Blue Jays Nation’s Mid-Season Prospect Countdown – No. 19: Johnny King IV

So far on our list, there has only been one player that was drafted in 2024. That changes in this article.

This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual Mid-Season top prospect list, where we’ll look at the 35 best prospects in the Blue Jays system. 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 19th-best prospect, Johnny King IV!

Getting to know Johnny King IV…

Position: Starting pitcher

Throws: Left

Born: July 26, 2006

Acquired: 3rd-round, 2024 draft (Blue Jays)

Previous ranking: Not ranked

The Blue Jays used their third-round pick in the 2024 draft to select prep pitcher, Johnny King IV from Naples High School. Thanks to an above-slot bonus of $1.248 million, they were able to pull him away from his commitment to Miami University.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much in the way of statistics for his high school career, but MLB Pipeline ranked him as their 16th-best Blue Jays prospect in the mid-season update. The left-handed starter stands at 6’4”, 210 lbs with three excellent looking pitches.

His fastball sits in the low-90s, but can hit up to 95 mph and has a ton of life, thus leading to whiffs. King IV’s Pipeline bio adds that he could end up adding more velocity as he grows into his frame. Moreover, the 18-year-old has a curveball that sits in the upper 70s, as well as a slurve that he uses against lefties. Rounding out his pitch mix is a changeup that’s still a work in progress.

LHP Johnny King named to 2nd HS Team All-America. 0.73 ERA w/ an absurd 110 K over 47.2 IP. 92-95 w/ a hammer, strong 3 pitch mix. #Canes commit

Full list ➡️ https://t.co/RhGsrjYHwI https://t.co/Cop8xlVs4G pic.twitter.com/A6MJOcI9nS

— Perfect Game Florida (@Florida_PG) June 21, 2024

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Like many prep players, King IV also played as a position player, with Pipeline noting that he could be a solid prospect in that regard as well. There are worrisome signs about his arm action which can lead to command issues, but they give him a ceiling as a mid-rotation starter.

The Blue Jays have a track record of not allowing their high-round pitching picks to pitch immediately after the draft. Ricky Tiedemann, Brandon Barriera, Landen Maroudis, and even Khal Stephen and Trey Yesavage are some notable examples.

With that being said, it’ll be interesting to see how King IV does when he makes his professional debut next season.