Toronto Blue Jays select impressive outfielder with their second selection in the 2025 MLB Draft

The Blue Jays surrendered their second-round draft pick as compensation for signing Anthony Santander this past winter, who was tied to a qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles.

So with their third round pick, 81st overall in the MLB Draft the Blue Jays selected Southern Mississippi outfielder Jake Cook.

The left-handed hitting outfielder was originally recruited as a two-way player for the Golden Eagles.

After initially focusing on pitching and reaching 96 m.p.h. with his fastball, Cook eventually converted to centre field after struggling with his command and throwing only two innings in 2024.

The 22-year-old slashed .350/.436/.468 with three home runs and 32 RBIs over 60 games this past season.

According to his MLB pipeline scouting report, Cook used "a disciplined approach to consistently put the ball in play to all fields."

Cook's time from home to first has been clocked at an eye-popping 3.8 seconds, and both his 3.51-second 30-yard dash time and 10-foot, 8.25-inch long jump led all players who participated in athletic testing at the Draft Combine.

While he has yet to apply his plus athleticism as a base stealer, going only 3-of-8 last season, he has utilized his quickness to gain a reputation as a rangy centerfielder.

Charles Davalan, an outfielder from St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que., became the first Canadian-born player selected when the Los Angeles Dodgers took him 41st overall in the Competitive Balance Round A.

The University of Arkansas standout made a name for himself in the SEC, combining speed, defence, and offensive production to become a top-end draft prospect.

Right-handed pitcher Will Hynes of Mississauga, Ont., was selected by the Cleveland Guardians with the 70th overall pick.

Hynes is a prep righty who is listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. He wasn't expected to be drafted this high, but Hynes has been up to 95 miles per hour with his fastball and is advanced at spinning the ball.

Hynes, a member of the Junior National Team, is known for his poise and projectability on the mound. He participated in the spring training Dominican Summer League and MLB Draft League camps.

He is committed to attending Wake Forest.

Three additional players with Canadian ties were also selected on the first day of the draft.

Tyler Bremner of San Diego, Calif., a Canadian citizen through his parents, went second overall to the Los Angeles Angels after a dominant season at UC Santa Barbara.

Slater de Brun of Summit, Ore., also a Canadian citizen, was selected 37th overall by the Baltimore Orioles out of Summit High School.

Cam Leiter of Bayville, N.J., who spent a decade living in B.C. and played for the Langley Blaze, was taken 65th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers after pitching at Florida State University in 2024.