McFarland: Jacob looking to collect more experiences at Canadian Futures Showcase
Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team 1B/3B Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) is the No. 5 prospect on the 2027 Canadian Baseball Network Draft List heading into the Canadian Futures Showcase. Photo: Baseball Canada
September 17, 2026
By Joe McFarland
Alberta Dugout Stories
From cards and posters to jerseys with their names on the back, every baseball player dreams of seeing themselves on collectibles like their heroes.
For Jalen Jacob, they also represent a tribute of sorts to his father and grandfather, who have worked in sports memorabilia for years and decorated their homes with all kinds of items over the years.
The Maple, Ontario native got a sneak peek into his future when he returned from a U.S. showcase trip with dozens of custom-made baseball cards featuring his likeness.
After giving a few to his family members and then adding to his own personal collection, Jacob says the cards represent another sign that he’s on the right path.
The reality of being one of the top-ranked Canadian high school products heading into the 2027 Major League Draft is starting to dawn on him.
“Honestly, I think that gives me motivation to work hard because it’s kind of becoming real, right?” Jacob says. “I see these guys that I know who are getting drafted and it’s like, ‘I can be doing that next year.’”
As the 17-year-old, who has committed to Kansas State University, heads towards his third Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase, he says it will be an important few months as he solidifies his spot as a top prospect.
Ontario Blue Jays infielder Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) has committed to Kansas State University. Photo: Ontario Blue Jays/Instagram
Big league dreams
There was never really any doubt in Jacob’s mind that he wanted to play baseball.
He and his brother, fellow Canadian Futures Showcase alum Jordan Jacob, could always be found at the different ballparks around Toronto. Given their relative closeness in age, Jalen found himself playing up an age bracket or two hoping to keep up with his older sibling.
Growing up in the region also provided plenty of opportunities to head to Rogers Centre to check out Blue Jays games.
Jacob vividly remembers one in particular, when he was about eight years old, when he and his friends had special passes to go out onto the field after the Jays faced the Kansas City Royals.
Armed with a Sharpie and a baseball, the youngster ran around gathering autographs from players on both teams.
“Honestly, I remember going crazy – I was like screaming on the field,” Jacob laughs. “It was such a fun experience.”
The ball is now a part of his own massive collection of items at home.
Like his idols
In a full-circle moment just a few years later, Jacob found himself playing on that same Rogers Centre turf at his first Canadian Futures Showcase in 2024.
Fresh off taking part in major Perfect Game and Prep Baseball events stateside, he was already being viewed as an impact bat who had quickly learned to deal with stronger pitching despite his age.
Jacob was ready to show off all he had learned to a Canadian audience while playing in a stadium where he grew up watching his favourite team and player, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.
“It was probably the most surreal feeling,” he says. “It kind of brought this whole dream of mine to life.”
While Jacob was keen to showcase his skills, he also understood how every opportunity that comes his way is a learning experience, collecting lessons from his coaches and the players around him.
Being in the moment
Now a savvy veteran going into his third Canadian Futures Showcase, Jacob says his biggest goal going into Vancouver is to be “mentally locked in the whole time” while being a good teammate by sharing some of his experience with the younger players.
“It’s one of the best events I go to because I get to face good competition all the time and I definitely have to be on my best game,” says Jacob. “I want to show my skills, be in the moment and just have a good time.”
The 6-foot-3, 248-pound Ontario Blue Jays slugger, who was named an all-star at the inaugural Morneau Cup in Okotoks this summer, would also like to end his season with a bang before spending his offseason getting into the best shape of his life.
“I move good for my size right now, but I want to get to a point where I move even better and I’m faster, more agile and my arms are stronger,” Jacob says. “The pro season is long, so you have to be durable and ready to play a lot of games through the year.”
You will be able to see Jacob as part of Team Royal at the 2026 Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.