Five OBJ Alumni named to Respective MLB Top 30

As the off-season continues and players begin getting ready for Spring Training we take a look back at five OBJ Alumni who are currently ranked in their respective teams Top 30 Prospects.

#4 - RHP Jordan Balazovic - Minnesota Twins

Topping the current list of OBJ Minor Leaguers is 21-year-old RHP Jordan Balazovic, who ended the 2019 MiLB season as the 4th ranked prospect in the Minnesota Twins organization.  He finished the year with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League (AA-affiliate) after throwing 93 2/3 Innings, with an 8-5 Record, 129 Strikeouts while only allowing 25 Walks.  Balazovic also was named to the MLB Futures Game at this years All-Star Game in Cleveland and represented Canada at the Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru.  Lastly, he is the only OBJ Minor Leaguer in the MLB Top 100, where he is currently ranked 76th.

#5 - C Noah 'Bo' Naylor - Cleveland Indians

The second highest ranked OBJ Minor Leaguer is 19-year-old C Noah 'Bo' Naylor, who completed his first full minor league season in 2019 and is the 5th ranked prospect for the Indians.  Naylor spend his year with the Lake County Captains of the Midwest League (Full Season A-affiliate) hitting .243 over 107 Games, with 18 Doubles, 10 Triples, 11 Home Runs and 65 RBIs.  The 2018 1st Rounder continues to follow in his brother foot steps towards the big leagues. 

#18 - OF Dasan Brown - Toronto Blue Jays

Next up, our newest draft pick, 18-year-old OF Dasan Brown who was selected this past June in the 3rd Round by the Toronto Blue Jays.  Brown completed a partial season for the GCL Jays (Rookie) before returning home for the off-season as many do in their first year.  Today, Brown was named the Best Athlete in the Blue Jays organization by Major League Baseball, saying "(Brown) possesses top-of-the-scale speed that makes him a threat on the base paths as well as in center field, where he has the potential to become an elite defender." and "with time and proper development, the Canadian-born outfielder could develop into a legitimate five-tool talent."

#25 - RHP Zach Pop - Baltimore Orioles

RHP Zach Pop, who is 23-years-old this year, is coming off a frustrating 2019 despite being ranked 25th in the Orioles system.  After beginning for the year for the Bowie Baysox (AA-affiliate) throwing 10 2/3 Innings with a 1-0 Record, 11 Strikeouts and a 0.84 ERA he suffered a year-ending UCL tear.  In 2018, he was apart of the Manny Machado trade which saw Pop and fellow prospects join the Orioles for the perennial all-star.  In 2018, Pop was almost unhittable throwing 64 2/3 Innings with a 1.53 ERA, 64 Strikeouts while holding opposing hitters to a .175 Batting Average.  Pop continues to rehab his injury and looks to make the jump to the big leagues this year. 

#27 - Jacob Robson - Detroit Tigers

Last but certainly not least, is 24-year-old OF Jacob Robson who is currently ranked 27th with the Detroit Tigers organization.  Robson played all of 2019 with the Toledo Mud Hens (AAA-affiliate) appearing in 112 Games, hitting .267 with 21 Doubles, 3 Triples, 9 Home Runs and 52 RBIs.  After the International League finished, Robson joined the Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Winter League where he is continues to add to his baseball resume.  Jacob will be on the short-list to join the Tigers Opening Day Roster this Spring.