This story was kindly provided by Sean Murphy, an avid reader and regular contributor to Prospects Live.
Alrighty, how's it going again eh? The 2021 MLB draft was one of the most successful draft years from a Canadian perspective in quite some time. A total of 17 Canucks were drafted over the 20 round event. It was a challenge with no season to scout high school players in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The Canadian Junior National Team was forced to cancel SIX trips through the United States, Mexico and the Dominican Republic and of course lots of cancellations through the college ranks affected Canadian prospects too. All things considered, Canada did quite well.
As we roll full speed into the 2022 draft cycle, it's time to take a preliminary look at some potential Canadian draftees. Since we're still just under a year away from the draft, this list will be evolving through the draft cycle, but we'll use it as a launching point to take an early peek at some Hosers out there. As is tradition, grab a bevy of your choice, throw some smoked meat on your poutine and let's dance.
OWEN DIODATI
University of Alabama, OF/DH
The former catcher originally drafted by the Blue Jays (2019, 29th rd) has a strong, well-built body with burgeoning power potential. He’s a good athlete and moves well for someone his size. That said, Diodati likely projects to a corner outfield position with a plus arm at the next level. The lefty bat needs to continue refine his plate discipline, carrying a K-rate close to 30 percent in the Cape this summer and in the spring for the Crimson Tide. While the swing and miss is a concern, he’s a promising hitter with a power bat and good character. Definitely a name to watch as the NCAA season arrives next spring.
ANTOINE JEAN
University of Alabama, LHP
Another Canuck to take a look at in Tuscaloosa. Jean is a slenderly built lefty who figures to slot in as a weekend starter in 2022. He’s finally healthy, getting over injuries that hampered him in the spring. He hasn't pitched many innings overall due to a pandemic shortened 2020 season and injury, however he had a solid trip to the Cape this summer finishing 2-1 with a 3.76 ERA. His best pitch is what is best described as a plus changeup and a fastball sitting 87-89mph. He also works in a budding slider as well. He’s a strike thrower with physical projection remaining. There will certainly be plenty of eyes on Jean if he works his way into a weekend role in the SEC next year.
ADAM MAIER
University of British Columbia, RHP
The fastest rising name from a Canadian perspective and maybe one of the fastest rising prospects overall for 2022, Maier figures to head the charge for UBC next spring. Prospects Live prospects evaluator Geoff Pontes (@ProspectJesus) saw Maier on the cape this summer and left in awe. The solidly built right-hander was 92-93, but his secondaries might be the story here. Maier features a plus slider with very high spin rate and an above average changeup. With only 19 collegiate innings, there’s still plenty to prove. Maier is also young for the college class as he doesn’t turn 20 until November. The combination of his three-pitch mix and age, Maier has the opportunity to absolutely fly up draft boards, though the competition he’ll face in Canada figures to be step back from the opposition on the Cape. Maier has the legitimate possibility of being the first Canadian off the board next July. He’s got Top-100 pick upside.
TURNER SPOLJARIC
Toronto Mets, RHP
Turner, son of ex MLB’er Paul (Blue Jays, Mariners, Phillies, Royals), is the highest ranking prep player out of Ontario. The righty had a good performance at the Perfect Game National Showcase this summer, showing a fastball sitting 88-90, touching 91 and a slider at 79. As a taller, leaner athlete he does have a lot of projection remaining on his frame. There’s definitive upside here. Turner is a good student with no current college commitment. He may be the first Canadian high schooler selected.
Eli Saul
Sacramento State, LHP
Standing 6-foot-5, Saul definitely looks every bit the part of stud starting pitcher for the Hornets. His fastball is now up to 95 and his slider is currently sits 81-84 with swing-and-miss characteristics. The previously drafted Saul (2019, 29th round, Rangers) still needs more refinement after competing in the Cape this summer, but the upside here is really exciting. He will have the chance to be a weekend starter when back on campus. With a tall, lanky frame, there is plenty of physical projection remaining for Saul.
Martin Vincelli-Simard
Sacramento State, C
Vincelli-Simard is a two-time Academic All-WAC award winner who has started 66 games for Sacramento State. Standing in at a sturdy 6-foot-1-inch, 225-pound frame, Vincelli-Simard is a physically mature, right-handed bat who can also be a DH when not behind the dish. This summer he played in the Northwoods League for the Kokomo Jackrabbits and while batting only .199, still posted a respectable .342 on-base percentage with an OPS of .721 in 196 plate appearances.
OTHER NAMES TO WATCH:
Kansai Sugimoto, Ontario Blue Jays, RHP
Micah McDowell, Oregon St, OF
Connor Pote, Okotoks Dawgs, RHP
Tyrus Hall, Victoria Eagles, INF
Carson Lumley, London Badgers, RHP
Chase Marshall, White Rock Tritons, RHP
Carson Hindmarsh, Okotoks Dawgs, LHP