Blue Jays' number one prospect Arjun Nimmala making debut today vs the New York Yankees
Photo credit: https://x.com/MLBPipeline
Toronto Blue Jays super-prospect Arjun Nimmala is making his Spring Training debut today versus the New York Yankees at George M Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Bay FLA. First pitch is at 6:35 PM ET.
Blue Jays infielder Leo Jimenez was pulled from todays starting lineup because he was feeling under the weather. His replacement at shortstop will be none other than Toronto's number one prospect Arjun Nimmala.
It should be interesting because Nimmala will be facing New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in his first taste of Spring Training.
Nimmala batted .296 with an .871 OPS and five home runs across his 22 games of action in last August.
The 18-year-old's 29 hits and 53 total bases led the circuit.
After Nimmala's first full season in the organization, he has improved his plate discipline, and is already slightly ahead of what the Blue Jays anticipated when they drafted him.
According to his scouting report, Nimmala has a ton of strength and still has projection remaining.
The hit tool lags behind his power tool while his approach leads to some swing and miss.
Nimmala also has a strong arm and may be able to stick at shortstop.
Unlocking his power is the priority, as it is the defining factor in his success.
As of now, Nimmala stands out as the most exciting position-player in the Blue Jays farm system.
One way to get New York Mets superstar Francisco Lindor to flash his trademark smile is by mentioning the name Arjun Nimmala to him.
Lindor, has worked out with the Blue Jays prospect during the past two off-seasons and considers himself a big supporter.
"Oh, of course I'll talk about him," Lindor said with a giant grin when asked to chat about Nimmala.
Lindor and Nimmala are both represented by SportsMeter and their relationship goes back to the fall of 2022, when the agency invited a group of players to practice in Montverde, Fla. Lindor noticed that not only did Nimmala, who was entering his senior year of high school, possess a polished swing and immense tools, but he was also a bright and curious player.
"He has an ability to adapt to new things very, very quickly," Lindor said. "You teach him something and he goes out there and puts it to practice right away. He gets it and I love that about him."
The Blue Jays were also drawn to that characteristic, which factored into the organization's decision to select Nimmala in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2023 draft. The six-foot-one right-handed hitter turns 19 this October and is currently finishing up his first full season in pro ball.
The Valrico, Fla., native batted .296 with five home runs and an .871 OPS across 22 games in August, leading the league with 29 hits and 53 total bases. As well, his 16 home runs are tied for fourth in the FSL.
Nimmala is beginning to really showcase his potential and Lindor, a four-time all-star who's currently a front-runner in the National League MVP race, believes the ceiling is high for the prospect.
"His arm is fantastic," said Lindor. "He's got great range, super-fast, he can hit for power, he can hit for average, he's got a great eye. Honestly, if he can improve everything at the same rate, he's going to be one of the best players in their organization.
"I see him as becoming one of the faces of the franchise, for sure."
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