‘They’re gonna regret it’ – Blue Jays Draft pick Brandon Barriera has strong message for 22 teams that passed on him

Many MLB draft analysts predicted that Brandon Barriera would be way off the board by the time the Toronto Blue Jays made their selection at pick 23 on Sunday. Instead, the hard-throwing left-hander stayed on the market and emerged as the Blue Jays’ latest interesting prospect.

The 18-year-old student from Florida’s American Heritage School appears to be using his apparent rejection as fuel as he prepares to start his professional career.

 

 

“Looking at those 22 teams before me, they’re going to regret this,” Barriera said on the MLB Network broadcast shortly after being drafted. “I’m going to dominate MLB pitching,” you say.

That confidence and competitive spirit Barriera demonstrated on the draught floor pleased the Blue Jays during the scouting process in addition to his upper-90s fastball and four-pitch mix.

Following the selection, Blue Jays amateur scouting director Shane Farrell commented, “The compete level is something we definitely noticed and that pulled us to him.” “We are eager to see that in action on the field and wearing our uniform.”

Image Credits – The Star

Barriera is enthusiastic about the opportunity he has with the Blue Jays despite being selected several picks lower than he might have anticipated. The Blue Jays have demonstrated a 

willingness to give opportunities to their young players, whether at the big-league level or with difficult minor-league assignments.

Barriera remarked to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, “I’m delighted they picked me. “When you look at their team, you’ll notice that they play their young players and don’t hesitate to promote them. I would really like to take part in that.”

All-Star pitcher Alek Manoah, who played just 35 innings in the lower leagues before being called up to the big in 2021, is one of the examples Barriera is citing. Manoah is the Blue Jays player Barriera is most looking forward to meeting, which may not come as a surprise.

 

Fans had mixed reactions to Barriera’s comments: