Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

One of the best Canadian prospects in the 2021 Draft, Bucknam turned down the Blue Jays as a 16th-rounder to attend Louisiana State (before transferring to Dallas Baptist). Toronto came calling once again in 2025, though, and selected Bucknam in the fourth round, signing him for $678,300. He immediately becomes one of the most exciting long-term projects for this development staff, especially given the recent success stories near the top of the system. 

Bucknam's tight 85-88 mph slider can reach 91, features high spin rates and is a legitimate wipeout pitch, while his low-80s curveball has more depth and is nearly as effective. His fastball stands out more for its velocity -- usually sitting near 94-95 mph -- than its life or ability to miss bats. He achieves some fade with his upper-80s changeup, though it's too firm and he struggles to land it for strikes at this point in his development. That pitch will be key to his repertoire long-term.

The Blue Jays will give Bucknam every opportunity to start and he’ll have a shot to build his workload closer to 80 innings after throwing 62 1/3 in his Draft year with Dallas Baptist. Down the road, the organization could choose to max out Bucknam’s heater and impressive breaking ball in a shorter role, but his talent is worth exploring as a starter first. If Bucknam can squeeze just a bit more out of his velocity and movement, there’s potential for him to move quickly. 

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 65 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

One of the best Canadian prospects in the 2022 Draft, Bucknam turned down the Blue Jays as a 16th-rounder to attend Louisiana State. He worked just 16 innings in two seasons in Baton Rouge because of command issues, enjoying more success in two summers in the Cape Cod League before transferring to Dallas Baptist. He became the Patriots' No. 1 starter and showed some of the best feel for spin in the college ranks. It was Toronto that came calling once again in 2025 when it selected Bucknam in the fourth round and signed him for $678,300.

Bucknam's tight 85-88 mph slider can reach 91, features high spin rates and is a legitimate wipeout pitch, while his low-80s curveball has more depth and is nearly as effective. His fastball stands out more for its velocity, usually ranging from 92-96 mph, than its life or ability to miss bats. He achieves some fade with his upper-80s changeup, though it's too firm and he struggles to land it for strikes.

Bucknam has a strong 6-foot-1 frame and has improved his control as a junior, though he still gets into trouble when he catches too much of the plate. To succeed as a starter at the next level, he'll have to improve his fastball command and refine his changeup. If not, he could thrive as a reliever who relies heavily on his breaking pitches.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 65 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

One of the best Canadian prospects in the 2022 Draft, Bucknam turned down the Blue Jays as a 16th-rounder to attend Louisiana State. He worked just 16 innings in two seasons in Baton Rouge because of command issues, enjoying more success in two summers in the Cape Cod League before transferring to Dallas Baptist. He became the Patriots' No. 1 starter and has some of the best feel for spin in the college ranks.

Bucknam's tight 85-88 mph slider can reach 91, features high spin rates and is a legitimate wipeout pitch, while his low-80s curveball has more depth and is nearly as effective. His fastball stands out more for its velocity, usually ranging from 92-96 mph, than its life or ability to miss bats. He achieves some fade with his upper-80s changeup, though it's too firm and he struggles to land it for strikes.

Bucknam has a strong 6-foot-1 frame and has improved his control as a junior, though he still gets into trouble when he catches too much of the plate. To succeed as a starter at the next level, he'll have to improve his fastball command and refine his changeup. If not, he could thrive as a reliever who relies heavily on his breaking pitches.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/26/2026	FCL Blue Jays placed RHP Micah Bucknam on the full-season injured list.
	03/05/2026	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Toronto Blue Jays Prospects.
	08/04/2025	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to FCL Blue Jays.
	07/18/2025	Toronto Blue Jays signed RHP Micah Bucknam.
	06/03/2025	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to College Workout.
	01/23/2025	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Dallas Baptist Patriots.
	07/30/2024	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.
	06/04/2024	Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox activated RHP Micah Bucknam.
	06/04/2024	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.
	02/10/2024	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Louisiana State Tigers.
	03/24/2022	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Trenton Thunder.
	03/24/2022	Trenton Thunder activated RHP Micah Bucknam.
	09/21/2019	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Team Roberto Alomar.
	09/03/2019	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Black.
	09/03/2019	RHP Micah Bucknam assigned to Black.