blue Jays selected outfielder Dasan Brown out of Okemos High School in Michigan. Brown was considered one of the fastest players in the draft, with incredible speed and athleticism. The Jays saw him as a projectable player with significant upside. The main attraction with Brown was his blazing speed and his ability to steal bases. He was also a good defender in center field, using his speed to cover a lot of ground. His athleticism was also a strong point. Brown had plenty of room to develop, but his offensive game was considered raw. He needed to improve his hitting mechanics and learn to hit for more power. There were also questions about his overall baseball instincts and his ability to read pitchers and anticipate plays. Despite the need for refinement, Brown's raw tools and potential were very appealing to the Jays. They were betting on their player development system to transform him into a well-rounded player. The plan was to develop Brown's hitting skills and his baseball IQ while emphasizing his speed and athleticism. They were patient with him, understanding that it would take time for him to fully develop. His career has been marked by inconsistency, and he has yet to realize his full potential. However, his speed and athleticism have continued to make him an intriguing prospect.

Round 4, Pick 104: Nick Frasso, RHP, USC

Moving into the fourth round, the Blue Jays chose right-handed pitcher Nick Frasso from the University of Southern California. Frasso was another interesting pitching prospect, known for his strong arm and intriguing potential. He was someone who could potentially develop into a solid reliever. Frasso’s fastball had good velocity, and he complemented it with a slider and a curveball. He possessed a good frame and a projectable body. He was seen as someone who could add depth to the Jays’ pitching staff, especially in the bullpen. Frasso still needed work on his command and consistency. He also needed to refine his secondary pitches and develop better feel for them. His track record was limited, which made it harder to assess his true potential. Despite these concerns, the Jays saw enough upside to warrant the pick. They saw a player who could make a contribution in a relatively short amount of time. The Jays worked on refining his pitches, and improving his command. Unfortunately, Frasso, like some of his draft counterparts, has had his career affected by injury and he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hopefully, he can find his footing in his new system.

Round 5, Pick 134: Zach Logue, LHP, University of Kentucky

Finally, in the fifth and final round, the Blue Jays selected left-handed pitcher Zach Logue from the University of Kentucky. Logue was a polished college pitcher with good command and control, providing stability for the end of the draft. His presence rounded out the Jays’ 2020 draft class. Logue was known for his ability to throw strikes and limit walks. He was a smart pitcher with a good feel for pitching. He was seen as a potential back-end starter or a reliable bullpen arm. However, Logue lacked the overpowering stuff of other pitchers. He wasn’t a strikeout pitcher, which could limit his upside. The Jays were banking on his ability to pitch effectively and his overall baseball acumen. They believed that Logue could be a valuable addition to their pitching depth. Logue made it to the major leagues and pitched for the Oakland Athletics, but unfortunately, he never pitched for the Blue Jays. The team made a few trades with some of the draft picks, in order to improve their roster. However, the Jays are looking to build a team that can win a World Series, and these trades will help them achieve that goal. While he wasn't a flashy pick, the Jays felt Logue would be a solid contributor. His professional career took him to the Oakland A's. Logue is now with the Los Angeles Angels. He has shown the ability to pitch effectively, and he could be a valuable addition to the Angels' pitching staff.

Conclusion: Assessing the 2020 Draft

So, after all the picks, what's the verdict on the Blue Jays' 2020 draft class? It's still too early to give a definitive grade, as the development of these players is an ongoing process. However, the Jays seemed to focus on tools and potential, particularly with their early picks. Austin Martin was the biggest name in the class, and while he was traded away, he still has the potential to become a valuable player. CJ Van Eyk, Trent Palmer, and Nick Frasso all offered interesting pitching upside, and hopefully, they can establish themselves in the majors. The later-round picks, like Dasan Brown and Zach Logue, provided depth and potential, though they faced challenges to reach their full potential. The 2020 draft was a test of the Jays' ability to identify and develop talent in an unconventional year. It will be interesting to watch how these players progress and whether they can make an impact on the Blue Jays' quest for a championship. The team has made great strides, but more work is needed to build a winning team. The success of this draft class will ultimately be measured by the impact these players have on the team, whether they become stars, key contributors, or valuable trade assets. The journey of these young players is one to watch for Blue Jays fans!