The Blue Jays have made some important strides in sealing up their draft class. As Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link) and Jim Callis of MLB.com (Twitter link) report, the Toronto organization has agreed to terms on slightly over-slot bonuses with its second and third-round choices.
Both of the newest Jays are right-handed college hurlers. The former, CJ Van Eyk of Florida State, gets a $1.8MM bonus. The latter, Jacksonville’s Trent Palmer, went for $850K.
While the Blue Jays had to go a bit over the respective pick allocations to get these deals done, it seems fair to assume the club won’t have any trouble finding the extra availability. The club saved quite a bit with its fifth and final selection, Zach Britton, and still has some of that available to use as needed to structure deals with top choice Austin Martin and fourth rounder Nick Frasso.
Van Eyk was viewed by most major pundits as a top-fifty overall prospect. Keith Law of The Athletic was especially bullish, ranking him 23rd among all draft-eligible players. While it sounds as if there are still some things to iron out, the FSU standout is said to possess three promising pitches and a real chance at carving out a career in a MLB rotation.
It so happens that Law was also the chief proponent of Palmer. All other major rankings graded him in the 100+ range, but Law placed him 76th. The enthusiasm is dampened by Palmer’s lack of a projectable frame and occasionally wavering command. Even if he ends up in a relief role, it sounds as if Palmer will warrant a long look as a starter on the Jays’ farm.
DarkSide830
superb draft
Jeffmathisfirstballothalloffame
The blue jays are a really smart organization, I wish the rangers would be more like them
Chin Music
Agreed. Many people here in Toronto were calling for their heads after some of the earlier moves they’ve made. People are slowly coming around to them. They have drafted well which is something Anthopolous and co couldn’t do at all!!!
wild bill tetley
Atkins has drafted fairly well with a chance to become VERY good in a year or two as we wait for players to develop.
However, they have made numerous mistakes with trades, timing of trades, free agent signings and extensions. They should be called out for that. But AA had his faults too. Lots of them. JP Ricciardi was the worst GM in franchise history, bar none.
Taejonguy
you’re new here… the Shatkins haters are on this board in large numbers
cptstupendous
Guilty. Tho it’s more love for AA than anything else.
Shatkins have a few areas they deserve accolades for – development and culture being two primary
Oilcan
there is a george steinbrenner high school? in florida?
HalosHeavenJJ
He made his fortune building boats in Florida.
ChangedName
Blue Jays nailing the rebuild after it got off to a shaky start. Atkins and Shapiro know what they’re doing, hope it works out for them.
wild bill tetley
Wait until they reach the postseason. Or win 90 games. Can’t say they’ve “nailed” the rebuild when they haven’t proved anything. Unfortunate 2020 has been wiped out. This hurts the Jays development top to bottom.
NY_Yankee
The key for the Blue Jays is getting Martin signed ( Boras client). Assuming everyone is signed the winners in no particular order are. Blue Jays, White Sox, Rays, Mets, Tigers and Cardinals. Losers: Red Sox, Orioles, Rangers, Giants and I hate to say it Yankees. Blue Jays and White Sox.A Plus. Red Sox and Yankees D.
CowboysoldierFTW
can’t really grade a draft for 3 to 5 years later
All American Johnsonville Dogs
Idk how you don’t have the Astros on this list since they were stripped of their 1st and 2nd.
Least the Yankees sacrificed picks to get Cole.
southern lion
I wonder why Law had these two ranked so much higher than most other scouts/pundits? Interesting….
wild bill tetley
Law’s work with the Jays in the mid-2000’s was laughable at-best. Can’t rely on his rankings or word.
sdsuphilip
Not sure what you are suggesting here, Martin has been ranked 1st throughout the process well before the draft for law
expos771
Atkins and shapiro after 4/5 years of cutting payroll /disambling a close ws team /Nightmare everynight after the game end
Lets see 2020 but nothing more than .500 team even whit all the suspect we have
They do the job right for cheap ass roger owners yes
nowheredan
Maybe try posting in French and letting us Google translate.
Best Screenname Ever
Clownpost.