THREE FOR NEXT YEAR

1

Anthony Alford, OF Opening day age: 22 Height/ Weight: 6- foot-1, 215 lbs

Bat/ Throw: R/ R Acquired: Drafted in third round ( 112th overall) in 2012

2016 stats: .236/. 344/. 378, 9 HR, 18 SB in 92 games at High-A Dunedin

In brief: The former football player is still built like a defensive back, with speed being his best weapon both on the bases and while patrolling centre field. A dislocated kneecap and a concussion marred his 2016 season, but between stints on the DL he still got on base at a .344 clip. It’s important for Alford to keep things on track this season.

ETA: 2018 2

Sean Reid- Foley, RHP Opening day age: 21 Height/ Weight: 6- foot-3, 220 lbs Bat/ Throw: R/ R Acquired: Drafted in second round (49th overall) in 2014 2016 stats: 10- 5, 2.81 ERA, 115.1 innings, 78 hits, 38 BB, 130 K at Low-A Lansing and High-A Dunedin In brief: Most of the arms the Blue Jays have drafted over

the past few years are cut from the same cloth — mid- rotation types you’ll find highlighted elsewhere on this list such as T. J. Zeuch, Connor Greene and Jon Harris — but Reid- Foley is the most highly regarded of the bunch. It’s a big year developmentally for the righty as he’ll touch Double-A. ETA: 2018 3

Max Pentecost, C Opening day age: 24 Height/ Weight: 6- foot- 2, 191 lbs

Bat/ Throw: R/ R Acquired: Drafted in first round ( 11th overall) in 2014

2016 stats: .302/. 361/.486, 10 HR, 5 SB in 74 games at Low-A Lansing and High-A Dunedin

In brief: Multiple surgeries on his throwing shoulder have set Pentecost back in a big way, but when he finally put together something that resembled a full season in 2016 — he was limited to DHing — he showed the pop and hit tool that made him a first- rounder. The question now is whether or not he can catch. If he can prove this season that the wear and tear hasn’t taken a toll, Pentecost’s value could skyrocket.

ETA: 2018