Blue Jays select Karson Ligon 262nd overall

There’s some intrigue in this pick, as Ligon possesses really good stuff. It also ticked up from where it was in 2023, which stands to reason there could be room for more gains as he turns pro. The Blue Jays’ recent success with pitching development also leads to some intrigue over what they could do with Ligon once they get their hands on him. There’s a big ball of clay here and multiple possibilities. His big stuff gives him the fallback option of being a potential leverage reliever. Some refining of his command and further development of his changeup, however, opens up endless possibilities as a potential starter.

Upon further inspection, I’m not certain he 100% comes in under slot. He was a high ERA guy in his senior year, but the more important variable is the stuff, and Ligon has plenty of that. It’ll be intriguing to see what the final number lands on with the former Mississippi State starter, as it will dictate whether the Blue Jays have some room to take another big swing on a prep player later on in the draft.