Jays select breakout prep star Arjun Nimmala in 1st round of MLB draft
With the 20th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Arjun Nimmala, a shortstop out of Strawberry Crest High School in Dover, Florida.
Nimmala was a hot name heading into the draft after packing on some weight and strength for his senior year, which has helped him showcase impressive raw power to all fields. In tandem with his all-around athleticism, the 17-year-old is seen as one of the highest-ceiling prospects in this year's class. He's still lean and is seen as a projectable middle infielder with above-average pop, though he has the reactions and hands to stick at shortstop.
His pitch selection and inconsistent approach get him in trouble sometimes, but he won't turn 18 until November, and the tools are undeniable.
Bio
Age: 17
Position: SS
Height/Weight: 6-1, 170 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Strawberry Crest HS (Fla.)
NCAA commit: Florida State
Pick value (#20): $3,746,000
Tools
- Well-rounded in the field and at the plate
- Especially impressive raw power despite being lean
- Should easily stick at shortstop
Why fans will love this player
- Participated in MLB's High School All-American Game
- High-risk, high-reward type prospect with sensational abilities if he progresses as expected
- Gets compared to Alfonso Soriano
Things he'll need to overcome
- Raw approach with tools masking deficiencies against inferior competition
- Will have to refine plate approach to work in pros