Next Guys Up: Jordan Groshans

Jordan Groshans is one of Toronto’s highest rated prospects, currently ranked second best in the organization. The 20 year old shortstop and third base prospect was the Blue Jays first round selection in the 2018 MLB draft, and is widely considered the final piece to the Jays future core with Bichette, Biggio, and Guerrero Jr.

Groshans is a well built prospect, with a large 6’3 frame and a muscular build. He is a well regarded prospect because of his ability to make hard contact, and really get behind the ball to drive it. He is primarily a contact hitter, but he has a lot of pop in his bat. In 2019, Groshans spent the year in single A Lansing, where he was dominating prior to a foot injury in August that shut him down in August. Over his 83 at bats, he hit for a .337 average with a .427 OBP alongside 2 home runs. Defensively, Groshans has an extremely strong arm, and despite being a good defender, his frame doesn’t really give him a strong future at shortstop. He is widely considered to be the team’s future third baseman, and will force Guerrero to first when he is promoted to the bigs.

Groshans is expected to begin the 2020 season in advanced A Dunedin. He is currently ranked the 75th best prospect in the sport, and has an MLB ETA of 2022, though with continued success from the 2019 season, he could be up earlier. Although only in the low minor leagues, he actually brings significance to the big league club in the 2020 season. Being considered the final piece to the Blue Jays future infield, the only infielder who is not a lock for the future must prove himself now when given the chance. This player is 1B Rowdy Tellez. Groshans is a talented young prospect with high potential, and unless Tellez proves his fit and importance now, he might be forced off the team with the arrival of Groshans.

Although Groshans won’t be with the club for another year or two, he is a significant player for fans to know about because of his future importance for the organization. The team is building around young players like him, and he could be a major piece in the success of the team for the foreseeable future.