Blue Jays prospect Trenton Wallace discusses the University of Iowa, the 2021 MLB Draft, and playing at Nat Bailey Stadium
“My decision to attend the University of Iowa was because it felt like home more and more after each visit. I became closer with the coaching staff and the team was very welcoming each time I visited. The way they competed at every game I attended, and with the competitive edge I have, I knew it was the place to be. They also intrigued me by allowing me to play as a two-way player which only one other school had offered.”
Wallace additionally made many honours, consisting of Big Ten Pitcher of the Year (2021), Collegiate Baseball Second Team All-American (2021), and 3 Academic All-Big Ten choices.
Prospect bottle Trenton Wallace took a while to talk with Blue Jays Nation regarding his time at the University of Iowa, the 2021 MLB Draft, and the shift from university to playing specialist baseball …
Although the 2020 project was restricted because of COVID-19, Wallace recognized there was some unpredictability heading right into the 2021 MLB Draft, “I was feeling pretty confident going into the draft. I knew I would land with a team, but it was a matter of when and who it would be with. I was a covid Junior and I didn’t know how that would affect my draft stock even with the season I had.”
After an excellent occupation with the Hawkeyes, Wallace would certainly be chosen by the Blue Jays in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
“I talked to many teams, which is common in the draft process and had contact with the Blue Jays prior to the draft. I didn’t receive a call from the Blue Jays the day I was drafted but hearing my name called with their pick was a relief. I liked what the organization had discussed with me prior to the draft and I already knew a fellow teammate in Nick Allgeyer. I was excited to be part of a great organization and was excited to progress and succeed with them.”
After the draft, the southpaw completed the 2021 period in Single- A Dunedin, publishing a 4.32 period with 5 alleviation looks.
Speaking on the distinctions in between throwing at the university degree versus the pros, Wallace highlighted opposing batters and their experience at the plate, “There is a different approach to hitters in the Low-A level than the college level… It seems that the count does not dictate what the hitter is trying to do. In college ball, if you get ahead of a hitter, they are more than likely going to shorten up and try to put the ball in play. With Dunedin, hitters are trying to hit for more power and are not as concerned with striking out as much.”
After ending up the year with Dunedin, Wallace went back to the Blue Jays to begin the 2022 period yet was advertised to the High- A Vancouver Canadians on July 15th. He did miss out on a long time in mid-April because of injury yet Wallace located himself obtaining boosted representatives in the turning, making 14 beginnings on the year (20 total looks) and publishing a 2.36 period with 80.0 innings, a career-high for the Illinois item. Collectively, the left-hander uploaded a 12.4 K/9 with 110 strikeouts and enabled simply 3 crowning achievement on the year to the song of a 1.050 WHIP.
“Playing in Nat Bailey Stadium truly felt like a professional environment. Playing in front of 6,000 fans consistently is an adrenaline rush at times, but the Canadians fans really give you the feeling of being supported every outing. One thing I realized quickly in my first full pro season is to stay in the moment. You have to focus on where you are and what you can control and the rest will take care of itself.”
Wallace mentions the 2023 period in advance …
Looking in advance to this period, Wallace has some objectives in mind in addition to servicing his rate, “One thing I focused on this offseason is velocity. I am hoping to gain a couple of MPH this season and hold it consistently through each start.”
After ending up the year in High- A, the left-hander is seeking to proceed going up with the Minor Leagues, “Obviously the goal is always to make it as far up in the organization as you can, however, my goal is mostly to give each day everything I can. Show up to the field and put the work in each and every day, and the rest of the goals will take care of themselves.”
Whether he returns back to Vancouver to start the year or obtains relocated to AA New Hampshire, Trenton Wallace is one bottle to watch on this year and past, specifically if he can remain to maintain striking out batters and the price he is.
