Blue Jays select JoJo Parker eighth overall

Parker attended Purvis High School in Purvis, Mississippi. A left-handed batter, he ranked as MLB Pipeline’s ninth-best prospect. His best attribute is with his bat, as Pipeline graded his hit tool as 60 and his power tool as 55. Parker features a gap-to-gap approach and could hit 20 or more home runs as he fills out his frame.

Although Parker will be playing shortstop to begin his professional career, a move to either third base or second base is a possibility in the future. That said, he still has a strong arm, as Pipeline grades it 55. He’s an average runner and fielder, with a grade of 50 in each category.

Parker has a twin who is eligible for the draft. Jacob Parker, who also attended Purvis High School and is ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 109th best prospect. He should be available when the Blue Jays select 81st or 112th overall.

The Blue Jays’ top prospect, Arjun Nimmala, is also a shortstop, but it seems likely that either he or Parker will move off the position as they get closer to the big leagues. As for where Parker will start, Nimmala started in the Florida Complex League after being drafted, as did Tucker Toman in 2022.

Parker will turn 19 years old on August 8, meaning he’s the oldest high school shortstop that was available in or around the top 10. He’s also a bit more polished than the shortstops picked around him, so there’s a chance he’ll accelerate through the minor leagues at a quick pace.

Thanks to losing their second-round pick with the signing of Anthony Santander, the Blue Jays have $10,314,600 available in bonus pool money. The eighth overall pick itself has a value of $6,813,600, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Parker signs around slot value.