Under the Radar Prospects: Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are the subjects of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects in which five unheralded players within a team system are identified as players to watch out for. Among the five players this week are two talented outfielders, two starting pitchers with excellent results, and an explosive high leverage reliever.

Alan Roden, OF - Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays selected Alan Roden in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft. Although the 24-year old outfielder doesn’t have a dazzling array of tools, he still manages to outperform expectations. Roden has solid power and solid speed. The best aspect of his game is his ability to make contact and work walks with a low strikeout rate.

Since his professional debut in 2022, Roden has been among the best offensive players in the Blue Jays system. During his first full season in 2023, Roden performed excellently in High-A and earned a midseason promotion to Double-A. Roden was back in Double-A to begin 2024 and after 54 games where he hit .267/.373/.432, the Blue Jays rewarded him with a promotion to Triple-A. Roden profiles as a 4th outfielder or solid bench player, but could develop into an everyday player in the right situation.

Victor Arias, OF - Toronto Blue Jays

The start to Victor Arias’ career was delayed due to the pandemic shutting down minor league baseball in 2020. Signed in August 2019, Arias didn’t make his professional debut in 2021 in the Dominican Summer League. After two years there, Arias moved to the states and produced a season in which he showcased an ability to draw walks, elite bat speed, hit home runs, and steal bases.

The Blue Jays gave Arias a cameo in Single-A and Double-A last year, but have stationed him in Single-A for the entirety of the 2024 campaign. Thus far over 69 games, Arias is hitting .268/.375/.445 with 7 HR and 16 stolen bases.

Carson Pierce, RHP - Toronto Blue Jays