Our 2024 Davis Schneider candidate is none other than Damiano Palmegiani. He is an up-and-coming prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays, who tore it up in the Arizona Fall League. Damiano is a third baseman who can be recognized for his offensive power. But also, his defense has been developing at a higher level recently. The hype of Damiano Palmegiani has been an ongoing train ride since October of 2023, and now the hype continues as he could be the next Davis Schneider candidate. He remains on the Blue Jays radar as a promising option for the Blue Jays as early as 2025.
Here a trio of Top-30 #BlueJays prospects taking BP today with Edwin Encarnación watching on.
1. 3B Damiano Palmegiani — He’s your easy “2024 Davis Schneider” candidate. He has power, but I’ve had a few people say they like his defensive development lately. pic.twitter.com/Sz64N0TrIK
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 20, 2024
Your 2024 Davis Schneider Candidate Is This Blue Jays Prospect
Damiano Palmegiani Profile
The 23-year-old third baseman was born in Venezuela but raised in Surrey, B.C. Palmegiani hit 33 doubles, 23 home runs, and 73 walks throughout 128 games. He has predominantly played in double-A New Hampshire before 20 games in Triple-A Buffalo. Palmegiani can be characterized as a player capable of making smart decisions, commanding the zone, and being disciplined at the plate while swinging at the right pitches. And lastly, he’s got a lot of power with his bat.
All these strong qualities make him a prime candidate as a comparable player to Davis Schneider and to play in the majors next season. He has taken on the approach to control the right pitches to hit. Comprehending what the pitcher is going to throw and how their pitches are going to look is what he focuses on. He also makes it his focal point to place himself in a position where he can possess ultimate power as a hitter.
In 80 at-bats, he recorded 21 hits, six home runs, a .263 batting average, and a .941 OPS. These are great numbers for a prospect, and he’s certainly gained the attention of many in sports media. Infielder Palmegiani will get the opportunity to participate in the Spring Breakout Game for the Toronto Blue Jays on March 16 against the New York Yankees.
THE Player of the Game from the #AFL23 Championship? ?
Surrey’s Damiano Palmegiani‼️??
? 3 Runs Scored
? 1 Hit, 2 Walks
? Game-Saving Defence
? Fall League OPS: .941AND he was a Fall-Star ⭐️ + HR Derby Finalist! pic.twitter.com/vWfDWWLZlo
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 12, 2023
Palmegiani’s Hype Is Getting Real
The best thing about the Blue Jays trading Otto Lopez is that their infield depth is still fully stocked. It consists of Orelvis Martinez, Addison Barger, Spencer Horwitz, Leo Jiménez, and Ernie Clement. This does not include who is already on the roster. Both Clement and Horwitz got the opportunity to play in the majors in the 2023 season, and they were imposing. Palmegiani is one of 19 non-roster players the Blue Jays have asked to join their major league spring training camp. This is one of many significant accomplishments for Palmegiani early in his baseball career.
Aside from Ricky Tiedemann, Damiano is a prospect that many are excited about and interested to see play. He brings a lot to the table as an infielder. But he also has power and pop with his bat. His spectacular diving catch in the AFL Championship Game is comparable to a play that Matt Chapman or Josh Donaldson have made in the past for the Blue Jays. If he can continue to make great plays like this, his hard work will continue to be acknowledged and recognized.
Posting Random Blue Jays highlights until Opening Day — Day 50/175:
Damiano Palmegiani makes a great diving play at third base in the AFL Championship Game! pic.twitter.com/1OpPQIlJ1E
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) November 24, 2023
Will the Blue Jays See Him in 2024?
The 2024 Spring Breakout Game will be a great way to watch the top prospects from every team showcase their strengths. Everyone will indeed have their eyes on Damiano Palmegiani as he is a prime 2024 Davis Schneider candidate. His great numbers in the AFL showcase his true talents and skills as an infielder. His ability to understand and comprehend how to be successful at the plate offensively is also appealing as a young prospect.
Main Photo: © Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports