Blue Jays pick imposing lefty pitcher Cole Carlon with their first pick in 2026 MLB Draft - Jays Journal
The Toronto Blue Jays have selected left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon from Arizona State University with the 39th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Carlon, who stands six-foot-five and weighs 230 pounds, joins the Blue Jays’ system, adding to their collection of pitching prospects.
Carlon recently completed his junior season in the NCAA, transitioning to a starting role after two years as a reliever. During his sophomore season, he was recognized as an all-American in a relief capacity. This past season, he earned a spot on the all-Big 12 first team, marking his second career selection.
Carlon’s Pitching Profile
Carlon’s fastball reached speeds of 98 mph while pitching for the Sun Devils this spring, though it typically sat around 94 mph. His breaking pitches are also notable, including an 87-88 mph cutter that functions like a slider, generating significant swing-and-misses. He also throws a 12-to-6 curveball and a changeup with fade.
His development into a starter has been a gradual process. He began his collegiate career in a bullpen role as a freshman and maintained that position through his sophomore year. During his sophomore season, he also participated in USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp. He became a permanent starter this past spring, though some observers have expressed skepticism regarding his long-term role as a starter.
A primary concern has been his consistency in locating pitches. Carlon has worked to reduce his walk rate, which could be beneficial if he were to return to a bullpen role. However, given that the Blue Jays used their first-round pick to acquire him, it is anticipated that he will be given ample opportunity to establish himself as a starter within the organization.
In his past season, Carlon recorded a 5-2 record across 16 starts. He posted a 3.87 earned-run average and accumulated 133 strikeouts over 83 2/3 innings pitched. He allowed 31 walks and maintained a 1.19 WHIP.
Blue Jays’ Recent Draft Strategy
The Blue Jays have focused on acquiring high-upside arms in recent years, although their draft strategy in 2025 leaned more towards position players, with 11 selected compared to eight pitchers. In contrast, the 2024 draft saw the team prioritize pitchers in the early rounds.
In the 2024 MLB Draft, the Blue Jays selected 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 Blue Jays. King has had a strong performance in the minor leagues, indicating potential for a future in MLB.
Carlon is expected to face similar expectations as he enters the Blue Jays’ system, following in the footsteps of these recent pitching prospects. The Blue Jays also selected shortstop Ryan Cooney from the University of Oregon in the third round (103rd overall) of the current draft. Cooney, a six-foot, 195-pound junior, hit eight home runs, drove in 43 runs, and had a .331 batting average, earning him a place on the all-Big Ten first team.
Source: jaysjournal.com
