(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Blue Jays Draft Canadian Prospect Tim Piasentin in Fifth Round
Canadian third baseman Tim Piasentin received life-changing news while staying in a hotel room in Pullman, Washington. Just a day after helping the Okotoks Dawgs win the Palouse Summer Series, the 18-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C. learned that the Toronto Blue Jays were set to select him in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft.
“When I got the call, it felt amazing,” said Piasentin. “That’s the dream right there.”
A Dream Come True with Canada’s Team
Piasentin has long supported the Blue Jays and felt a special connection with the club. “They’ve always been my team — they’re Canada’s team,” he said. He also felt at home with the organization, having previously visited their training complex while representing Team Canada.
After getting drafted, there was little time for celebration. Piasentin and his family embarked on a long road trip — first back to Okotoks, Alberta to collect his belongings, then to Vancouver, and finally on to Dunedin, Florida, where he signed his first professional contract and began orientation camp.
A Power Bat with Strong Upside
Standing 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, the left-handed hitter is already showing impressive offensive potential. Baseball America praised his “ready-made swing” and “double-plus raw power,” citing exit velocities that have reached 110 mph with a wood bat.
Piasentin also boasts a strong arm, giving him a solid chance to remain at third base as he develops. According to Blue Jays player development director Joe Sclafani, “He’s obviously super raw, but man, it comes off his bat pretty good. It’s an exciting foundation to work off of.”
A Long Journey Fueled by Passion
Piasentin’s passion for baseball began early, peaking when he represented Coquitlam at the 2019 Little League World Series — a moment that solidified his goal of playing professionally.
Later, he moved to Okotoks to train with the Dawgs and prepare for the next level, taking pride in becoming independent and learning to adjust to life away from home — skills he’s already putting to use in his transition to pro baseball.
Next Steps: Development in the Bridge League
Piasentin joins other 2025 draft picks in Dunedin, where he’ll compete in the Bridge League — a development-focused program featuring games against prospects from other organizations. The emphasis is on building fundamentals, strength training, and professional routines in preparation for full-season ball in 2026.
“I just need to trust what I can do,” Piasentin said. “Even if I’m slumping or not seeing the ball well, I have a really good swing, and I’m able to compete.”
Blue Jays Farm System Round-Up
Here’s a look at what’s happening across the Blue Jays minor-league affiliates:
Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
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Josh Kasevich returned from injury and is expected to join Buffalo soon.
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R.J. Schreck is swinging well after recovering from a hand injury.
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Ricky Tiedemann, Chad Dallas, and Connor Cooke are all rehabbing from elbow surgeries, with Tiedemann and Dallas possibly returning before season’s end.
Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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Trey Yesavage continues to build up innings after a midseason workload shift.
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Victor Arias is heating up at the plate with an impressive stretch of extra-base hits.
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Charles McAdoo remains productive after a brief developmental stint.
High-A Vancouver Canadians
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Arjun Nimmala is working through a cold stretch after a strong start, but remains a top prospect at just 19 years old.
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Fernando Perez has turned his season around, posting a 1.55 ERA in his last eight starts.
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Gage Stanifer continues to impress since his promotion from low-A.
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Canadian lefty Connor O’Halloran recently underwent elbow ligament surgery.
Low-A Dunedin Blue Jays
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Johnny King has struck out 40 batters in just 21 innings since his promotion, showing elite swing-and-miss stuff.
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Landen Maroudis is working through control issues as he recovers from elbow surgery.
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Silvano Hechavarria is emerging as a breakout arm, posting a 1.81 ERA over 10 games.
FCL Blue Jays (Florida Complex League)
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The rookie-level club captured the FCL championship with contributions from a wide range of young talent.
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Top international signee Enmanuel Bonilla continues to find his footing.
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Lefty Brandon Barriera suffered a season-ending injury after limited action this year.
