Toronto Blue Jays: Gabriel Moreno deserves more attention

Heading into the 2021 season, Gabriel Moreno had not generated much prospect buzz. The Toronto Blue Jays catcher was overlooked due to the presence of Alejandro Kirk and his impressive 2020 debut in the majors. Moreno, meanwhile, was only a part of the Fangraphs Top 100 Prospects list, as he was considered far more of a project than a top prospect.

That narrative has begun to change. Baseball America has moved Moreno up their rankings quickly in their updates, as he currently ranks as their 36th overall prospect in the game. It is a meteoric rise for someone who had been viewed as a trade chip at best.

Gabriel Moreno suddenly Toronto Blue Jays catcher of the future

Moreno had drawn a bit of attention prior to this year. He displayed impressive contact skills and a solid batting eye, as he simply did not strike out. While he was considered to be more of a hit first player, his power is starting to show up. His glovework may be questionable, but he has a strong arm and the athleticism to stick behind the plate.

While his 2019 season first brought Moreno to the attention of prospect hounds, it was his showing at the Blue Jays alternate training site that improved his stock. He began making louder contact, driving the ball in the air and giving his power potential more of an opportunity to shine.

Those strides are evident this season. Moreno has been dominant at Double-A New Hampshire, posting a stellar .375/.430/.602 batting line in 100 plate appearances, hitting six doubles and four homers. Although his strikeout rate is higher than usual, as he has struck out 20 times, Moreno has drawn seven walks and even chipped in a stolen base.

At the end of last season, it seemed that Kirk would be the Blue Jays’ backstop of the future if his defense improved. He had impressed with the bat during his time in the majors, giving hope that he could be an asset for years to come. However, with his injury, and Moreno’s dominance thus far, that torch may have been passed.

Gabriel Moreno has gone from relative obscurity to being one of the top prospects in the game. The Toronto Blue Jays may have found their catcher of the future.