Next Guys Up: Anthony Alford

Anthony Alford — a 2012 third round pick in the MLB draft — is a 25 year old outfielder who is a career Blue Jay. Alford made his MLB debut in 2017, a time where he was the highest rated prospect in the organization. Since then, he has been up and down from AAA Buffalo, having yet to surpass more than 20 major league games in a season, and retaining rookie status through the 2020 season.

When Alford was drafted by the Jays, he was viewed as an extremely athletic player with solid defensive ability, strong contact hitting, and moderate power. He was one prospect many people were excited about, but there was one issue: football. The former dual threat defensive back and quarterback was a football star at the University of Southern Mississippi (also known as Ole Miss) was still considering both sports for a long time, and didn’t end up fully committing to baseball until the 2015 season, three full years after being drafted. This was huge for the organization, as he was largely considered raw talent who could be crafted into something big once he fully committed to one sport. Unfortunately Alford is still looking to make that commitment worth it five years later.

Up until 2017, Alford really did look like an elite prospect, hitting for a .299 average across advanced A, AA, and AAA in 2017. So far that has looked like his peak, as he has been unable to replicate that kind of success ever since his debut. In his major league career, he holds a .145 average with 1 home run through 55 at bats. On the defensive side he has been solid, accumulating 3 defensive runs saved in 2019, but the Jays are looking for more of an offensive player for their future.

After yet another subpar season in AAA last year, 2020 spring training could make or break the former top prospect. With Toronto’s loaded outfield, and all of Alford’s options being used, this will be his final chance to make the team, otherwise they will have to pass him through waivers if they choose to demote him (considering his high potential, he is extremely likely to be claimed and taken by another organization). Although the team wants him in their future plans, a poor spring could be the last time Alford wears a Jays uniform.