Toronto Blue Jays cut ties with $2 million top catching prospect
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Sometimes, things don't always go according to plan.
It is well-known that many young international free agents never end up seeing the major leagues.
It's why many of them are signed for as little as $10,000. However, there are plenty of others who sign much bigger deals.
Luis Meza belongs in the latter category.
The 21-year old from Venezuela received a $2 million signing bonus when he reached a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays as a 17-year old in 2022.
Now, according to Spanish-Language baseball insider Wilber Sanchez, Toronto has decided to cut ties with the one time top catching prospect.
Luis Meza, who signed with Toronto for a $2.2 million bonus on January 15, 2022, was released by the organization.
In 85 minor league games, he batted .225 with a .556 OPS, hit no home runs, and struck out 60 times.
Injuries and a lack of consistency hampered his development.
In 85 minor league games, he batted .225 with a .556 OPS, hit no home runs, and struck out 60 times.
Injuries and a lack of consistency hampered his development.
Meza faces uncertain future
According to Sanchez, the transaction happened on January 12, just prior to the start of the current international free agent signing period.
While the move doesn't appear on the Blue Jays transaction log, it is noted on Meza's personal player page.
It's an unfortunate development for Meza, whose potential was hampered by injuries and general inconsistency.
In May of 2025, he was placed on the 7-Day injured list by the FCL Blue Jays, only to be transferred to the full season injured list two weeks later.
In 85 career minor league games, all of which were at the Rookie Ball level, Meza hit .225 with no home runs and 25 RBIs.
Meza wasn't the only prospect from his country who has faced tough times. Diego Cartaya and Ethan Salas, two other catchers that received multi-million dollar paydays have also struggled with injuries, though both are currently in camp as non-roster invitees with the Giants and Padres respectively.
Meza now faces an uncertain and unknown future. At 21, he still has a lot of development ahead of him and it wouldn't be totally surprising to see him catch on with another team.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 17|94 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays cut ties with $2 million top catching prospect Will Luis Meza find another home? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 64.9 % |
| No | 33 | 35.1 % |
| List of polls | ||