• Full name Tyler Ryan Jay
  • Born 04/19/1994 in Lemont, IL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Illinois
  • Drafted in the 1st round (6th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2015 (signed for $3,889,500).
    View Draft Report
    Jay was a prep punter and punt returner in football and has a muscular, athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame. He's has taken off as Illinois' closer during the Illini's storybook 2015 season, which included a 24-game win streak. Jay first emerged as the closer as a sophomore, earning a spot with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team as the only lefthander in the bullpen. While he excels in a short-relief role, he's held firm stuff over extended outings, such as a five-inning early-season start against Lamar and a six-inning outing at Penn State. He ranked second in the nation in ERA and was overpowering hitters with a 92-96 mph fastball from a quick-armed, high-energy delivery with a long stride and deception. Scouts were mixed on whether or not Jay could start, but he'd maintained similar velocity when extended, and he's shown a four-pitch mix. His low 80s slider earns "wipeout" designation from scouts, while he locates both an average curveball and change. Jay was trending toward the top half of the first round and could be the first player from the draft class to reach the majors if he stays in a relief role.

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Draft Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Slider in the Minnesota Twins in 2018

Scouting Reports

Career Transactions

  • LHP Tyler Jay assigned to New York Mets.

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