They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and Yesavage does look an awful lot like Justin Verlander, doesn't he?

Toronto Blue Jays prospect Trey Yesavage made quite the first impression on Monday night, delivering five strong innings and striking out nine in his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.

A first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of East Carolina, Yesavage is the No. 25 prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline. He did not pitch last season after being drafted, so it's been a meteoric rise for him in just one pro season, and he's looking like he could be a big piece for the Blue Jays in the playoffs.

His nine strikeouts are the most ever by a Jays pitcher in his major league debut. The Blue Jays won 2-1 in 11-innings.

An astute observation

As noted by Rob Friedman (aka @PitchingNinja) on social media, Yesavage's delivery and mechanics look an awful lot like future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander.

Notice the high release point, stiff front leg, and the fall off to the first base side and  in the post below:

Hey, being linked to Verlander in any regard is a great thing considering he's one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball history. Now 42 years old, Verlander is still going strong with the San Francisco Giants as part of a 20-year career.

A nine-time All-Star, Verlander is also a three-time Cy Young winner, a two-time World Series champion, a Triple Crown winner, an MVP and a Rookie of the Year. He has starred for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets and Giants. He has 265 career wins and a 3.32 ERA, and he's led his league in strikeouts five times.

More About Yesavage

Beginning his pro career at Single-A, he's risen fast through the ranks, going 5-1 in the minor leagues this season. He's made 25 appearances (22 starts), and it's unknown if, or how, the Blue Jays see him fitting into their playoff plans moving forward.

Toronto enters play on Tuesday at 88-62 and five games up in the American League East. They haven't won the American League East since 2015 and haven't won a World Series since 1993.