Blue Jays select prep shortstop JoJo Parker with 8th pick in MLB draft
With the eighth pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected JoJo Parker, a shortstop from Purvis High School in Mississippi.
Parker told Andrew Abadie of Pine Belt Sports he plans to sign a deal with the Blue Jays.
"This was one of the best, if not the best, hit-power combos with plate discipline, we felt, in the draft," Blue Jays director of amateur scouting Marc Tramuta said, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
"We couldn't be more excited to get this type of what we think is a well-rounded offensive player. A shortstop who also, if needed, can play second base or third base, so he has versatility there, but we were really drawn to the offensive impact he could have."
Parker and his twin brother Jacob entered the draft as the best high school position prospects from the state of Mississippi. Jacob is projected to be selected in the fourth round of this year's draft.
Bio
Age: 18
Position: SS
Height/Weight: 6-2, 200lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
School: Purvis High School
NCAA commit: Mississippi State
Pick value (#8): $6,813,600
Tools
- 60-grade hit tool
- Tremendous athlete
- Gap-to-gap power with 20-25 homer potential
Why fans will love this player
- Already has range and arm to be big-league shortstop
- Played his way into the top 10 picks with strong senior season
- Gatorade Player of the Year for Mississippi
Things he'll need to overcome
- Needs added strength to reach full power potential
- Could wind up at second base if quickness doesn't improve