2026 C’s Chat – Vancouver Canadians LHP #44 Johnny King – C's Plus Baseball

The first C’s Chat of the 2026 season on C’s Plus Baseball is with Vancouver Canadians pitcher Johnny King.

Born in Commerce, Michigan, the lefthander was a force on the mound and in the batter’s box during his career with Naples High School in Florida. In King’s 2024 senior season, he recorded a 0.73 earned run average and racked up 110 strikeouts in 47⅔ innings for the Golden Eagles. He also batted .500 with 12 doubles, four triples, two homers and 23 runs batted in. That helped King win back-to-back Southwest Florida Baseball Player of the Year Awards in 2023 and 2024.

The Toronto Blue Jays, on the advice of scout Adrian Casanova, selected King in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He was weighing the opportunity to attend the University of Miami but he decided to join the Jays and received a $1,247,500 signing bonus.

King would launch his professional career in 2025 by splitting the year between the Florida Complex League. He struck out 105 batters over a combined 62⅓ innings, translating to a strikeout percentage of nearly 40 percent to go along with a 2.48 earned run average.

Baseball America ranked King as the fourth-best prospect in the Blue Jays system heading into 2026.

“King has all the ingredients of a midrotation stalwart. His operation gets deep into his glutes, allowing him to drop and drive with a strong lead leg block. His low three-quarters arm slot creates a deceptive angle for both lefthanded and righthanded batters, though he saw more success in opposite-handed matchups in 2025. King is still learning to repeat his mechanics, something that should help him find more consistency with his release point. King mixes and matches with a four-seam fastball, curveball and changeup. King’s fastball is plus and sits 93-95 mph with above-average ride and heavy armside run. King had some of the highest total movement on his fastball of any lefthander in professional baseball in 2025. His most-used secondary pitch is a two-plane curveball that sits 80-82 mph with good depth. His curveball boasted a whiff rate north of 50% in 2025. King’s changeup is a clear third pitch and was used sparingly in 2025. King shows fringe-average control and struggled with strike-throwing with Dunedin.”

King’s first trip to Canada came when he joined the Vancouver Canadians in time for the team’s 2026 home opener on April 7. After allowing a run in his first Northwest League inning against Eugene, King bounced back against the Emeralds with five strikeouts over 3⅓ scoreless innings in a victory on April 12. After yielding an unearned run over 3⅓ innings with seven punchouts in a win at Spokane on April 18, King spun three shutout innings and four strikeouts against Tri-City on April 24 and four scoreless stanzas versus Hillsboro on April 30. King’s best effort to date was five shutout innings with eight strikeouts against Everett on May 12 to run his scoreless inning streak at The Nat to 12⅓ innings and lower his season ERA to 0.81.

Pitching in Canada has allowed King to follow in the footsteps of his great grandfather John King, who played 386 games as a second baseman and third baseman for the Montreal Royals of the International League. The elder King batted .291, .267 and .295 with 26 home runs over the 1934-1936 campaigns with Montreal. That was part of a 14-year career in the minor leagues where he spent time in the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates systems.

View this post on Instagram

C’s Plus Baseball caught up with the 19-year-old King before the end of the team’s 12-game homestand in early May. This interview has been edited for clarity.

C’s Plus Baseball – Johnny, thanks a million for doing this. Let’s take it back to the draft. When you were picked in the third round in 2024, there was talk that you were strongly considering going to (the University of) Miami, but what made you decide to turn pro in the end?

Johnny King – I had been to the Toronto Blue Jays facility in Dunedin before getting drafted, and I said, like, ‘This is an amazing place.’ They gave me a tour around, and I said, ‘This is the place I want to be. I want my home to be here.’ So I was really excited to get drafted by the Blue Jays. Great team, great farm system. I mean, I’m in Vancouver right now. It’s as far as it can be from home, but it’s beautiful here so I can’t complain. I’m very blessed that the Blue Jays took an opportunity with me. I’m excited.

CPB – What really stood out to you about the Player Development Complex? Because it’s been around a few years now, but it’s still considered a game changer for you guys.

JK – It is, yeah. I mean, it’s got to be the best complex in minor league baseball. I’ve been to a couple of others in Florida. I mean, it blows them out of the water. The weight room’s incredible. Like, it’s the biggest weight room I’ve ever seen. The fields are beautiful. The covered facility, I mean, it’s just an awesome, awesome place to be. And there’s so much help around. They make you feel like it’s home. Like, they’ve helped me with pitching. I mean, I’ve learned so much in these last two years of being with the Blue Jays, from coaches to players here to older players, like, trying to just cool me down or whatever or give me a tip. I’ve taken all the tips and I’m trying to utilize them in the game so, they’ve been great.

CPB – Your delivery’s said to be low three-quarters. Was it always like that, or how did that come out to be?

JK – So, it’s pretty funny. I was watching a video the other day of me throwing in high school, and it’s literally, like, pretty much the exact same. I look bigger and stronger, obviously, but kind of the same exact (delivery). But, you know, I got to get the changeup to work now, so that’s a big plus. They’ve helped me with that. Really learning how to pitch, not just throwing. In high school, I’m just throwing, but here it’s pitching, you know? I’m learning a lot with holding runners to where to throw the 0-2 pitch or whatever. Like, in high school, you just throw an 0-2 pitch down the middle. Here, you’ve got to execute. You’ve got to put it where you want it.

CPB – What is your pitching repertoire right now? I’ve heard three pitches. I’ve heard four. But what is it exactly that you’re throwing right now?

JK – It’s three pitches. It’s a four-seam fastball, it’s a curveball, and it’s a changeup.

CPB – The curveball, would you describe it as a 12-6?

JK – 11-5. I’ve thrown that since I was, like, 12 years old. That’s been my hidden gem.

CPB – You’ve been getting a lot more ground balls lately since you’ve started the season. Has there been maybe a change in the repertoire or how you grip a pitch or is it maybe just the way the pitches are intended to work now?

JK – Yeah, that’s just kind of the way it’s been going for me, getting a lot of ground balls. Just got to keep attacking the strike zone and keep being in the zone. And we’ll get ground balls and flyouts all day. Like, I’ll take those. Those one-pitch, one-outs, I’ll take those all the time.

CPB – How do you feel your changeup is coming along?

JK – Very well, very well. I’m very excited about it. I got a couple outs the other day in my outing with it. Got some ground balls with the shortstop. I’ve got a couple of whiffs on it. But it’s still developing, and I’m excited for it.

CPB – Is it a split change or is it a circle?

JK – Split change.

CPB – I don’t know if you had a chance to maybe pick the brains of Kevin Gausman because that’s what he’s known for, but is that something you picked up by yourself or how did that all develop?

JK – A great guy named Cory Riordan (Blue Jays Assistant Pitching Coordinator) helped me out with that. Shout out to Cory. He’s the man. He helped me a lot last year with the changeup because I was throwing a circle change and I was just throwing it too hard, and all he did was move my middle finger over to the other lace, so it’s kind of like a one-seam changeup now. And it’s been pretty good. It’s been really good in bullpens. It’s been good in catch-play and everything. So just trying to get to use it on the mound.

CPB – Your rookie season, you spent time at the Florida Complex League and Dunedin, and in Dunedin, things really took off. How would you describe your first season in pro ball?

JK – Awesome. I mean, I learned so much. I’m using all the tools that I have to be here in Vancouver, kind of keeping the same mindset, keep attacking guys, stay humble, and it’s all in God’s hands.

CPB – Was there anything the Jays told you to work on during the offseason?

JK – Just getting bigger. The more mass I have on me, the harder I’ll throw. Just kind of getting bigger, keep eating, be in the weight room all the time. That’s been the biggest thing. Also in the offseason, I worked on a little bit of control things just in catch play, getting better with throwing programs.

CPB – You’re here in Vancouver. How does it feel being the youngest player in the league? I think Slade Caldwell (of the Hillsboro Hops) is the second-youngest.

JK – Oh, really? Yeah, good buddies with him. He’s a good guy.

CPB – So what’s it been like pitching as a 19-year-old in the Northwest League? I mean, we had Arjun Nimmala do it here (playing at the same age) last year. I don’t know if maybe you talked to Arjun at all about what it’s like playing in the league?

JK – No, I mean, it’s just age is a number. I’m here to compete with anybody, no matter how old anybody is. It doesn’t really bother me. I’m here to be me.

CPB – You got the opening night start (in Vancouver). How big an honour was that for you?

JK – That was awesome. It was kind of my first time really. It was my first day being in Vancouver. So I walk out here and I go do my (arm) bands and my bullpen, and I just see about a couple thousand (people) in the stands. First time. So that was a pretty interesting one, but definitely I’m settling in now. I’m getting more used to it with this two-week homestand. But, like, I walked in here, I didn’t know where my locker was. I didn’t know anything. So it was kind of like a sped-up thing. But, I mean, it was awesome. The fans here were great.

CPB – What was that first inning like for you? Did maybe the game kind of speed up on you? What was that like? You got through the inning. It could have been a lot worse but what did you take from that outing.

JK – Yeah, I mean, just definitely a little bit sped up. (C’s pitching coach Eric) Yardley came out to me and gave me a mound visit, and I kind of just laughed and I said, ‘Here we go. Like, it’s time to go now.’ And then I got the two strikeouts in the inning. So looking at the positives as well, and then obviously, like, the walks happen, stuff like that. It’s baseball. So it was definitely a good learning experience for me, and I’ll build from it.

CPB – Your last start (against Hillsboro), probably your best one, what was working for you that day?

JK – Yeah, just filling it up, throwing strikes, letting them hit it, and just attacking with my best stuff.

CPB – What’s the key for you to be successful on the mound?

JK – Really just smiling and having a good time, not getting all antsy and getting all uptight. Just kind of breathing, taking it pitch by pitch.

CPB – When you look back on your time in baseball, what would you say is your best moment growing up?

JK – Biggest thing probably was Cooperstown, was really creating a bond with a lot of guys, like we were 12 at the time, but living in the bunk beds or whatever, and that’s just times that I look back on, you know? Just that chemistry that we built all together to make a team win is really what’s a big thing about baseball.

CPB – You had a great grandfather who played (professionally), I believe your father also played college ball?

JK – My father did play. He played at Central Michigan.

CPB – How influential were they in your baseball career?

JK – Just supporting my career all the time and helping me out, trying to get me better. My Dad always humbles me, no matter what happens. No matter if I go out there and punch out 12, it doesn’t matter. He’s saying, ‘How about that one walk you had?’ Like, ‘Thanks, Dad.’ I appreciate that, you know? Yeah, keeping it real, I guess.

CPB – When you first reported to the organization, was there anyone you hit it off with right away?

JK – Troy Guthrie, Carson Messina and Holden Wilkerson, I’m really tight with. He’s the guy that comes in after me. He’s my piggyback (pitcher), so we’re obviously bonding. I mean, we lift together, throw bullpens together, throw every day together, hang out off the field together. So I’m surprised I’m not sick of him yet, but that’s my guy.

CPB – What is that tandem routine like right now, with you and Holden?

JK – Yeah, it’s awesome. I mean, we get along so well, so we’re just going to keep going, keep going through the season together and hopefully we’ll get through nine (innings) one of these days, both together, that’d be pretty sick.

CPB – I know the team isn’t off to the best of starts this year, but certainly in starting pitching, I’m sure you must feel an internal competition. You had Daniel Guerra not too long ago, winning pitcher of the week. Austin Cates just got bumped up, but certainly a lot of starting talent in the rotation.

JK – Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we’re all feeding off each other. We’re all helping each other out, just keeping each other in check and just trying to get each other better, you know? Just little tips here and there will help a guy out.

CPB – Your mound music is “Separate Ways” by Journey. Why did you pick that song?

JK – My whole family likes Journey because of the whole Michigan (Wolverines) thing, and that just gets me fired up, honestly. It gets me going all the time, and I’ve listened to that song for a while, and it’s been my walk-up song for a while, so it’s awesome.

CPB – Is there anyone else’s walk-up or mound music on the team that you really like?

JK – Favourite one on the team, probably Holden’s. Yeah, Holden’s is my favourite. “Too Late for Love” by Def Leppard.

CPB – Who would you say is your funniest teammate?

JK – The funniest teammate? Probably Chirinos. Kendry Chirinos is pretty friggin’ funny. He’s my locker mate, so he’s always giving me some crap.

CPB – Do you have any favourite professional teams?

JK – Everything Detroit. Detroit Lions. I like the Michigan Wolverines. I like the Red Wings. Everything Detroit.

CPB – Lions fan right here.

JK – No way. That’s awesome. It’s been a struggle with them as well. They had some good draft picks, but we just need both sides of the line to get better.

CPB – You were a Tigers fan. Did you have a favourite pitcher or favourite player growing up?

JK – Favourite pitcher was Justin Verlander. I mean, just watching him go out there and dominate every day. I liked Miggy (Miguel Cabrera) as well. Miggy was also awesome to see. (Max) Scherzer, of course. It’s crazy seeing him in person as well. From watching him as a little kid, you know, seeing him three feet away from me, hitting bicep curls in the gym.

CPB – You mentioned Max Scherzer. Have you had a chance maybe to pick the brains of some of the guys with the big club?

JK – No, not really. Maybe Trey Yesavage a little bit. I’ve seen him around. We’re pretty good buddies. I’ve asked him how the experience was and everything, and he’s pretty much all for it.

CPB – What was that like? I mean, he was in your draft class. You were only picked two rounds after him, and there he is, in the World Series.

JK – Yeah, it’s been awesome to watch, man. From firsthand to seeing him, you know, dominate from Dunedin and just wondering why he’s in Dunedin and just keep climbing up the ranks and just keep going. He’s doing a great job, and he’s going to probably keep going.

CPB – Okay, final question. The Canadians have all sorts of different uniforms. They’ve got ‘The Nat’ which you wore on Opening Day. They’ve got red, white, black, blue, gray. Do you have a favourite?

JK – I haven’t gone through every one yet. I’m missing the red. I’ve got to say my favourite, it might be the blue, but I’m waiting for those white Canadian hats. So I’m excited for those. They look good with the red, but I think those white Canadian hats will look better, so definitely the blue ones.

Johnny King File

Born – July 26, 2006, in Commerce, Michigan
Height/Weight – 6’3”, 210 lbs.
Bats/Throws – Left/Left
Instagram – @johnny.king4
Twitter – @johnnyhking4
Uniform Numbers – Wore number 11 with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays and number 40 with the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2025.
Pro Debut – May 10, 2025, for the FCL Blue Jays vs. FCL Yankees
First Professional Strikeout – May 10, 2025. Struck out Luis Escudero looking.
First Professional Win – July 20, 2025, for the Dunedin Blue Jays against the Tampa Tarpons (4IP 0R 9K).
C’s Debut – April 7, 2026, versus the Eugene Emeralds in the home opener.
Mound Music – “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by Journey
Fun Fact – King earned his first pro win after relieving 2019 Canadians righthander and former Toronto Blue Jay Alek Manoah on July 20, 2025.