"That means the Jays won't select until pick #39, coming after the Prospect Promotion Incentive picks (#26 through #28) and Competitive Balance Round A (#29 through #37). Toronto will also not pick in Round 2 as compensation for signing Dylan Cease, who declined the Padres' Qualifying Offer this winter. This means that Pick #39 will be pretty important for the Jays, as they currently hold just 19 picks in the upcoming draft and could lose another if they sign Kyle Tucker this offseason."
"Hunter Dietz - LHP (Arkansas) Hunter Dietz is an interesting name in the 2026 MLB Draft. The southpaw has just 1 2/3 innings at the college level and 11 2/3 innings in the Cape Cod League, where he posted an 11.57 ERA out of seven relief appearances. While looking at his stat lines might raise some question marks, there is a lot of raw potential with Dietz that has scouts interested in the left-hander heading into the new campaign."
The Blue Jays finished just shy of a World Series title in 2025, which placed them 29th for the 2026 MLB Draft and triggers penalty-driven slide in the order. Penalties for exceeding the second level of the Competitive Balance Tax push the club 10 spots further, meaning the team will not pick until No. 39 after Prospect Promotion Incentive and Competitive Balance Round A selections. Toronto also forfeits a second-round pick as compensation for signing Dylan Cease. The club holds 19 draft picks currently and could lose or gain picks depending on free-agent movement. Prospect targets around No. 39 include left-hander Hunter Dietz, whose limited innings mask significant raw potential that has attracted scout interest despite mixed Cape Cod League results.
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