Blue Jays begin 2026 MLB Draft selections
The Toronto Blue Jays have started their selections in the 2026 MLB Draft, which is taking place in Philadelphia. The team is set to have 19 selections over the two-day event, aiming to strengthen its farm system. The draft process is distinct in professional North American sports, as teams focus on future needs rather than immediate roster issues.
The Blue Jays’ first pick in this year’s draft was at No. 39 overall, occurring in the second round. This placement was a result of the club exceeding the second surcharge threshold of the competitive balance tax during the previous season, which caused their initial first-round pick to slide back 10 spots. Additionally, the team forfeited its second-round pick due to the signing of Dylan Cease, who had received a qualifying offer.
Despite these adjustments, the organization has a history of success with draft picks, with notable examples such as Bo Bichette, who spent his entire career with the team until this season. Another example of the team’s ability to develop young talent is current pitching phenom Trey Yesavage.
First picks bolster pitching and infield
With their first selection at No. 39, the Blue Jays chose left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon from Arizona State University. Carlon, who is 21 years old, stands six-foot-five and features an upper-90s fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. In 2026, Carlon transitioned into the Sun Devils’ rotation, where he recorded 133 strikeouts and a 3.87 ERA over 83.2 innings. His performance earned him All-Big 12 First Team honours.
Carlon’s arsenal, particularly his fastball and slider, is considered powerful, offering a strong foundation for future development. While his curveball and changeup are still developing, his velocity and slider provide a clear path for improvement within Toronto’s pitching development system. Even if his secondary pitches require more time to refine, his raw ingredients are seen as sufficient for him to potentially become a good bullpen option.
In the third round, at Pick No. 103, the Blue Jays selected shortstop Ryan Cooney from Oregon. Cooney, also 21 years old, is a six-foot right-handed batter and thrower. He is known for his ability to make consistent contact with the ball and rarely strikes out. These skills contributed to him earning All-Big Ten First Team honours in 2026, where he posted a .331/.420/.524 slash line with eight home runs and 13 stolen bases for Oregon.
The team’s final pick on Day 1, at Pick No. 131 in the fourth round, was catcher Will Brick from Christian Brothers HS (Tenn.). Brick, who is 18 years old, was recognized as Gatorade’s Tennessee high school player of the year in 2026. He is noted for his elite arm strength and strong defensive abilities, alongside a 1.572 OPS with five home runs at the plate.
Draft schedule and viewing information
The MLB Draft is scheduled to unfold over two days. Day one, which includes rounds 1-4, began at 1:00 p.m. ET. Day two, covering rounds 5-20, is set to commence at 11:30 a.m. ET.
For those following the draft, the schedule for Day 1 included:
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET: Preview show and Picks 1-10
- 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET: Picks 11-40
- 4:30-7:45 p.m. ET: Picks 41-135
Day 2 will run from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, covering rounds 5 through 20.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
