Today’s prospect could rise up Toronto Blue Jays’ top prospect lists if he does well in 2025.
This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual Pre-Season Prospect Countdown, this time looking at the top 40 prospects in the organization. We’ll look at the player’s stats, my observations, and other publication’s scouting reports if available.
Let’s take a look at our 31st-best prospect in the system, Juaron Watts-Brown!
Getting to know Juaron Watts-Brown…
Position: Starting pitcher
Throws: Right
Born: February 23, 2002
Acquired: 3rd-round, 2023 draft
Previous ranking: 26
Watts-Brown didn’t have the greatest of seasons at Oklahoma State in 2023, posting a 5.03 ERA in 82.1 innings pitched, with a 33 K% and a 12.8 BB%. Regardless, the Blue Jays used their third-round pick in the 2023 draft to select the Visalia, California native.
Like most pitching prospects recently drafted by the Blue Jays, Watts-Brown didn’t make his professional season until the following season in 2024. The right-handed pitcher started the season with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, where he had a respectable 3.43 ERA and a 3.17 FIP in 57.2 innings pitched, with a 30.3 K% and an 11.9 BB%.
Watts-Brown earned a promotion to the High-A Vancouver Canadians, where his numbers jumped to a 6.35 ERA and FIP in 45.1 innings pitched, with a 27.3 K% and a 14.8 BB%. The most encouraging portion of his season came in two starts during August, where he pitched back-to-back quality starts, giving up three earned runs in 12 innings with 15 strikeouts.
In MLB Pipeline’s 2024 mid-season update, Watts-Brown ranked as their 19th-best Blue Jays prospect. His fastball sits in the low 90s and he could benefit from adding extra weight to his 6’3”, 190 lb frame. Both his curveball and slider are above-average pitches while he also features a changeup and iffy control. The 22-year-old has a lot of upside, but there is also some reliever risk.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.