Toronto Blue Jays: Who is Julian Merryweather?

We find out more about Julian Merryweather, who has reportedly been named as the player the Toronto Blue Jays will receive in return for Josh Donaldson.

If any Toronto Blue Jays fans were hoping to get a player of significance in return for Josh Donaldson, this was arguably dashed on Tuesday. As reported by MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman, prospect Julian Merryweather is the player to be named later.

In fact, being named later is still the case with Merryweather. Regardless of the reports, nothing official is likely to be announced by the Blue Jays until after this season.

One of the main reasons for this, is because the right-hander had to undergo Tommy John Surgery back in March. He has been on the disabled list all season and won’t clear waivers until the 2018 campaign has concluded.

What really matters to Blue Jays fans, however, is if Merryweather has the potential to be any good for their team? General manager Ross Atkins recently told Sportsnet, that the player to be named later in the Donaldson trade was an exciting, upper-level talent, but that is open to debate.

Heading into the 2018 season, Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors noted that Baseball America ranked Merryweather as the Cleveland Indians’ 17th-best prospect.

Without doubt, the 2014 fifth round draft pick’s most valuable weapon is his fastball. It averages out between 91-94 mph, but regularly hits 97.

As per the Toronto Sun’s Steve Buffery, Merryweather has a decent breaking ball (slider and curve). He also has a good change-up that keeps hitters off-balance, although this can be inconsistent.

When the Berkeley, California native last played in 2017, he was excellent at the Double-A level. He recorded a 4-2 record in nine starts, producing a 3.38 ERA, a WHIP of 0.929 and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

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Merryweather wasn’t so effective when he advanced to the Triple-A level. During 16 appearances, he gave up too many home runs and produced an unsightly 6.69 ERA.

However, it should be noted that even in Triple-A, the 6 ft 4, 200 pounds pitcher still had an effective K/BB ratio. Projections have him being capable of becoming a back-end starter or middle reliever at the Major League level.

In terms of Merryweather’s contract, he is currently pre-arbitration eligible. He will be arbitration eligible between 2021-23 and become a free agent in 2024.

Of course, before anything else matters, Merryweather needs to show he has recovered from his Tommy John surgery. He is still undergoing rehab and as such, the chance of him playing in the Majors next year is unclear at this point.

We knew the Toronto Blue Jays would not get much in return for Donaldson. Regardless, are you familiar with Merryweather and if so, what is your take on him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.