MLB Mock Draft 2024: Predicting Blue Jays' first pick
The Toronto Blue Jays are coming into the 2024 MLB Draft with the 20th pick. This is the same spot they were given last year when they drafted high school shortstop Arjun Nimmala.
With the draft just around the corner, many insiders have been relentlessly updating their mocks. While looking at MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo's latest predictions, he sees Toronto taking Kentucky University outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt.
Waldschmidt struggled to make a name for himself in high school. He injured his arm during his freshman season and could only DH as a sophomore. During his junior year, he lost much of his season due to the pandemic.
While not being hugely recruited, he played baseball for the College of Charleston and parlayed that into playing for the University of Kentucky. However, he tore his ACL in 2023, limiting him to DH duties once again.
He has made it his mission to get healthy ahead of the draft and has been turning heads during his workouts. Many scouts believe he has a huge ceiling at the plate and could be an everyday outfielder in just a few years.
One knock on his game is that he has a below-average arm. Some insiders believe this is the only reason that he may not be taken within the top 15.
Who else could the Blue Jays be eyeing in the 2024 MLB Draft?
Some other insiders predict that the Blue Jays will select Wake Forest outfielder/third baseman Seaver King with the 20th pick. Many MLB scouts love his versatility and believe he could have a massively successful career.
King is one of three Wake Forest players expected to go in the first round. This goes to show just how special of a program the Demon Deacons have developed.
King has worked on his game and his physicality since college. He has put on 20 pounds, which has helped his power at the plate, and he is comfortable driving balls to all sides of the field.
One area that King could improve is his plate discipline. He chases too much, which results in some weak contact. Everything else about his game is just fine, and insiders are torn about whether he would make a better outfielder or shortstop.
Jonathan Mayo predicts King will not make it to the 20th pick and will be taken by the Seattle Mariners five spots prior.