Blue Jays’ agree to terms with first-round pick JoJo Parker

Parker ranked as MLB Pipeline’s ninth-best prospect in the draft. He’s regarded as one of the most well-rounded high school hitters in the class, being given a 60-grade hit tool and a 55-power tool. There’s a chance he’ll move to third base in the future as he fills out the frame, but that shouldn’t be a problem, given he has an arm grade of 55.

There’s a lot to like about Parker, and he easily becomes one of the Blue Jays’ top prospects, as well as a top 100 prospect in baseball. Assuming he plays after the draft camp, Parker could end up playing for the Florida Complex League Blue Jays or Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays.

Another notable aspect of this signing is that the Blue Jays have over $600,000 in savings. They’ll have to over-slot Canadian Tim Piasentin, as well as Blaine Bullard, Jordan Rich, and perhaps Jared Spencer.

It’s also worth noting that, according to MLB.com’s draft tracker and reported by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi on Thursday, the Blue Jays’ fourth-round pick Micah Bucknam signed a bonus worth the slot of $680,800, minus the $2,500 contingency bonus. Bucknam ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 131st best draft prospect, featuring a mid-90s fastball and a high-80s slider. This wasn’t the first time the Blue Jays drafted Bucknam, doing so in 2021.

The Blue Jays also came to terms with Danny Thompson Jr. and Austin Smith, their eighth and tenth-round picks, respectively. Both players came in well below the slot, signing for $5,000.

As the days continue, expect more prospects to sign with the Jays. This season, the deadline to agree to terms with prospects falls on July 28 at 5:00 PM ET. We’ll see who else the Blue Jays can sign.