One prospect who has lost his shine over the past few years is Brandon Barriera.
This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual mid-season prospect list, where we’ll take a look at the 50 best prospects in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. I’ll look at the player’s stats, what other publications have to say, as well as my own observations of the players.
Barriera was drafted out of high school, but has missed significant time due to injury. Despite the lack of playing time, the left-handed starter ranks as our 36th-best prospect. If you missed the 37th-ranked prospect, we looked at another Brandon, Brandon Valenzuela.
Getting to know Brandon Barriera…
Position: Starting pitcher
Throws: Left
Born: March 4th, 2004
Acquired: First round, 2022 draft
Previous ranking: 25th (2025 pre-season)
Expectations were high for Brandon Barriera when the Blue Jays selected the left-handed starter 23rd overall. He didn’t make his start until the following season, mainly spending the 2023 season with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays. That season, he had a 4.42 ERA and 3.26 FIP in 18.1 innings pitched, with a 31.5 K% and 11 BB%. Barriera also pitched two innings in the Florida Complex League that season.
Barriera missed a significant portion of the 2023 season, but he’s barely pitched in 2024 and 2025. After just an inning and a third, the lefty was pulled from the game due to injury, later receiving Tommy John surgery. He pitched five and one-third innings in 2025, all with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays on a rehab assignment, but he suffered an ulna fracture to end his season.
Over the course of four seasons in the Jays’ system, Barriera has pitched just 27.1 innings, as he’s dealt with injury after injury. His shine has worn off quite a lot, but he’s still a 23rd overall pick, hence why he ranks as our 36th-best prospect in the Blue Jays system.
Barriera also remains on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 prospect list, ranking 25th. His fastball and slider are above average, while his changeup and control are considered average. The fastball reaches 97 mph, but he needs to stay healthy in 2026 and beyond. That said, the good news is that he’ll only be 22 years old entering the 2026 season, so there’s still hope.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.