The Toronto Blue Jays have selected left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon from Arizona State University as their first pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Carlon was chosen 39th overall in the first round on Saturday. This addition expands the Blue Jays’ collection of pitching prospects within their system.
Carlon, who stands at six-foot-five and weighs 230 pounds, recently completed his junior season in the NCAA. During his time at Arizona State, he transitioned into a starting role after spending two years as a reliever. In his sophomore season, he was recognized as an all-American as a reliever and also participated in USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp.
This past season, Carlon started all 16 games he appeared in, recording a 5-2 record. He maintained a 3.87 earned-run average over 83 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 133 hitters while allowing 31 walks. His WHIP for the season was 1.19. The Tempe, Ariz., native also earned a spot on the all-Big 12 first team this season, marking his second career selection.
Carlon’s fastball has been recorded at 98 mph, though it typically sits around 94 mph. He also features an 87-88 mph cutter that functions similarly to a slider, and throws a 12-to-6 curveball, as well as a changeup with fade. His development into a starter has been progressive, moving from a bullpen role in his freshman and sophomore years to a permanent starting position this past spring.
Blue Jays’ recent draft strategy
The Blue Jays have focused on accumulating high-upside pitching talent in recent years. While the 2025 MLB Draft saw them select more position players than pitchers, their strategy in the early rounds of the 2024 MLB Draft was heavily focused on pitchers.
In 2024, the Blue Jays drafted Trey Yesavage in the first round (20th overall), followed by Khal Stephen (59th overall in the second round), and Johnny King (95th overall in the third round). Yesavage has since advanced to the major leagues and is considered a contender for the Rookie of the Year award this season. Stephen was part of a trade last year that brought Shane Bieber to the team, while King has shown strong performance in the minor leagues and is viewed as a potential future MLB player.
Carlon now joins this group of prospects, with expectations placed upon him as he enters the Blue Jays’ system. His ability to reduce his walk rate is seen as beneficial, especially if he were to transition to a bullpen role. However, given that he was the team’s first-round pick, it is anticipated that he will be given ample opportunity to succeed as a starter.
Other draft selections
In addition to Carlon, the Blue Jays also selected shortstop Ryan Cooney from the University of Oregon in the third round, as the 103rd overall pick. Cooney, a six-foot, 195-pound junior, recorded eight home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .331 batting average. He was named to the all-Big Ten first team for his performance.
The 2026 MLB Draft took place on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
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Source: jaysjournal.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
