After strong '24 Draft, Blue Jays seeking top talent with No. 8 pick

The Toronto Blue Jays hold the No. 8 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, aiming to bolster their farm system amid recent momentum. Due to signing Anthony Santander in the offseason, they sacrificed their second-round pick and must maximize their $10,314,600 bonus pool (20th in MLB). The draft will occur on July 13 (Rounds 1-3) and July 14 (Rounds 4-20), led by amateur scouting director Marc Tramuta.

Tramuta emphasizes targeting athletic, versatile players, particularly shortstops capable of playing multiple positions like second base, third base, or center field to enhance their path to the majors. Regarding pitching, he reflects on past tendencies with the Mets to prioritize right-handers but now values "big, physical" athletes who throw strikes with multiple pitches, referencing 2023 draftees Trey Yesavage, Khal Stephen, and Johnny King.

The Blue Jays are increasing collaboration between their draft and player development teams, soliciting advance input on prospect development plans to inform strategy. Tramuta stresses this synergy builds organizational continuity, contrasting with practices from 10–20 years ago.

Last year’s top pick, right-hander Trey Yesavage (No. 20), has excelled with a 3.19 ERA and 111 strikeouts over 67.2 innings, potentially reaching Triple-A by late 2025. Third-round left-hander Johnny King, 18, has emerged as a breakout prospect with a 1.86 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Tramuta aims to finalize draft decisions early to avoid signability pressures but acknowledges money and patience factor in. He cites Mark Vientos—a 2017 Mets draft pick who succeeded in 2024—as evidence that development timelines vary. The No. 8 selection will join a rising system rather than needing to "save" it outright.