The Toronto Blue Jays signed two more of their 2025 draft picks.
Recently, it was reported that they signed eighth-rounder Danny Thompson Jr. and 10th-rounder Austin Smith, both to $5,000 bonuses. Shortly before Friday’s game, they signed their first-round pick, JoJo Parker, as well as Canadian-raised Micah Bucknam, who was selected in the fourth round.
Well, on Friday evening, it was reported that the Blue Jays signed two more players – third-round pick Jake Cook and 12th-round pick Blaine Bulliard. Starting with Cook, the 22-year-old signed for a bonus of $922,500, below the slot value of this pick, which came in at $993,900.
3rd-rder Jake Cook signs w/@BlueJays for $922,500 (slot 81 value = $993,900). @SouthernMissBSB OF, fastest player in @MLBDraft, former LHP (to 96 mph), hit .350 & 7% K rate in first year as full-time bat, also tremendous range in CF. Crushed athletic testing at Draft Combine. pic.twitter.com/dqlf91zUcj
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 18, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Cook started his collegiate career on the mound, but didn’t pitch with Southern Mississippi in 2023, and only pitched in four games in 2024, moving to centre field to begin the 2025 season. That’s where his collegiate career took off, as the outfielder slashed .350/.436/.468 with three home runs in 284 plate appearances last season.
Thanks to 80-grade speed, plus defence, and an above-average hit tool, Cook will almost certainly be a big league player, even if it’s in the role of a Kevin Kiermaier. What is intriguing is that Cook stands at 6’3”, 185 lbs and is projectable. If the Jays can change his swing and tap into some more power, there’s a chance Cook becomes the steal of the draft.
Cook, selected 81st overall, was ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 106th-best draft prospect. One player that wasn‘t ranked far behind, but was taken all the way in the 12th round, is outfield prospect, Blaine Bullard.
A prep player, Bullard is an 18-year-old switch-hitting outfielder who ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 120th best prospect. Why were the Jays able to sign him after selecting him 352nd? Well, that’s thanks to over-slotting him to a bonus of $1,697,500, of which $1,547,500 counts towards the signing bonus pool. It’s the highest bonus for a 12th-round selection in the history of the draft.
12th-rder Blaine Bullard signs w/@BlueJays for $1,697,500 ($1,547,500 counts vs pool). Texas HS OF, plus speed & knows how to use it on the bases & in center field. Texas A&M recruit. Largest bonus outside of top four rds so far in 2025 @MLBDraft. pic.twitter.com/2POz3XyOJF
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 18, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Bullard can play all three outfield positions, and while both his hit tool and power tool are a little below average, the 18-year-old will grow into his 6’2” frame and perhaps hit double-digit home runs. It helps that he has good bat speed, as well as plus speed.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.