The Blue Jays’ season has gone sideways fast, and that slump may be creating an opening for one of the organization’s most interesting young bats.
Toronto has dropped five of its last six and sits last in the American League East at 46-54, a far cry from what was expected heading into the year. But even with the big-league club stumbling, Jay Harry has been making enough noise in the minors to force his way into the conversation.
The 24-year-old began the season at Double-A New Hampshire and wasted no time putting together a strong run. In 48 games there, he hit eight home runs, drove in 39 runs and posted a .324 batting average. Toronto moved him up to Triple-A Buffalo, and he has kept right on rolling: 27 games, five home runs, 24 RBI and a .304 average.
That kind of production looks even better when stacked against what Harry did last season. Across High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, he managed just five home runs and a .199 batting average. The jump he has made this year is obvious, and it has pushed him into the conversation as a potential call-up for Toronto.
Mitch Bannon of The Athletic recently pointed to Harry’s breakout as a real reason the Blue Jays should be paying attention.
"Blue Jays designated hitter Sean Keys had a front-row seat for Jay Harry’s breakout season," Bannon wrote. "The off-day golf partners blasted homers in New Hampshire together and earned promotions to Triple-A Buffalo in the same week. Keys got his MLB call-up in late June, and Harry may not be far behind."
Buffalo has already had plenty of reason to celebrate Harry’s power, including a three-run homer that the Bisons highlighted on social media. And with the way he has kept producing since arriving in Triple-A, the case for a shot in Toronto keeps getting stronger.
If the Blue Jays keep sliding and the playoff picture starts to fade further, a look at Harry would make plenty of sense. At the very least, he has shown he is trending in the right direction, and the organization has a prospect who looks like he could be ready for a bigger stage before long.
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