Blue Jays’ Initial Draft Selections
The Toronto Blue Jays made three selections on the first day of the 2026 MLB Draft, held in Philadelphia. The team’s first pick was at No. 39 overall, a change from their original position, after exceeding the second surcharge threshold of the competitive balance tax in the previous season. Additionally, the Blue Jays forfeited their second-round pick due to the signing of Dylan Cease, who had received a qualifying offer.
With their first selection, the Blue Jays chose Cole Carlon, a left-handed pitcher from Arizona State University. Carlon, who is 21 years old, stands six-foot-five and features an upper-90s fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. He transitioned into the Sun Devils’ rotation in 2026, where he recorded 133 strikeouts and a 3.87 ERA over 83.2 innings, earning All-Big 12 First Team honours. Carlon’s slider is noted for its late drop, and his fastball reached as high as 101 occasionally this season.
Carlon’s delivery is described as somewhat jerky, and while he threw a significant number of strikes this past season, his command is considered below average. Developing more confidence in his secondary offerings, such as his curveball and changeup, will be important if he aims to remain a starter. If he can refine his command and repertoire, he is seen as a potential mid-rotation starter, with his fastball and slider offering a fallback option as a back-end reliever.
Infield and Catching Prospects
The Blue Jays’ third-round pick, at No. 103 overall, was Ryan Cooney, a 21-year-old infielder from Oregon. Cooney, a six-foot shortstop, is recognized for his contact ability and rarely striking out. He earned All-Big Ten First Team honours in 2026, achieving a slash line of .331/.420/.524 with eight home runs and 13 stolen bases for Oregon. This season, he also shifted from shortstop to second base, a position considered a more natural fit for him in professional baseball due to his arm strength.
Cooney is an above-average to plus runner and an efficient base stealer. His power is an area for development, as his size and line-drive oriented swing limit his home run potential, though he did hit 22 doubles in addition to his eight home runs as a junior. Blue Jays scouting director Marc Taramuta compared Cooney to Ernie Clement, suggesting a similar offensive production profile if he develops as anticipated.
With their final pick of Day 1, at No. 131 overall, Toronto selected Will Brick, an 18-year-old catcher from Christian Brothers High School in Tennessee. Brick was recognized as Gatorade’s Tennessee high school player of the year in 2026. He is noted for his elite arm strength and strong defensive tools, along with posting a 1.572 OPS and five home runs at the plate.
Brick is considered a standout athlete who played multiple positions in the spring, but his long-term position is expected to be catcher. His arm strength is described as comfortably plus, and he has shown the fundamental skills to become an above-average blocker and framer with further development. While he has shown above-average raw power in batting practice, his current swing is contact-oriented, with some questions regarding its effectiveness against high-velocity pitching. Despite the inherent risks with high school catchers, Brick’s defensive ability and power potential suggest he could become a valuable regular.
Overall Day One Assessment
The Blue Jays’ selections on Day 1 have been met with a positive reception, particularly the acquisition of Carlon, who was considered by some to be a higher-ranked talent than his draft position. Cooney’s selection is seen as a strategic move to manage signing bonuses, while Brick’s pick is viewed as ambitious due to the typical development timeline for high school catchers. The organization’s ability to find value in lower-bonus college players in previous drafts suggests confidence in their approach. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on Toronto’s remaining 16 picks during the 20-round draft.
The Blue Jays will have 19 selections over the two-day event.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
