The Toronto Blue Jays have selected left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon from Arizona State University as their first pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Carlon was chosen 39th overall in the first round on Saturday. This addition aims to bolster the Blue Jays’ collection of pitching prospects.
Carlon, who stands at six-foot-five and weighs 230 pounds, recently completed his junior season in the NCAA. During his time with the Sun Devils, he transitioned into a starting role after spending two years as a reliever. He was recognized as an all-American reliever in his sophomore season.
In his most recent season, Carlon recorded a 5-2 record over 16 starts. He maintained a 3.87 earned-run average and accumulated 133 strikeouts across 83 2/3 innings pitched. The 21-year-old from Tempe, Arizona, was named to the all-Big 12 first team this season, marking his second career selection.
Carlon’s fastball has reached speeds of 98 mph, typically sitting around 94 mph. His breaking pitches are also notable, including an 87-88 mph cutter that functions like a slider, effectively missing bats. He also throws a 12-to-6 curveball and a changeup with fade.
Carlon’s Development and Role
Carlon’s journey to becoming a starter has been progressive. He began his collegiate career in a bullpen role as a freshman and continued in that capacity during his sophomore year, which also included participation in USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp. He moved to a permanent starting role this past spring.
While some express skepticism regarding his long-term role due to past inconsistency in finding the strike zone, Carlon has worked to reduce his walk rate. Given that the Blue Jays used a first-round pick on him, it is anticipated they will provide him with ample opportunity to develop as a starter.
This past season, Carlon appeared in 16 games, starting all of them. He struck out 133 hitters while issuing 31 walks, achieving a 1.19 WHIP. His performance has placed him among the intriguing pitching prospects within the Blue Jays’ system.
Blue Jays’ Pitching Prospect Strategy
The Blue Jays have focused on accumulating high-upside arms in recent years. Although their drafting strategy in 2025 leaned more towards position players, with 11 selected compared to 8 pitchers, the team heavily prioritized pitchers in the early rounds of the 2024 draft.
In 2024, the Blue Jays selected Trey Yesavage in the first round (20th overall), followed by Khal Stephen (59th overall in the second round) and Johnny King (95th overall in the third round). Yesavage has since advanced to the major leagues and is considered a contender for the Rookie of the Year award this season. Stephen was part of a trade last year for Shane Bieber, while King has shown solid performance in the minor leagues and is viewed as potential future MLB material.
Carlon now joins this group of prospects, with similar expectations placed upon him as he enters the Blue Jays’ system. The Blue Jays also drafted shortstop Ryan Cooney from the University of Oregon in the third round (103rd overall). Cooney, a six-foot, 195-pound junior, recorded eight homers, 43 RBIs, and a .331 batting average, earning him a spot on the all-Big Ten first team.
The 2026 MLB Draft selection of Carlon continues the organization’s trend of investing in pitching talent.
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Source: jaysjournal.com
