Blue Jays select Trace Baker 382nd overall

The Blue Jays have selected Trace Baker, a right-handed pitcher out of UNC Wilmington, with their 13th-round pick.

Selected 382nd overall, Baker has spent his last two collegiate years with UNC Wilmington and earned CAA All-Tournament honours in 2024. Baker also tossed a season-high six innings of relief against Charleston in the CAA Championship game, holding the Cougars to just one unearned run on three hits while walking one and striking out four.

Over his final seven appearances, he allowed just an unearned run in 14.1 innings, while opponents hit .231 against him. In 2025, Baker was named First-Team All-CAA reliever, authoring a 2.24 ERA across 52.1 innings while striking out 54 and walking only 16. Opponents mustered just a .186 average when facing the reliever.

Baker has a 3 pitch mix, he throws his fastball in the 93-94 range while topping out at 96. It has plenty of arm-side action, giving it a sinker-type look to hitters. His best offering is a sweeper that he throws in the low 80s with glove side movement upwards of 17 inches. He also mixes in a changeup every now and again when he occasionally starts, but he’s primarily fastball/sweeper out of the bullpen, which is where he’s logged most of his innings.

Signability will be interesting with Baker, in his context being a 4 year junior guy those guys are typically easy signs, however Trace was a UNC transfer and has a commitment to join the Carolina Diamond Heals next year. However even in this situation it’s highly likely Baker foregoes his commitment to Carolina and signs with the Blue Jays to kick start his professional career.