Sean Keys made his major league debut earlier this season.
Congratulations are in order for Toronto Blue Jays young slugger Sean Keys, who was named the organization's Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America on Monday.
This news followed up the news that right-handed pitching prospect Nolan Perry is up for a substantial award from MLB Pipeline, which will be announced on Sept. 28.
Here's what you need to know about Keys.
The Sean Keys file
Now 23 years old, Keys was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Bucknell. He spent the first 49 games of this season with Double-A New Hampshire, hitting .285 with 14 homers and 34 RBIs while posting a .411 on-base percentage.
Then, he spent 51 games at Triple-A Buffalo, hitting .303 with 14 more home runs and 46 more RBIs. In just 100 games, he hit .294 with 28 total home runs, which is incredibly impressive.
Keys has played 20 games for the Blue Jays in the big leagues, hitting .208 with two homers and eight RBIs. He is with the team right now and should see regular playing time down the stretch as the Blue Jays chase their fleeting playoff chances.
What do things look like for him in 2027?
Keys is already in the big leagues, so he inherently has a leg up in terms of showing what he can do. However, his limitations lie in his lack of a true defensive position. Heading into 2027, the Blue Jays only have so many open spots.
C: Alejandro Kirk
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2B: Ernie Clement
SS: Andres Gimenez
3B: Kazuma Okamoto
OF/DH: Brett Bateman, Addison Barger, Anthony Santander, Nathan Lukes
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Sean Keys (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. William Purnell-Imagn ImagesObviously, the Jays could upgrade at shortstop if they wanted, but that doesn't affect Keys, who is more of a corner infield type. Even if the Blue Jays want to put him in the outfield, Keys is a left-handed hitter. Barger, Bateman and Lukes already fit that bill, so Keys will have a tough time cracking that group.
Up next for the Blue Jays
Toronto begins a new series with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night at Camden Yards. It's the final road series of the season for the Jays, who are now 77-79 in total. Trey Yesavage will make his return to the mound after going on the injured list in early August with a left knee issue. He's 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA this season.
He'll be opposed by Shane Baz, who is 6-15 with a 4.11.
