Blue Jays Target Prep Star Blake Bowen in 2026 MLB Draft

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The Toronto Blue Jays are set to target high school outfielder Blake Bowen with their first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, despite missing out on the top 30 selections due to exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold in 2025. Bowen, from JSerra Catholic High School in California, has drawn comparisons to TCU's Sawyer Strosnider, a highly-rated left-handed hitting prospect expected to be a top-12 pick. The Blue Jays have had recent success developing pitching talent like Trey Yesavage, and are now focusing on acquiring versatile prep players to build for the future.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays' decision to target Bowen despite their draft position penalty highlights the team's strategic approach to the MLB Draft. After reaching the World Series, the Blue Jays are looking to continue building a competitive roster through the draft, focusing on high-upside prep talent like Bowen who could develop into a star player.

The details

The Blue Jays exceeded the $241 million competitive balance tax threshold by over $40 million in 2025, resulting in a 10-spot drop in their first-round pick. However, the team is still targeting outfielder Blake Bowen from JSerra Catholic High School in California as their top draft priority. Bowen has drawn comparisons to TCU's Sawyer Strosnider, a left-handed hitting prospect expected to be a top-12 pick in 2026 after a standout 2025 season that included a rare quadruple-double. Bowen's height, right-handed batting stance, and football background as a wide receiver make him a versatile player with a high ceiling.

• The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for June.
• The Blue Jays exceeded the competitive balance tax threshold in 2025.

What’s next

The Blue Jays will make their first-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, where they hope to land Blake Bowen despite their penalty for exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold.