Looking at who the Jays could pick in the first round of the 2024 draft according to recent mock drafts

Defensively, Gillen is a good runner, but there’s concerns about injury – both in his knee and from shoulder surgery thanks to a torn labrum. His position is still up in the air, with Pipeline’s bio suggesting second base, centre field, and left field.

If the Jays selected Gillen, it’d be back to back seasons with the team selecting a prep shortstop, which seems less than ideal.

Bleacher Report has the Jays selecting Slade Caldwell

Like Prospects Live, Bleacher Report’s mock draft has the team selecting a prep hitter, this time, it’s outfielder Slade Caldwell.

Power won’t be the 5’8”, 175 lbs’ outfielder’s calling card, but MLB Pipeline gives him a 60 grade for the hit tool, noting his fast hands from the left-side. He also has impressive speed (65 grade), allowing him to run out grounders and be a menace on the base paths.

Caldwell’s speed also translates defensively, as it allows him to range in centre field. His arm is considered “fringy”, but it works in centre. Like Gillen, he’s had a major injury, a broken fibula, ow.

In recent drafts, the Blue Jays cupboard for outfielders has improved, as Alan Roden (2022 draft) and Jace Bohrofen (2023 draft) have had great starts to their seasons. Of course, Will Robertson has also broken out in the past year.

Just Baseball has the Jays selecting Caleb Lomavita

At one point, the Blue Jays were a catcher factor, producing players like Alejandro Kirk, Gabriel Moreno, and Danny Jansen. However, the team is without a Top 30 catching prospect. There are a few interesting catchers in the system, namely Edward Duran and Franklin Rojas. However, the former is in Single-A while the latter has yet to make his professional debut. Zach Britton is another player to keep an eye on, and he’s in Double-A.

Just Baseball’s mock draft has the Jays selecting Caleb Lomavita, the top catching prospect in the draft, according to MLB Pipeline. The bat has improved, as Lomavita can drive the ball to all fields, but also has ceased to chase as much as he was in years prior. The approach needs some work though, as he’s an aggressive hitter that really likes to swing.

For a catcher, defence comes first, and he’s athletic behind the plate, which the Jays love. The arm is strong, but he’ll need to shorten his throw, and his catching overall is still a work in progress, but he can be darn good at the position. Other options could be third base or outfield if it doesn’t work out behind the plate.

A college catcher with athleticism and a good bat? Sign me up!

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