2025 Minor League/Prospects Discussion Thread

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Jauron Watts Brown also had himself a game, 4 ⅔ innings, 3 hits, 1BB, 10K - he also had a 10K game at the end of last season.

https://www.milb.com/video/juaron-watts-brown-strikes-out-10-batters?t=playerid-695033

https://www.milb.com/video/juaron-watts-brown-strikes-out-10?t=playerid-695033

JuaronWatts

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 40 | Overall: 40

Following a stint at Long Beach State and some success in the Cape Cod League, Watts-Brown landed at Oklahoma State, where he led the Big 12 Conference in strikeouts (124) and K/9 (13.6) despite an up-and-down spring. The Blue Jays selected him in the third round (89th overall) in the 2023 Draft before signing him to an above-slot $1 million bonus. Watts-Brown didn’t pitch professionally in his Draft year, but threw 103 innings between Single-A and High-A in ‘24 with a 4.72 ERA, 131 strikeouts and 60 walks.

Watts-Brown has improved his routines since joining the organization and put on some weight, which should help him hold up through a season. He has excellent feel for his low-80s slider, which will always be his headlining pitch, and his upper-70s curveball can be a whiff-heavy option too. But he could still benefit from some added juice on his fastball, which sits in the low 90s. Walks were a problem for Watts-Brown at times in ‘24, with a rate of 5.2 BB/9, so he’ll need to get himself into better counts early on.

This is a big season for Watts-Brown, who is 23 now and should soon be ready for the challenge of Double-A. The Blue Jays have some internal optimism that his numbers will bounce back from ‘24 and that Watts-Brown is ready to take a step forward, much of which will depend on how much he’s able to add to his physical projection. There could be some bullpen upside down the road, particularly if his slider plays up in that role, but he’ll continue to be developed as a starter in the short term.

[JaysRule15]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

[bluerap23]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

He is so young and far away - I don't see the two players related at all.

[dagger]

Khal Stephen was excellent again tonight, seems like a good candidate for an early promotion not Vancouver as the weather in the Northwest warms.

https://www.milb.com/gameday/blue-jays-vs-hammerheads/2025/04/10/785742/final/box?affiliateId=mlbcom-milb

[bartron_44]

If Roden and Lukes dont pick it up soon, I could see Clase replacing someone soon….along with Varsho when he is ready. Straw is outplaying both of them. Both offensively and defensively. And needs to start playing more while he has earned it.

[dagger]

Two season eye openers:

Arjun Nimmala is off to a fast start in Vancouver - He's hitting .326 with a .945 OPS. He was being used mainly as a DH so far, but last night he played SS. He's had 6 XBH including two homers. If he can sustain this, he ought to get to AA this year and the majors by 2027, at age 21. In other words, a possible phenom in the making.

RHP Khal Stephen had another fantastic start at Dunedin, five scoreless with three hits and 5K. He's given up one run in three starts, and given his pedigree as a second round pick last June, he's got to be headed to Vancouver soon.

[bartron_44]

Calm down on the phenom talk… every step gets harder and harder. No guarantees he flies up in 2 years. It is nice to see him off to a hot start though, and the power he already has.

What I am curious about, is why did they call up Barger instead of Clase to replace Lukes while he’s on leave? Clase is slashing 378/.511/.432 So far this year, with 9 walks to just 7 Ks. Not to mention he plays the same positions as Lukes…



Barger was hitting .211 off AAA pitching. Why not bring the hot bat in if its only for a few days?

[dagger]

Nimmala had two doubles in a 3-5 night last night. Still looking strong for his age and level

[dagger]

Nimmala had two doubles in a 3-5 night last night. Still looking strong for his age and level

And homer #6 last night.

Trey Yesavage with a great start

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I watched much of his start, and he didn't give up any hard contact. The three of the four hits were infield or shallow bloopers.

[polo007]

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[COY0607]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

He is so young and far away - I don't see the two players related at all.

I think there’s something to this. Why commit 6-7 years to Bo when Nimmala is ~2 years away. He can debut potentially in late 2027, so you just need 1.5-2 years of buffer. Gimenez or even Leo Jimenez can be a stop gap solution

[bluerap23]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

He is so young and far away - I don't see the two players related at all.

I think there’s something to this. Why commit 6-7 years to Bo when Nimmala is ~2 years away. He can debut potentially in late 2027, so you just need 1.5-2 years of buffer. Gimenez or even Leo Jimenez can be a stop gap solution

1. He looks more than 2 years away.
2. A lot can happen between A ball and the bigs. Many amazing prospects never make it. Many can hit all throughout the minor leagues and then can't replicate in the bigs.

Bo is one of our only really good offensive players. He is home grown. They can probably get him at a reasonable number. Just don't see the need to move on.

[dagger]

He is so young and far away - I don't see the two players related at all.

I think there’s something to this. Why commit 6-7 years to Bo when Nimmala is ~2 years away. He can debut potentially in late 2027, so you just need 1.5-2 years of buffer. Gimenez or even Leo Jimenez can be a stop gap solution

1. He looks more than 2 years away.
2. A lot can happen between A ball and the bigs. Many amazing prospects never make it. Many can hit all throughout the minor leagues and then can't replicate in the bigs.

Bo is one of our only really good offensive players. He is home grown. They can probably get him at a reasonable number. Just don't see the need to move on.

Yes, a lot can happen between High A and the majors. But he seems like a special talent. One of the prospect bloggers noted that he has greatly improved his two strike approach since last season, no longer seems to panic but will pass on bad pitches with two strikes. His walk rate is rising as a consequence. I would expect to see him at New Hampshire for a late-season promotion, starting there next season and if he can sustain what he is doing, relative to better pitching, getting to Buffalo by the end of 2026. While not common, it's not unusual for top prospects to reach the majors in their age 21 season. Jackson Holliday and Jackson Chourio both made debuts in their Age 20 season, although Holliday went up and down between the Orioles and AAA in-season. Four Age 21 players broke camp this year with major league teams including those two.

As for Bo, yes, we should sign him "at a reasonable number" - I just don't know if that's possible.

[PushDaRock]

I think there’s something to this. Why commit 6-7 years to Bo when Nimmala is ~2 years away. He can debut potentially in late 2027, so you just need 1.5-2 years of buffer. Gimenez or even Leo Jimenez can be a stop gap solution

1. He looks more than 2 years away.
2. A lot can happen between A ball and the bigs. Many amazing prospects never make it. Many can hit all throughout the minor leagues and then can't replicate in the bigs.

Bo is one of our only really good offensive players. He is home grown. They can probably get him at a reasonable number. Just don't see the need to move on.

Yes, a lot can happen between High A and the majors. But he seems like a special talent. One of the prospect bloggers noted that he has greatly improved his two strike approach since last season, no longer seems to panic but will pass on bad pitches with two strikes. His walk rate is rising as a consequence. I would expect to see him at New Hampshire for a late-season promotion, starting there next season and if he can sustain what he is doing, relative to better pitching, getting to Buffalo by the end of 2026. While not common, it's not unusual for top prospects to reach the majors in their age 21 season. Jackson Holliday and Jackson Chourio both made debuts in their Age 20 season, although Holliday went up and down between the Orioles and AAA in-season. Four Age 21 players broke camp this year with major league teams including those two.

As for Bo, yes, we should sign him "at a reasonable number" - I just don't know if that's possible.

Sample size isn't large but the drastic reduction in Strikeout Rate while maintaining his power is extremely encouraging.

[polo007]

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[brwnman]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

Nimmala's emergence should have nothing to do with Bo. As a contending team (or trying to with the payroll the Jays have), you're not making decision for a prospect that's 2+ years away (and that's if he makes it at all). You make decisions on prospects and current players when they're knocking on the door.

[JaysRule15]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

Nimmala's emergence should have nothing to do with Bo. As a contending team (or trying to with the payroll the Jays have), you're not making decision for a prospect that's 2+ years away (and that's if he makes it at all). You make decisions on prospects and current players when they're knocking on the door.

It's not just Nimmala. It's also about paying Bo. I don't get the feeling Bo will take a discount to stay here. He'll look for peak value dollars. But considering how his numbers have never improved over the years and his power has dropped off, would you be comfortable giving him a long term deal at market value?

The fact that we have Gimenez who can play shortstop just fine for the next few years, and find a cheaper option at second base might be an enticing approach if Nimmala really takes a step into elite prospect territory this season.

Now of course, if Bo has a good season and is willing to work with the team on an extension, you want to retain the asset. Or, if this season is a disaster, they could even trade him this deadline and get something back.

[brwnman]

Nimmala's emergence might be why they let Bo walk this offseason. Gimenez can slide over and play short. Nimmala is likely suited more to 2B anyways.

Nimmala's emergence should have nothing to do with Bo. As a contending team (or trying to with the payroll the Jays have), you're not making decision for a prospect that's 2+ years away (and that's if he makes it at all). You make decisions on prospects and current players when they're knocking on the door.

It's not just Nimmala. It's also about paying Bo. I don't get the feeling Bo will take a discount to stay here. He'll look for peak value dollars. But considering how his numbers have never improved over the years and his power has dropped off, would you be comfortable giving him a long term deal at market value?

The fact that we have Gimenez who can play shortstop just fine for the next few years, and find a cheaper option at second base might be an enticing approach if Nimmala really takes a step into elite prospect territory this season.

Now of course, if Bo has a good season and is willing to work with the team on an extension, you want to retain the asset. Or, if this season is a disaster, they could even trade him this deadline and get something back.

The point is, whether Bo is extended or let go should have nothing to do with Nimmala. You make the decision to extend/let go of Bo independent of Nimmala (he's too far away to be part of the consideration). Having Gimenez on the roster should/could factor in. And of course, above all else, Bo's production.

[dagger]

I feeling pretty much like everyone else on this board. This is shaping up as another lost season of mediocrity. A team that will excite for a game or two, then fall right back with a losing streak with blown leads, or bad starts that pretty much put a win out of reach after an inning or two. It had better be the end of Shatkins. And the upper levels of the farm system don't have any impact talent. But I thought I would focus anyway on a small positive blip at Dunedin - four pitchers ready, seemingly, for promotion. Two of those - Trey Yesavage and Khal Stephen - I have posted about and have seen nothing to dissuade me that both are ready for High A, and as college pitchers, could make it to New Hampshire this year. No reason to coddle them if they are effective at higher levels.

But let's look at two others. Gage Stanifer and Colby Martin.

Stanifer
https://www.milb.com/player/gage-stanifer-804948

Stanifer was the 19th round pick in 2022, a high school prep pitcher who didn't have a lot of hype and signed for the post-Round 10 $125,000 bonus. This season, his age 21, he's been piggy-backed with Yesavage. Yesavage starts, does his 4-6 innings, then Stanifer always succeeded him for the balance of the game. He has a great sinking two-seamer and good velocity (95 and up) on his four-seamer. He first two seasons were unremarkable, but so far this season he's been, well, remarkable. He's certainly projectable as a starter, good size and all, so it will be very interesting to see how much of this progress follows him to the next level.

Martin
https://www.milb.com/player/colby-martin-814508

Martin's backstory is interesting, a two-way player in off all places, a Div III team, the Padres invited him to sign as a free agent in 2023 after he wasn't drafted, but he had missed 2022 with TJ surgery and when the Padres looked at his MRI, they reneged on the deal, sent him home, breaking his heart. He decided to push forward, went Southeastern U, focussed exclusively on pitching. The Jays drafted him in the 16th round of the 2024 draft, signed him for $75,000. He's 5'11, with no starter projection, so look on him strictly as bullpen. So far this season, he's had nine relief appearances basically as a closer, and has yet to give up a run. His claim to fame - flame! He can throw 102 mph fastballs, 98-99 with consistency. At the very least, he seems ready for a shot at Vancouver.

https://www.milb.com/dunedin/news/d3-second-baseman-turned-blue-jays-102-mph-flamethrower-meet-colby-martin