![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776859410_238_0x0.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 14: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the dugout prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy\/MLB Photos via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
MLB Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Toronto Blue Jays have some clear championship aspirations after reaching Game 7 of the World Series last year and then reloading the roster with several win-now additions in the offseason.<\/p>\n
Though the team has struggled with a harsh series of injuries, anything less than a deep playoff run will be a disappointment. But further down in the organization, the team is also preparing its next generation of talent to help drive championship runs well into the future.<\/p>\n
ForbesYankees Skipper Sends Carlos Mendoza Message With Mets Job In QuestionBy Peter Chawaga<\/a>Toronto Blue Jays\u2019 Two-Way Prospect Sends Philadelphia Phillies\u2019 Bryce Harper Reminder<\/p>\n One of the most intriguing members of the team\u2019s farm system has recently gotten permission to develop his professional career as a rare two-way talent, with 23-year-old prospect Austin Smith now pitching and hitting for the Class A Dunedin Blue Jays after debuting as just a position player last year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lofty goal that requires extra preparation, but his coaches say he embraces the challenge,\u201d Ben Nicholson-Smith wrote for Sportsnet<\/a>. \u201cEven for the Blue Jays, it\u2019s something they\u2019ve never done before \u2014 a chance to develop a talented young player while also signalling to other recruits that they\u2019re open-minded and flexible.\u201d<\/p>\n So far, the results have not been very encouraging. Smith is slashing just .162\/.273\/.216 in 37 at-bats and has given up two earned runs in one-and-one-third innings pitched this season. But given his age and the path ahead, he should have plenty of time to improve both in the batter\u2019s box and on the mound.<\/p>\n In the meantime, he offered a reminder on the status of one of the game\u2019s most influential major-league stars when he noted that he emulates Bryce Harper.<\/p>\n \u201cI like his swagger,\u201d the rising Blue Jays star told Nicholson-Smith. \u201cHe has that like mentality of he’s the best and no one’s better than him. It’s kind of how I treat my game.\u201d<\/p>\n