Blue Jays Secure Versatile Talent and Contact Hitters on Day 2 of MLB Draft

The Toronto Blue Jays continued to build their farm system on the second day of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, making 16 additional selections. The team’s strategy appeared to center on acquiring players with strong contact abilities and defensive versatility, while also prioritizing college seniors to potentially save on signing bonuses. This approach allows the Blue Jays to allocate more funds towards higher draft picks who may command over-slot bonuses.

Drafting for Flexibility and Value

Following their initial three picks, the Blue Jays made a conscious effort to target college players, particularly seniors in rounds 5 through 10. This move is a strategic financial play, as these players are less likely to have significant leverage to return to college, making them more amenable to signing for less than their assigned slot values. This frees up capital for the team to potentially exceed slot bonuses for other drafted players. The organization has a history of finding hidden gems in later rounds, as evidenced by Danny Thompson Jr.’s rapid ascent to Double-A after signing for a minimal bonus.

Focus on Elite Contact Hitters

A recurring theme throughout the second day of the draft was the Blue Jays’ emphasis on selecting players with exceptional contact skills. While these players may come with questions regarding defensive limitations or power potential, the Blue Jays have consistently demonstrated a high valuation of pure hitting ability. This philosophy allows them to acquire players who excel in one key area, even if other tools are less developed.

Round 5: Nolan Higgins, RHP, Michigan State

Nolan Higgins, a 6’4″ right-handed pitcher from Michigan State, was selected in the fifth round. After a challenging start to his college career, a move to the bullpen saw significant improvement. Higgins posted a 5.20 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 45 innings, showcasing a fastball in the 93-95 mph range, occasionally touching 98. He complements his fastball with a low-80s curveball and a slider with high spin rates. While lacking a changeup and demonstrating some past command issues, his stuff suggests potential as a reliever.

Round 6: Gable Mitchell, SS, Iowa

Gable Mitchell, an infielder from Iowa, brings a strong on-base percentage (OBP) profile. A three-year starter, Mitchell has consistently walked more than he has struck out throughout his college career. While not a power threat, hitting just five home runs last season, he offers above-average speed and solid defensive capabilities. He projects as a utility infielder with an OBP-first approach.

Round 7: Dean West, OF, UCLA

Dean West, an outfielder from UCLA, is a switch-hitter known for his elite contact skills. He struck out just over 10% of the time in both college and the Cape Cod League. West, listed at 5’9″ and 185 lbs, is not a power hitter but is an above-average runner who could potentially play center field. His ability to steal bases (27 for 32 in college) and his OBP-focused approach make him an intriguing table-setter.

Round 8: Jake Bennett, C, Dallas Baptist

Jake Bennett, a catcher from Dallas Baptist, possesses significant raw power, hitting 31 home runs in 309 plate appearances. His approach is patient, leading to a 15% walk rate, though his strikeout rate was 20%. While drafted as a catcher, he spent more time at designated hitter in college and may project to play first base or DH professionally.

Round 9: Joey Urban, OF, U Southern Mississippi

Joey Urban, an outfielder from Southern Mississippi, had a breakout senior season. He reduced his strikeout rate to under 14% while increasing his walks and hitting 15 home runs. Urban also showed versatility by playing multiple positions.

Round 10: Bryce Chance, OF, Mississippi State

Bryce Chance, an outfielder from Mississippi State, is noted for his exceptional zone contact (95% last season). He also demonstrates a patient approach, walking more than he struck out. Chance lacks significant over-the-fence power but produces doubles and can play all three outfield positions, profiling as a contact-oriented utility player.

Later Rounds Add Depth and Potential

The Blue Jays continued to add depth and potential with picks in the later rounds, focusing on college players with specific skill sets.

Round 11: Brayden Martin, 3B, Maryland

Brayden Martin, a third baseman from Maryland, represents an extreme contact profile. He rarely swings (30%) but makes contact when he does (96% overall) and strikes out less than 10% of the time. He is a plus runner and effective base stealer, but a weaker arm might limit him to left field.

Round 12: Santi Garcia, LHP, LSU

Santi Garcia, a left-handed pitcher from LSU, showed high strikeout potential (nearly a third of batters faced) but also struggled with walks (almost 20%).

Round 13: Mathis Nayral, RHP, Kansas

Mathis Nayral, a right-handed pitcher from Kansas, originally from France, posted a 71-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 appearances.

Round 14: Connor Kelley, RHP, UT San Antonio

Connor Kelley, a right-handed pitcher from UT San Antonio, split time between the rotation and bullpen, recording 73 strikeouts against 22 walks.

Round 15: Oliver de la Torre, RHP, Cal Berkeley

Oliver de la Torre, a right-handed pitcher from Cal Berkeley, transitioned to the rotation and posted a 3.76 ERA with 72 strikeouts.

Round 16: Carson Cormier, RHP, Illinois State

Carson Cormier, a right-handed pitcher from Illinois State, had a strong strikeout rate (74 punch-outs) with excellent control (12 walks).

Round 17: Landon Waters, RHP, Ole Miss

Landon Waters, a right-handed pitcher from Ole Miss, worked as a reliever and showed promising strikeout numbers in limited innings.

Key facts

The Blue Jays’ approach on Day 2 of the MLB Draft signals a clear strategy to balance financial flexibility with the acquisition of players possessing high-contact skills and defensive versatility. This method allows them to potentially uncover hidden talent while managing their draft pool resources effectively, aiming to build a well-rounded and adaptable minor league system.

Source: Yahoo Sports – Blue Jays Draft Recap: Day 2 – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/blue-jays-draft-recap-day-061000601.html