The Toronto Blue Jays made a big splash to sign star outfielder Enmanuel Bonilla in 2023 in International Free Agency, but it already looks like a bad move.
Bonilla was hyped up as a top prospect, as he was the seventh-ranked prospect that year. However, the outfielder has struggled to adapt to the pros. Now he isn’t even considered one of the Blue Jays’ top 20 prospects entering 2026, according to The Athletic’s Keith Law.
“Outfielder Enmanuel Bonilla signed with the Jays in January 2023 for a $4.1 million bonus, then showed further promise with a .307/.407/.429 line in the DSL that summer,” Law wrote. “He hasn’t hit now in two summers in the Florida Complex League. With a batting average of exactly .186 each year, OBPs of .257 and .260. And no power, along with a reduced strikeout rate last year that was still over 27 percent.”
The Blue Jays thought they landed one of the top prospects in 2023, but that hasn’t been the case. Instead, Toronto looks like the $4.1 million to Bonilla is already a waste. As the outfielder likely won’t make the majors, it is gut-wrenching news for him and the Blue Jays.
Bonilla Was Considered a ‘Top Offensive Talent’
When the Blue Jays signed Bonilla, he was touted as a future slugging corner outfielder who many thought was a lock to reach the majors.
Yet, Bonilla has struggled mightily in the pro level, which is a surprise. He was Toronto’s eighth-ranked prospect in 2024, according to MLB Pipeline, and they viewed him as an elite offensive talent.
“The Blue Jays made Bonilla one of their biggest international signings in years. Handing the young Dominican slugger a $4.1 million bonus in 202,” the MLN Pipeline article read. “Bonilla was billed as one of the top offensive talents in that year’s class. And (he) showed some early flashes in the Dominican Summer League, where he hit .307 with an .836 OPS over 50 games. His game power hasn’t quite shown up (three homers), and his 55 strikeouts were an issue. But at 18, Bonilla is still one of the highest-upside prospects in this organization. …
“Bonilla seems destined for a corner outfield spot. Which will need to be a greater focus for him in the coming seasons. He still moves very well for his size. So even if the Blue Jays can get Bonilla to the point that he’s playing a passable corner outfield, that’s enough to let his bat truly shine.”
It’s disappointing for Bonilla, who struggled in back-to-back seasons in Rookie Ball. Now, his future in the Blue Jays organization is in doubt.
Who Are The Blue Jays’ Top Prospects?
Although Bonilla has fallen off the Blue Jays’ top prospect rankings, the system has gotten better.
Law has right-hander Trey Yesavage as the team’s top prospect, and he’s the 25th-ranked prospect. Shortstop JoJo Parker is the second-best prospect and the 60th-ranked prospect in all of baseball. Arjun Nimmala is their third-ranked prospect and the 89th-ranked prospect in baseball.
However, Law still has questions over the Blue Jays system.
“The Blue Jays’ system is way down right now after they used their system heavily to supplement the roster that came within two outs of a World Series win. In addition, the lack of results from their 2021-22 drafts has also left a gap in the upper levels,” Law added.
Toronto opens its 2026 MLB season on March 27 against the Athletics.
Blue Jays $4.1 Million Ex-Top Prospect Gets Gut-Wrenching News as Camp Looms