On Monday, we revealed that Milwaukee Brewers prospect Tyler Black ranked #2 on our list, and now it’s time to spotlight our top prospect. But before we unveil the number one spot, let’s take a look at some other Canadian players who came close to making the top 20.
Tristan Peters
Hometown: Winkler, Manitoba
Organization: Tampa Bay Rays
Position: Outfielder
Acquired: Traded from the Giants in 2022
Tristan Peters has flown somewhat under the radar, having been traded twice since his 2021 draft by the Brewers. Notably, both trades were one-for-one deals involving big-league players in return. He was first sent to the Giants in August 2022 as part of the deal that brought reliever Trevor Rosenthal to Milwaukee. Later that year, he was traded again, this time to the Rays in exchange for infielder Brett Wisely.
The 24-year-old has consistently put up strong numbers in the minors, with a .783 OPS in Double-A in 2023 and a .746 mark in Triple-A in 2024. Known for his on-base ability, solid outfield defense, and speed, Peters has the potential to become a reliable fourth outfielder in the Majors, potentially as soon as 2025. While he may not develop into a star, Peters seems poised to carve out a steady big-league career.
Matt Duffy
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Organization: Boston Red Sox
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Acquired: Fourth round, 2023 draft (BOS)
After staying local and pitching for Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, Matt Duffy became the highest-ever draft pick from his school, signing for a below-slot $350k bonus in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Following just three appearances after being drafted, the 23-year-old right-hander had a standout 2024 season, posting a 2.83 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 9.1 K/9 over 21 starts in Single-A. Standing at 6’2″, Duffy’s three-quarter arm slot creates deceptive movement, making his low-to-mid-90s fastball more effective.
His best secondary pitch is his changeup, which he uses both to generate swings and misses and induce ground balls. A strong control pitcher, Duffy averaged only 2.5 walks per nine innings in 2024. With continued success in 2025, he could rise quickly through the Red Sox system and potentially emerge as one of the top Canadian pitching prospects by 2026, much like Jonah Tong’s rapid rise through the Mets system last year.
Connor O’Halloran
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Organization: Toronto Blue Jays
Position: Left-handed pitcher
Acquired: Fifth round, 2023 draft (TOR)
A former Michigan Wolverine, Connor O’Halloran had an inconsistent first full season in 2024. He started strong with Single-A Dunedin, posting a solid 3.13 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 10.1 K/9, which earned him a promotion to High-A Vancouver in late May.
However, he struggled at the higher level, posting a 7.16 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, mainly due to an increased walk rate (4.9 BB/9 compared to 3.1 at Single-A). The 6’2″ left-hander struggled with his pitch placement and command, often falling behind in counts.
Despite his challenges, O’Halloran is known for his overall control and command, which remained evident in his strong early season numbers.
His fastball sits in the high 80s/low 90s, which is on the lower end of the velocity spectrum, but he keeps hitters off balance with a plus slider and changeup. O’Halloran was ranked 30th on MLB Pipeline’s top 30 Blue Jays prospects last year, and with continued refinement, he could solidify his place in the organization’s pitching future.