Toronto Blue Jays Farm System: The Blue Jays system is top-heavy, with three clear headliners followed by a mix of role-player profiles, developmental bets, and long-shot upside that thins out quickly in terms of fantasy relevance.
Summary
The Blue Jays system blends high-end upside with a wide array of developmental bets, anchored by recent first-round picks like Arjun Nimmala, Trey Yesavage, and JoJo Parker. Nimmala’s bat speed and improving contact skills hint at a power-hitting infielder with impact potential, while Yesavage’s rapid ascent and splitter-driven arsenal suggest mid-rotation stability with ceiling. Parker, despite age and power questions, offers OBP and speed upside with strong amateur pedigree. Together, they form a core of fantasy-relevant talent with varying timelines and risk profiles.
Beyond the headliners, the system has several role players that could eventually help the big league club. Sean Keys and Yorman Licout bring big power but need contact refinement. Jake Cook and Cristopher Polanco offer elite speed and defensive value, though both are raw offensively. Gage Stanifer and Johnny King have flashed starter traits.
AI-Assisted Fantasy Tiers: Methodology and Observations
AI has made significant strides in all aspects of our lives. Over the past four years, I have compiled 500,000 words of personal scouting narratives, which have formed the foundation for training my own AI assistant. This assistant now evaluates prospects and assigns fantasy tiers exclusively based on the insights and observations contained in my write-ups.
After requesting that my AI assistant generate fantasy tiers using this year’s reports, I found that the AI’s rankings generally align with my own assessments. However, there are some cases where the AI’s evaluations differ from my personal rankings. I am sharing those differences here for your consideration.
🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets
- Trey Yesavage – Big-league success, starter traits, and proximity make him the safest impact arm here.
- Arjun Nimmala – Explosive ceiling with power, patience, and athleticism; cornerstone upside if hit tool clicks.
- JoJo Parker – Loud tools, clean health, and trending trajectory; potential middle-of-the-order bat.
🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets
- Ricky Tiedemann – Electric stuff, but post-TJ recovery and durability questions cloud the long-term outlook.
- Johnny King – Advanced pitchability with plus command; backend starter floor, mid-rotation ceiling if velocity holds.
- Sean Keys – Big raw power and exit velos; swing decisions and contact will determine trajectory.
- Gage Stanifer – Athletic righty with starter traits; needs refinement, but the ingredients are all there.
🥉 Tier 3: Outside of the Impact/Everyday Targets
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2026 Player Profiles
1. Trey Yesavage (RHP)
- Highest Level: Majors ETA: 2025 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 SP with upside
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Big-league success, starter traits, and proximity make him the safest impact arm here.
Drafted in the first round in 2024, Trey Yesavage rocketed through four levels in 2025 and made his MLB debut on September 15. He improved at each stop, finishing the minor league season with a 3.12 ERA across 98 innings, striking out nearly 15 per nine while walking 3.8. If not for Jonah Tong’s breakout, Yesavage would’ve had a strong case for Minor League Pitcher of the Year. His debut against the Rays (5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 9 K, 2 BB) was a statement.
Yesavage features a three-pitch mix: a fastball averaging 94.5 mph (T96) with strong spin (2346 RPM), a splitter that tunnels well off the fastball with a 10 mph velocity gap, and a developing slider. The splitter is his out pitch, and while the slider lags behind, it gives him a third look. He does lose some movement due to limited extension—similar to Taijuan Walker’s profile—which has always made the delivery a bit concerning, though Walker carved out a solid career.
Fantasy managers should treat Yesavage as a high-upside arm with near-term impact. The arsenal is built for whiffs, and if the walk rate trends down and the extension improves, he could emerge as a left-handed version of Hunter Greene—with a better changeup and less raw velocity. There’s volatility, but the ceiling is real.
2. Arjun Nimmala (SS)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027+ Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 SS
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Explosive ceiling with power, patience, and athleticism; cornerstone upside if hit tool clicks.
Drafted 20th overall in 2023, Arjun Nimmala entered pro ball with plus bat speed and loud raw tools. As he’s grown into his frame, that bat speed has translated into impressive exit velocity and emerging over-the-fence power. A swing adjustment in the summer of 2024 added leverage, and while his groundball rate remains high (42%), he’s begun driving more balls in the air—setting the stage for continued power growth.
The hit tool was extremely raw when he signed at 17, and it showed in 2024 with a 31% strikeout rate in Low-A. That level of swing-and-miss is historically concerning, but 2025 brought real progress: Nimmala improved his ability to handle spin and dropped his K-rate to 21.4%. The gains didn’t show up in his batting average (.224), but a .266 BABIP suggests poor luck more than poor contact. He’s an average runner with sneaky instincts, swiping 17 of 20 bases in 2025 while showing improved reads and aggression.
Fantasy managers should treat Nimmala as a classic risk-reward stash. The rawness is still there, but the developmental trajectory is encouraging. If the contact gains hold and the power continues to climb, he could emerge as a 25/15 shortstop with OBP value and impact upside. In dynasty formats, he’s a premium stash with breakout potential.
3. JoJo Parker (SS, #8)
- Highest Level: DNP ETA: 2028 Fantasy Ceiling: Middle Infielder
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Loud tools, clean health, and trending trajectory; potential middle-of-the-order bat.
Drafted 8th overall in 2025, JoJo Parker signed for $600,000 under slot and was widely regarded as one of the top prep hitters in the class. He hit .426 with 13 home runs and 30 stolen bases in his senior year, showcasing a smooth left-handed swing and excellent bat-to-ball skills. While the swing is clean and repeatable, he currently lacks the exit velocity and physical strength to project significant power, and he’s older for his class, turning 19 in August.
Parker is a plus runner with the potential to steal 20+ bases annually, and if everything clicks, he profiles as a high-OBP hitter with 8–12 home run pop and speed-driven fantasy value. There’s a chance he grows into more power with physical development, but the current profile leans more toward contact and speed than impact. While Mississippi prep bats carry some historical caution, Parker’s makeup and approach have drawn consistent praise from amateur scouts.
Fantasy managers should treat Parker as a high-floor, speed-first asset with room to grow. He’s unlikely to be a slugger, but the OBP skills, stolen base upside, and potential for everyday at-bats make him a strong FYPD target in deeper formats. If the power ticks up, he could return top-100 value in dynasty leagues.
4. Ricky Tiedemann (LHP)
- Highest Level: DNP ETA: 2025 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 30 SP with health risk
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Electric stuff, but post-TJ recovery and durability questions cloud the long-term outlook.
Ricky Tiedemann has the arsenal to pitch at the top of a rotation, but health concerns resurfaced in 2024. After two IL stints for ulnar nerve irritation, rest and rehab proved ineffective, and he underwent Tommy John surgery in July—costing him the entire 2025 season. It’s a setback for one of the most electric left-handed arms in the minors.
When healthy, Tiedemann’s stuff is explosive. His fastball touches 98 mph with carry, and his sweeper generates elite whiff rates thanks to sharp shape and velocity separation. His changeup fades hard to the arm-side and projects as a legitimate weapon against righties. He repeats his delivery well, which gives hope for future strike-throwing consistency despite his injury history.
Fantasy managers should treat Tiedemann as a high-risk, high-reward stash. The ingredients for a No. 2 starter are still intact, but post-TJS recovery will be critical. If the command holds and the stuff returns, he could emerge as a high-strikeout lefty with multi-category upside. Durability is the biggest question, but the ceiling remains enticing.
5. Johnny King (LHP)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2028 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 50 SP
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Advanced pitchability with plus command; backend starter floor, mid-rotation ceiling if velocity holds.
Drafted in the third round in 2024, Johnny King signed for $1.24 million—well above slot and more than second-rounder Khal Stephen received. That investment reflects the upside. King opened 2025 in Low-A and flashed premium stuff: a fastball averaging 93.5 mph (T95.5), a plus curveball, and a developing changeup. As he fills out physically, a velocity bump feels likely.
Command was inconsistent, largely due to a delivery he couldn’t always repeat. But he’s athletic, and projecting average control is reasonable. It’s worth noting he pitched most of the season as an 18-year-old, turning 19 in late July, which adds important developmental context. The ingredients are there, and the early returns justify the aggressive bonus.
Fantasy managers should treat King as a deep-league arm with breakout potential. If the delivery smooths out and the velocity climbs, he could emerge as a mid-rotation starter with strikeout upside. He’s a name to track closely in dynasty formats, especially in leagues that reward scouting ahead of the curve.
6. Yohendrick Pinango (OF)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 OF with upside
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: He’s added power to his game, and when combined with his solid bat-to-ball skills and speed, he has the potential to be a full-time regular.
It took Yohendrick Pinango more than three seasons to climb out of High-A, but once he reached Double-A and Triple-A, the narrative began to shift. He showed improved power without altering his swing mechanics, suggesting he’s finally adding strength to his 5-foot-10 frame. After posting a .258/.361/.430 slash line, there’s reason to believe the power gains are real. He’s unlikely to become a true slugger, but 8–12 home runs with solid doubles output feels attainable.
Pinango is an average runner with a good feel for the strike zone, and he should be able to steal 10–12 bases annually. Defensively, he’s stretched in center field, but if the power continues to trend up, he could profile as a viable corner outfielder. The improved offensive production makes that transition more palatable and gives him a clearer path to everyday reps.
Fantasy managers should treat Pinango as a watchlist riser with deep-league appeal. He’s shown flashes before, but this time the gains feel more sustainable. If the power holds and the OBP stays north of .350, he could carve out a role as a speed-and-contact contributor with sneaky value in five-outfielder formats.
7. Charles McAdoo (3B/OF/1B)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Corner Infielder
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Versatile defender with sneaky pop; swing decisions and contact need tightening.
Drafted by the Pirates in the 13th round of 2023, Charlie McAdoo was traded to the Blue Jays in 2024 for Isiah Kiner-Falefa. He’s played all over the field, but Toronto has primarily used him at third base this season. Over a two-day look, he showed a strong arm but limited range. Once considered a 60-grade runner, his current times suggest average speed, though he’s stealing bases efficiently.
There’s plenty of bat speed, and he should grow into at least average power. However, the hit tool has regressed against better pitching. He’s expanding the zone and striking out at a 28% clip in Double-A, which raises concerns about his ability to handle upper-level arms. The swing decisions need tightening if he’s going to stick, and the contact quality needs to improve.
Fantasy managers should treat McAdoo as a speculative corner bat with utility appeal. The tools are present—bat speed, arm strength, base-stealing instincts—but the execution lags behind. If the approach sharpens and the contact rate climbs, he could carve out value in deeper formats. For now, he’s a watchlist name with conditional upside.
8. Gage Stanifer (RHP)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 SP or High-Leveraged Reliever
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Athletic righty with starter traits; needs refinement, but the ingredients are all there.
Drafted in the 19th round in 2022, Gage Stanifer made a big leap in 2025 after two quiet seasons. Across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A, he posted a 2.86 ERA in 27 appearances (16 starts), striking out 161 batters in 110 innings—good for sixth in the minors. His power sinker averaged 95 mph (T97) with heavy sink and 2400 RPM spin, and his slider emerged as a legitimate plus pitch, giving him a strong two-pitch foundation.
While sinkers are often used to neutralize glove-side hitters, Stanifer’s version plays more North-South, which limits its platoon utility. He’ll need to develop a more effective changeup to round out his arsenal and improve his splits. Neither righties nor lefties hit him hard, but the modest platoon gap suggests a third pitch is essential if he’s going to stick as a starter. The control is trending up, and the athleticism gives him a shot to refine the delivery.
Fantasy managers should treat Stanifer as a deep-league sleeper with multi-role upside. He’s already outperformed expectations for a 19th-rounder, and if the changeup comes along, he could earn a rotation spot. More likely, he settles into a high-leverage bullpen role with strikeout juice. Either way, he’s a player to track—especially in formats that reward K/9 and multi-inning relief.
9. Jake Cook (OF, #81)
- Highest Level: DNP ETA: 2028-29 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 OF with extreme risk
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Underrated lefty with deception and command; backend starter or multi-inning relief weapon.
Jake Cook turned heads at the 2025 MLB Combine with 80-grade speed and excellent contact skills. Originally a pitcher at Ole Miss during his freshman and sophomore seasons, he transitioned to the outfield in his draft year and posted a strong .350/.436/.468 slash line. Despite the slugging percentage, he doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard—many of his doubles were speed-driven singles stretched into extra bases.
Cook’s lack of experience in the field limited his base-stealing instincts, and it showed—just three steals against five caught stealing attempts in his draft year. Still, several teams viewed him as an early Day Two talent, and the Blue Jays made the move. He’s a high-risk, high-reward prospect who needs time to learn how to hit with authority and leverage his elite speed more effectively. The athleticism is real, but the polish is missing.
Fantasy managers should treat Cook as a long-term project with loud tools and limited track record. He’s developmentally closer to a raw college sophomore than a finished product, and patience will be key. If the swing refines and the instincts catch up, he could emerge as a speed-first outfielder with deep-league appeal. For now, he’s a stash-and-watch candidate in rebuilding formats.
10. Sean Keys (3B/1B)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Corner Infielder with upside
- Last Updated: 12/09/2025
- Tools Summary: Big raw power and exit velos; swing decisions and contact will determine trajectory.
Drafted in the fourth round in 2024, Sean Keys hit just .219 in High-A, but the underlying skills suggest more than the surface stats. He posted a strong 22% strikeout rate and a 16.3% walk rate, with a .244 BABIP hinting at some bad luck. Keys is a big, physical hitter with high-end exit velocities and a swing built for lift—his 39% groundball rate supports the idea that he’s hunting damage.
There’s some swing-and-miss in his game, but the contact rate is encouraging given his power-oriented approach. He’s a below-average runner and most likely profiles at first base. The bat is the carrying tool, and if he continues to make enough contact, the power could play to a 30-homer ceiling. The approach is mature, and the swing decisions support long-term optimism.
Fantasy managers should treat Keys as a power-hitting corner bat with RBI upside. There will be pressure on the batting average, but the combination of plate discipline, leverage, and raw strength makes him a fantasy-relevant prospect if it all clicks. He’s a name to monitor as he climbs toward the upper levels.
