The Toronto Blue Jays have spent the days leading up to the trade deadline evaluating not only their major league roster but also the future of several players throughout their farm system.
While the team seems poised to trade away some expiring contracts amid a disappointing season, it will almost certainly look to compete again next year and could try to bolster its near-term future with some acquisitions and promotions.
But as the Blue Jays evaluate their big-league roster and those prospects knocking at the door for a promotion, it seems to have lost patience with one standout outfielder who recently appeared to be approaching a big-league opportunity.
Toronto Blue Jays End Standout Prospect Run With Cut Shortly Before Trade Deadline
Last week, the team released 26-year-old outfielder Je’Von Ward from the organization, according to the official transaction log.
Though the Blue Jays are reassessing their depth as the trade deadline approaches, that move was a bit of a surprise given Ward’s pedigree and his recent success in the minors.
Earlier this season, Ward played six games with Double-A New Hampshire before earning a promotion to Triple-A Buffalo.
“Since arriving, he’s been a key contributor for the Herd, playing regularly in right field and belting seven home runs,” Brian Frank wrote for The Herd Chronicles. “The 26-year-old believes he’s improved both defensively and at the plate since he joined the Blue Jays organization.”
Ward’s combination of power, athleticism and defensive versatility had made him an intriguing depth option. And he demonstrated an elite skillset last year that put him firmly on the radar as a standout prospect.
Toronto Blue Jays Cut Former OBP Leader
Ward’s patient offensive approach had previously attracted national attention as one of the more unique hitters in the minor leagues.
“Ward leads the minors with a .460 on-base percentage,” JJ Cooper reported for Baseball American last year. “He has played 46 games. And he’s failed to reach base in only nine of those 46 games… He is the most patient/passive hitter in the minors. His 30.7% walk rate is by far the highest in the minors, as he’s learned to give High-A pitchers very little credit when it comes to their strike-throwing ability. So far, they have rewarded him for his skepticism.”
That elite strike-zone discipline helped Ward emerge as one of the more interesting under-the-radar players in Toronto’s system, even if he ultimately couldn’t secure a long-term place in the organization.
With the trade deadline approaching and clubs constantly searching for experienced upper-level depth, Ward’s track record could quickly draw interest elsewhere. For the Blue Jays, however, the decision marks another organizational change as they continue adjusting both their minor league system and their major league roster heading into the deadline.