TORONTO —

The Toronto Blue Jays are on the hunt for a new amateur scouting director following Shane Farrell's departure to the Detroit Tigers, and the stakes have never been higher. With the 2025 draft on the horizon—and the Jays holding fifth-best odds for the top pick—this position carries the potential to reshape the franchise.

Ben Cherington, who previously served as the Blue Jays’ general manager before leading the Pittsburgh Pirates, offers valuable insights into the ideal qualities for this crucial role. He notes the importance of strong communication skills—something he found invaluable during his collaboration with Steve Sanders, the former amateur scouting director. Cherington argues that a successful leader in this position must be able to connect with scouts, coaches, and players alike, ensuring a cohesive and productive scouting environment.

Key Qualities for Success:

1. Player Evaluation Acumen: Cherington emphasizes the necessity of expertise in evaluating talent. Although extensive experience in cross-checking isn’t mandatory, a strong ability to project how a young and undeveloped player can succeed at higher levels is essential.

2. Embracing Analytical Tools: The modern scouting landscape is driven by data and technology. The new director must harness insights from research and development (R&D) to supplement traditional scouting methods. The use of sophisticated draft models and analytics can provide a critical edge in identifying the best prospects.

3. Leadership Skills: Leading a team of area scouts requires more than just managerial skills. The new hire must inspire and connect with their team, ensuring that every scout feels invested in the decision-making process. Building a culture of continuous training and development is key to maximizing the scouting department's potential.

As the Blue Jays assess both internal and external candidates for this role, the urgency to fill the position cannot be overstated. The timing is crucial: the sooner a new amateur scouting director is in place, the better equipped they will be to prepare for the upcoming season and navigate the intricate world of the draft.

Looking Ahead:

The Blue Jays can take a page from the Pirates’ success under Cherington. In recent years, the Pirates have seen a surge of talent reach the majors, including the top pick in the 2023 draft, right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes. The foundation for this success was built on a robust and adaptable draft model that harnessed both scouting reports and advanced analytics.

Cherington’s approach involves trusting a team of data scientists to refine and improve the evaluation process continually. He believes that a scouting director should not only oversee scouting efforts but also critically assess and iterate on the existing model, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in capturing the complexities of amateur player evaluation.

In conclusion, as the Toronto Blue Jays step into a pivotal phase in their organizational strategy, finding a new amateur scouting director who embodies these qualities could be the key to unlocking a brighter future filled with new talent and success. The pressure is on, and the right hire could lead to a franchise-altering draft that could change the fortunes of the team for years to come.