Blue Jays select power-hitting shortstop Arjun Nimmala 20th overall in MLB draft
The Toronto Blue Jays selected power-hitting shortstop Arjun Nimmala with their top pick in amateur baseball Sunday night in Seattle.
Nimmala, 17, from Strawberry Crest High School in the Tampa, Florida area, was chosen 20th.
The six-foot-tall, 170-pound athlete hits right, throws right and is considered one of the top hitters in his age group.
Shane Farrell, the Jays’ amateur scouting director, said Sunday that the team was very impressed with Nimmala’s overall “toolbox.”
“The power, the arm strength, playing in a first-class position, all of that makes him a really exciting player and someone I’m really excited to get into the farm system,” said Farrell.
“My parents just wanted to give their children the chance to achieve everything they want and to be successful in life.”
Learn more about Arjun Nimmala and his family. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/3KaajnIGRj
Farrell added that the team has developed a strong relationship with the high school athlete and did not expect signing him to be a problem.
Nimmala’s age and offensive advantages were on display all summer, including during Major League Baseball’s High School All-American Game.
