With MLB Spring Training camps now open and the World Baseball Classic set to start for Team Canada on March 12, let’s take a look at some Canadians that were recently drafted or are on the WBC tournament roster.
The season is not here yet, but why not get a head start and jump in a Fantrax Classic Draft contest? Get a jump on the season with a Best Ball league or maybe a Draft and Hold. Or put some green on the line with a new season-long league to try and conquer. There’s no better time than now to get your baseball on!
Canadian MLB Prospects
Dylan O’Rae, Seattle Mariners, 2B/SS
Drafted in the 3rd round by Milwaukee last year, the speedy Canadian teenager hit an extremely impressive .308/.424/.732 with 6 walks to only 7 strikeouts in his Arizon Complex League debut.
He may lack the size for average power but has shown great plate discipline and can handle both shortstop and second base.
He will be someone to keep an eye on in his first full season of pro ball.
Lamar King, San Diego Padres, C
Drafted by the Padres in the 4th round last year, the hulking 6-3, 200 lb catcher from Vancouver signed for $500,000 to begin his pro career after previously committing to Georgia Tech.
The son of a former NFL player, his size is easily projectable and the power is already plus.
If he remains behind the dish and can improve on his bat-to-ball ability he will continue to rise up prospect rankings as the power is easy to dream on.
Edouard Julien, Minnesota Twins, 3B/LF
Drafted in 2019 by Minnesota after spending time in Auburn, the 24-year-old from Quebec will be looking to make the Twins’ Opening Day roster.
Always known for his plus power, Julien improved across the board all year in Double-A and hit .300/.441/.490 in 113 games with an incredible 18% walk rate (98 walks to only 125 strikeouts) Even more impressively, he hit .400/.563/.686 in 21 games in the Arizona Fall League. He currently profiles as a third baseman but that bat profiles to move him to a corner outfield position if need be. Julien is scheduled to play on the dirt for Team Canada in the WBC.
Adam Macko, Toronto Blue Jays, LHP
Born in Bratislava, Slovakia but growing up in Alberta, Canada, Adam Macko hasn’t taken the typical career path to the MLB and his pitching repertoire is no different. Standing only 6 feet, 180 lbs., he doesn’t have the projectable frame you’d like to see in a front-end starting pitcher and the fastball velocity is a grade or two lower than you’d like as well.
What he lacks in size and speed, he makes up for in deception and pitchability. Notorious for locating his fastball in Perfect Game and Area Code events, he has carved up batters everywhere he has been.
Originally committed to Purdue, he’s now joins the Toronto Blue Jays organization as part of a winter trade with Seattle. After throwing 38 innings in high A+, Macko is expected to be part of the Blue Jays Double-A team with an eye on the MLB bullpen sooner than later.
Otto Ariel Lopez, Toronto Blue Jays, 2B/SS/CF
Otto Lopez is playing for Team Canada in the WBC and also fighting for a job on the Toronto Blue Jays. Born in the Dominican Republic, Lopez spent his childhood in Montreal, Quebec before being signed by the Blue Jays in 2016. He has hit for a good average at all levels, most notably winning the batting title in the Eastern League in 2021.
Lopez was a candidate for the Blue Jays’ 26th spot on their Wild Card roster as his blend of contact and speed makes him a perfect bench fit. His power will likely always be below average but he has shown impressive discipline with a K:BB ratios near 1:1. He is capable of playing shortstop in a pinch but would be better at second base or in a corner outfield spot. For more great analysis check out the 2023 FantraxHQ Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit!