It’s Mock Draft O’Clock time!
In mid-May, two respected publications released their mock drafts, as MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis and The Athletic’s Keith Law released a mock draft.
In this article, we’ll look at who the Blue Jays could pick, as well as a look at those two players.
With the 20th overall pick, the Blue Jays could select Tommy White
According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, he has the Blue Jays picking Tommy White with the 20th-overall pick. Here’s what he had to say about the college position player:
“White could wind up at first base but he’d still profile as a regular there after producing three straight 20-homer seasons with huge power that overshadows his hitting ability.”
White, who plays for Louisiana State University, is slashing .337/.412/.675 this season with 24 home runs in 289 plate appearances. His 27 walks is already a career-best for him in his three seasons in college ball, while his 12.1 K% is on the low side as well. It is worth noting that he’s hit three fewer home runs than his freshman season at North Carolina State, while his batting average is the lowest it’s ever been.
Tommy tacks on another
LSU – 9
UGA – 1
📺 SECN pic.twitter.com/KQCJ0zKV65— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) May 21, 2024
The 21-year-old corner infielder is MLB Pipeline’s 16th-best prospect and is lauded for his raw power, as the publication gave him a 60 power grade. He has power to all fields and can generate a ton of bat speed to barrel balls. Although the power tool is his best feature, he’s also a solid hitter who can hit for contact.
In terms of his run, he is graded at 30 as Pipeline considers him “a below average runner”, but that doesn’t really matter all that much when he hits a round-tripper. At third base, he has an average arm but will likely move to first base once transitioning to professional baseball.
With the 20th overall pick, the Blue Jays could select Walker Janek
The catching factory the Blue Jays organization once was has run dry, as there are no catching prospects currently in the Top 30. That could change if the Blue Jays select Walker Janek, who Keith Law has the team picking in his latest mock draft for The Athletic. He notes:
“I’ve heard the Jays more on college bats than any other category, which makes sense in this draft class as the best high school hitters and college arms who’ll still be available would probably be reaches at this spot.”
An interesting tidbit from his bio is the fact that Law has heard the Jays will go the college bat route in this draft. Since the current regime took over, they’ve selected three college arms (2016, 2019, 2021), two college bats (2017, 2020), two prep bats (2018, 2023), and one prep pitcher (2022) with their eight first-round picks.
SEE YA!! 💣
Walker Janek sends a 2-out, 2-run homer over the LCF wall to put the Kats up 2-0 in the 3rd. #EatEmUpKats pic.twitter.com/AJ68HoO3Kr
— Sam Houston Baseball (@BearkatsBSB) March 10, 2024
As for Janek, the 21-year-old catcher plays for Sam Houston State University, and is slashing .364/.476/.709 with 17 home runs in 271 plate appearances, on top of 15 doubles and five triples. He’s also walked 40 times with 45 strikeouts. It’s by far his best season in collegiate ball, but he’s a .325 career hitter.
Janek ranks as MLB Pipeline’s 25th-best draft prospect, with the publication noting his plus raw power due to strength and “impressive” bat speed. He does have some chase in his game, but has improved this season, especially at shooting balls the other way.
Defensively, he is a good framer, but “can get lackadaisical with his receiving”, hence his 50 field grade. However, he has a 60 grade arm due to “plus arm strength and a quick release”. A catcher with pop who is a good defender? Sign me up!
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
