The Blue Jays picked up a pitcher most fans have never heard of in the Rule 5 Draft, but Spencer Miles might force his way onto their radar pretty quickly.
Toronto selected the right-hander from San Francisco’s system, and here’s the thing about Rule 5 picks – they have to stick on the big league roster or get offered back to their original team.
That’s where it gets interesting for Miles.
He’s never pitched above Single-A and he’s already 25, which doesn’t exactly scream “can’t-miss prospect.” Back surgery and Tommy John have basically wiped out his development since the Giants drafted him in 2022.
But the Blue Jays aren’t exactly loaded with bullpen depth, and Miles throws close to 100 mph.
MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson writes that Miles could be Toronto’s biggest roster surprise this spring:
“It’s hard to call a Rule 5 pick a dark horse, but it’s a little easier when that pitcher has thrown 14 2/3 career innings in the Minor Leagues. The Blue Jays have some room for a true bullpen competition for the final spot or two, though, and if Miles is missing bats and throwing strikes, he’ll get a long look.”
What makes this different is Toronto’s track record with late-inning guys. They opened last season with Richard Lovelady and Jacob Barnes in the bullpen – not exactly household names.
Miles was Missouri’s fourth-round pick three years ago, and he’s got some solid numbers despite the limited innings. His 2.55 ERA in the Cape Cod League back in 2021 stands out, especially since that’s one of college baseball’s premier summer circuits.
The strikeout numbers look good too. He’s averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings in his brief pro career, even with a 4.30 ERA. He also punched out 12.5 per nine in the Arizona Fall League at the end of last season.
From where I’m sitting, the Blue Jays wouldn’t have used a Rule 5 pick on someone they didn’t think could contribute. The bullpen will change throughout the season anyway, so if Miles shows he can miss bats and throw strikes, Toronto might carry him into April and see what happens.
All things considered, it’s a low-risk move with potential upside. Miles just has to prove he’s healthy and ready to make that jump from Single-A to the majors.
