Blue Jays Prospects: Rojas, Shaw, Cooke, and Duran Show Promise

The anticipation surrounding the Blue Jays’ prospect pipeline continues to build as we unveil the next tier of talent in our ongoing series. Among these emerging stars are four players whose journeys through the minors have showcased both challenges and successes, each one poised to contribute to the team’s future.

First up is Rojas, a Venezuelan International Free Agent who joined the Blue Jays’ system in 2021. Initially, he struggled to make his mark as a starter, often facing difficulties at the A ball level. However, a shift to full-time relief in 2024 marked a turning point, as his strikeout rate surged to 29%, despite a high walk rate resulting in a 4.36 ERA. By 2025, Rojas found his rhythm at A+ Vancouver, where he struck out 36 batters in just 23.2 innings while significantly improving his control, allowing only six walks. His subsequent promotion to AA New Hampshire saw a dip in strikeouts, but he maintained a solid 12.5% swinging strike rate. Rojas boasts a mid-90s fastball that can reach 98 mph, complemented by a promising slider and usable secondary pitches, positioning him as a potential middle reliever with a bright future.

Next, we turn to Shaw, the 2023 ninth-round pick hailing from Victoria, B.C. After a solid start in the complex league, he faced challenges with power production in 2024. However, his advancement to A ball this past season proved fruitful, as he posted an impressive .253/.383/.418 line, well above the Florida State League average. Although Shaw struggled in a brief stint in Vancouver, the small sample size does little to overshadow an encouraging season. Known for his hit tool, Shaw combines selectivity with an impressive 16% walk rate, though he must balance this with his tendency for passivity. Despite his 5’10” frame limiting his raw power, his swing mechanics and high contact rate suggest he could still emerge as a productive hitter.

Cooke, a 10th-round pick from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2021, initially struggled before transitioning into a dominant bullpen role. After a promising 2023 season, where he struck out 80 batters in 44.1 innings, Cooke’s trajectory took a hit due to elbow issues, leading to Tommy John surgery in January of last year. Although his ranking has slipped slightly due to the depth of the prospect pool, his return to form could see him emerge as a reliable setup man. His fastball, characterized by a flat plane, and a sweeping slider are key components of his arsenal, while a developing change-up adds depth to his pitching repertoire.

Finally, Duran, acquired in the Anthony Bass trade, has steadily ascended through the Blue Jays’ system over the past three years, reaching A+ in 2025. He is a solid contact hitter with respectable on-base skills, although his power potential remains limited due to a ground-ball-heavy approach. Fortunately, Duran’s defensive skills shine through, as he is a plus receiver with good blocking abilities and a strong arm. While he may not project as an everyday player, his skill set suggests he could carve out a role as a quality backup catcher in the majors.

As these players continue to develop, the Blue Jays organization remains optimistic about their potential to contribute to the team’s future success, demonstrating the depth and talent within their prospect ranks.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.