Coming in at #3, Twins Prospect, Jordan Balazovic

Another day and another look at an Ontario Blue Jays alumnus who's currently amongst some of the most talented in their MLB organization, this time to Minnesota and RHP Jordan Balazovic.

Balazovic was selected in the 5rd Round, 153rd Overall by the Twins in the 2016 MLB First-Year Players Draft. Jordan grew up playing for the Mississauga North Tigers before transitioning to the Ontario Blue Jays as a 15 year old when he played a year "up" for the OBJ 16U Red team. As he grew and developed over his OBJ career, Balazovic quickly became one of the programs best pitchers and played key roles throughout his career. Similar to many who excel at the high school level, Jordan joined the Canadian Junior National Team and competed internationally until he was selected by the Twins in 2016.

Per MLB.com: Balazovic has add two inches in terms of height and a ton of good weight since he’s signed, with his stuff ticking up as a result. His fastball now sits consistently in the mid-90s and he can get swings and misses at the top of the zone with life on his four-seamer. When he’s down in the zone, it has good life and generates weak contact, with his high front glove side providing deception for his fastball so hitters don’t pick up the ball well. He throws a hard breaking ball that looks like a slider when he’s locked in, flashing plus and missing more bats. His changeup, once a distant third pitch, has caught up and might be a tick above-average when all is said and done.

Balazovic is coming off one of his most dominant season as a professional after attending MLB Spring Training this past February and March. Jordan threw 97 innings this past year, finishing with a 3.62 earned run average, 102 strikeouts and a 5-4 record for the Wichita Wind Surge (AA-Affiliate). Balazovic will return to big league Spring Training with the Twins in 2022 looking to break camp and head north to the Twin Cities.