What's Happening?
The Toronto Blue Jays have once again selected Micah Bucknam, a right-handed pitcher originally from New Zealand, in the 2025 MLB Draft. Bucknam, who was previously drafted by the Blue Jays in the 16th
round in 2021, was picked in the fourth round this time. After initially turning down the Blue Jays to attend Louisiana State, Bucknam transferred to Dallas Baptist, where he became the team's No. 1 starter. Known for his impressive spin rates, Bucknam's pitching arsenal includes a tight slider and a curveball, alongside a fastball that reaches up to 96 mph. Despite some command issues, he has shown improvement in control, making him a promising prospect for the Blue Jays.
Why It's Important?
The re-selection of Micah Bucknam by the Toronto Blue Jays highlights the team's continued interest in his potential as a professional pitcher. Bucknam's development in college, particularly his ability to generate high spin rates on his pitches, makes him a valuable asset. If he can refine his fastball command and changeup, he could become a successful starter in the major leagues. Even if he transitions to a reliever role, his breaking pitches could make him a formidable presence in the bullpen. This move underscores the Blue Jays' strategy of investing in promising talent to strengthen their pitching roster.
What's Next?
Bucknam will likely continue to develop his skills within the Blue Jays' farm system. The team will focus on enhancing his fastball command and refining his changeup to prepare him for a potential role in the major leagues. As Bucknam progresses, the Blue Jays will evaluate his performance to determine whether he fits better as a starter or a reliever. His journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as his success could significantly impact the Blue Jays' pitching depth in the coming seasons.
