TORONTO -- Yes, it’s early, but early doesn’t last long in the Minor Leagues. These early weeks of the season can completely alter a prospect’s trajectory in 2025, affirming the work they did in the offseason or signalling red flags that weren’t as red before. Much of April is spent playing baseball in weather not suited for it, particularly if you’re the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats or High-A Vancouver Canadians. Perhaps that explains why some of the Blue Jays’ best pitching stories early on have been down in warm and sunny Dunedin, Fla., and even though No. 2 prospect Trey Yesavage drew the early headlines, it’s been Khal Stephen (No. 10) who is demanding attention. |
Stephen came right behind Yesavage in the 2024 Draft, a second-round pick out of Mississippi State. The Blue Jays held him back at the complex, coming off a heavy workload in NCAA ball, but he’s nailing his first impression in Single-A with a 1.29 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 21 innings. He’s walked just two batters, proving that he -- much like Yesavage -- is simply too polished for the level. They’re both in Dunedin for a reason, though. That’s where the good weather is, and good weather is predictable weather. This allows the Blue Jays to get both Yesavage and Stephen into a good routine over the first month-plus, then ship them up to Vancouver when the weather in the northwest is a little more cooperative. Stephen was tabbed as a potential quick mover coming out of the Draft, given his NCAA experience, but there’s some legitimate upside to pair with his feel for pitching. |
Stephen’s fastball is excellent, sitting around 93 mph while touching 95. It’s a pitch he can miss bats with, too, because of a very strong changeup that sets up the heater. Yes, Stephen’s arsenal is deep and the Blue Jays believe he has four legitimate, MLB-caliber pitches for down the road, but his fastball and changeup -- and how they work together -- immediately jump out. Combine that with a 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and a person who earns all of the right praise as a teammate? There’s a reason the Blue Jays have been buzzing about Stephen. Coming off 96 innings in NCAA ball a year ago, Stephen should be clear to push well past 100 this season. He, like Yesavage, should earn a trip to Vancouver in the near future and both have a shot at touching New Hampshire by the end of the season. Tie these two together in your mind and keep an eye on them, because it certainly feels like Stephen is going to start climbing this list to land closer to Yesavage by midseason. |
Triple-A Buffalo Bisons:
Jake Bloss (No. 6) looked better his last time out, but still owns a 7.31 ERA over his first 16 innings with the Bisons and will be given some time to settle in, even as the Blue Jays search for answers without Max Scherzer. Bloss spent the 2024 season bouncing between levels and was traded in the middle of it all, so it’s a good time to let him settle in and have the same mailing address for more than a few weeks. At the dish, Jonatan Clase has positioned himself as the next outfielder up with a great start (.936 OPS) while Riley Tirotta just keeps hitting (.992 OPS, 3 HR) and belongs in the conversation when we discuss the Blue Jays’ offense. Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats: Jace Bohrofen (No. 24) erupted for four home runs in four games last week, which is an encouraging sign from the power-hitting 23-year-old. There’s still some patience required with Bohrofen, but this carries over his excellent finish from the ‘24 season. In an organization looking for power, it’s a great carrying tool to have. |
High-A Vancouver Canadians: This is an exciting level. Arjun Nimmala (No. 1) is off to a strong start, Victor Arias (No. 29) is one of the early breakout candidates in the entire system with an .853 OPS and Adrian Pinto (No. 22) might be your next favorite Blue Jays prospect if he can stay healthy, with his combination of athleticism and max-effort style. One other name to keep in mind? Reliever Chay Yeager. He’s unranked on our Top 30 right now, but has started his season with five scoreless appearances (8 IP) and has some of the highest-upside pure stuff in the system. |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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WATCH A CANADIANS GAME THIS SATURDAY |
The Vancouver Canadians play in one of the Minor League Games of the Day on Saturday, April 26, which you’ll be able to watch free online or through MLB TV. You’ll get a full look at Nimmala, the Blue Jays’ top prospect, along with Arias, Pinto and many others. It’s scheduled for a 10:05 p.m. ET first pitch. |
BLUE JAYS RETURN MONDAY, APRIL 29 |
After their three-game set in New York this weekend against the Yankees, the Blue Jays return home for three against the Red Sox and three against the Guardians, so the schedule isn’t exactly about to get easier. You can find tickets for that homestand right here. The Cleveland series could also offer a peek at Canadian reliever Cade Smith, who has emerged as one of the best relievers in baseball and is pushing Emmanuel Clase for the closer’s role. Though, if you’re a Blue Jays fan … you may not want to see either of those men pitch. |
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