As the MLB draft approaches next week, the Toronto Blue Jays are positioned to strengthen their farm system by adding high-potential talent. While their current farm system shows average depth, progress has been made in recent seasons, driving the team to seek further upgrades. The draft offers the Blue Jays a critical opportunity to target players who could eventually step into roles such as Bo Bichette Blue Jays replacement.
Several promising names are connected to the Blue Jays’ likely draft selections, including Kyson Witherspoon, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Oklahoma, who may be available at the eighth overall pick. However, recent analysis from The Sporting Tribune projects the Blue Jays to select JoJo Parker, a high school shortstop from Mississippi who earned the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year award for the 2024-25 season.
Local scouts anticipate that Carlson, another prospect, will likely be picked before the Blue Jays’ selection, yet opinions vary on top draft slots, making precise predictions challenging. Parkers’ chances of remaining within the top 10 are considered fair, especially given that Chicago, holding the tenth pick, may be interested in recruiting his twin brother, Jacob Parker, later in the draft.
Cunningham may not get the notoriety his prep counterparts receive, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Toronto had him highest among the group and snatched him here. If one of the lefties falls in the likes of Arnold or Doyle, Toronto could be a good landing spot. They also might be one of the first landing spots for the top right-handed collegiate arm in Kyson Witherspoon who has sneaky fits and rumors all across the top 10,
they wrote. —The Sporting Tribune
Assessing JoJo Parker’s Potential Fit for Toronto
JoJo Parker presents a compelling candidate for the Blue Jays, especially considering his national ranking as the 16th-best player by Perfect Game. Committed to Mississippi State, Parker offers strong defensive skills at shortstop and comes from a prominent baseball family, including his twin brother Jacob, also recognized as a perfect game All-American.
Despite the high regard for Parker, ESPN highlights an important strategic choice for the Blue Jays: whether to prioritize drafting a batter to enhance their offense or continue focusing on pitching talent, which has been the primary strength of their recent draft classes. Notably, last year’s top Blue Jays selections were all pitchers, including Trey Yesavage, Johnny King, and Khal Stephen, all of whom have shown promising development.
Pitchers Trey Yesavage, Johnny King and Khal Stephen were the Jays’ top three picks last year and are all arrow up this year. Throw in currently/recently injured pitchers Ricky Tiedemann, Jake Bloss and Brandon Barriera, and that’s the top of the farm system, outside of shortstop Arjun Nimmala. Given where the Jays’ first pick is, Oklahoma RHP Kyson Witherspoon and prep RHP Seth Hernandez are options, but otherwise it’s looking like mostly position players as the top options expected to be available for the No. 8 pick,
they wrote. —ESPN
Should Witherspoon and Seth Hernandez be drafted prior to Toronto’s pick, the team is likely to lean toward a high school position player like Parker to address the offense gap, reinforcing the possibility of selecting a bat instead of another pitcher.
Implications for the Blue Jays’ Future After the Draft
Choosing JoJo Parker could signify a strategic shift toward strengthening the Blue Jays’ infield prospects and offensive potential, which may be important for eventually replacing key players like Bo Bichette. Parker’s athleticism and pedigree align with the Blue Jays’ goals of building a more balanced and dynamic farm system, capable of producing impact players at the major league level.
Furthermore, the upcoming draft decisions will not only affect the depth of Toronto’s system but also influence how quickly these new talents can transition to fill current roster vacancies. With pitching prospects like Trey Yesavage and Ricky Tiedemann developing well, acquiring a promising shortstop or hitter like Parker balances the team’s future roster needs.
As the draft unfolds, the Blue Jays will have to weigh scouting insights, positional priorities, and available talent, making the selection at No. 8 a pivotal moment for the franchise’s long-term competitiveness.