Jon

Harris

Harris is a former first-round pick out of Missouri State who struggled to stay healthy and was moved to the bullpen by the Blue Jays in 2019. The right-hander will spend the year with the independent team and look to revitalize his career.

Harris allowed just three hits over seven innings and finished with 11 strikeouts, the same number he had in his previous start against Fort Wayne. The 22-year-old has been tearing it up all year. So far he’s undefeated in seven starts with a stunning 0.83 ERA. The Lugnuts were cautious with Harris’ pitch count early in the year but the training wheels are off now. The 2015 first-round pick is primed for a promotion.

Harris gave up three hits, didn’t walk anyone and struck out four. It’s nice to see him pitch well, as he’s struggled for most of the 2017 season (5.53 ERA). Despite having two above-average pitches and two average offerings, he’s really struggled to miss bats this year, and the command has lagged at times, as well. The talent is here, but he’s going to have to show more starts like this one before you can believe he’s even close to being ready to join the Toronto rotation.

The Blue Jays are likely thrilled to get Harris, who had received consideration as a potential top-10 pick. The 6-foot-4, 175-pound right-hander has the projectable frame and stuff teams look for in a big league starter, with a four-pitch mix headlined by a 90-94 mph fastball and plus changeup, and he has good command of both pitches. The 21-year-old’s slider and curveball are also above-average offerings, and he consistently keeps the ball down by working on a downhill plane. Harris emerged as Missouri State’s ace this spring, posting a 2.45 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 3.15 BB/9 and 10.14 K/9 in 103 innings (15 starts). The Blue Jays received the No. 29 overall pick from the White Sox as compensation for signing Melky Cabrera. It comes with a recommended slot value $1,944,800.

Harris was viewed as a potential top-10 pick headed into the draft, but ultimately fell to the Blue Jays with the No. 29 pick. The 21-year-old right-hander emerged as Missouri State’s ace this spring, posting a 2.45 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 3.15 BB/9 and 10.14 K/9 in 103 innings (15 starts). Harris could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft should he reach his potential as a No. 2 or 3 starter in the major leagues.

The Missouri State right-hander was the 29th overall selection in the draft. He had been considered a potential top-10 pick heading into the draft, and the Jays have to be thrilled to land him and be able to sign him quickly. The deal, which is pending a physical and expected to be finalized on Sunday, is expected to be for the recommended bonus pool allotment for the pick which is $1,994,800.