CJ Van Eyk, a former Florida State pitching ace, officially made his way to the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays! This isn't just another call-up, folks, this right-hander's journey makes him the 85th former Seminole to ever play in Major League Baseball, and what a path it's been.
From FSU Stud to Blue Jays Prospect
The Blue Jays clearly saw something special when they snagged Van Eyk in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, picking him 42nd overall. He wasn't just some guy; he arrived in Tallahassee as one of the nation's top pitching prospects, and man, did he live up to the hype at Florida State. He quickly solidified his spot as one of the ACC's top arms. During his freshman year, he started in a hybrid role, then locked down a spot in the Seminoles' weekend rotation. He earned Freshman All-American honors back in 2018, then stacked on All-ACC recognition in 2019. Even in that wild, shortened 2020 season, Van Eyk was absolutely dealing, posting a ridiculous 1.31 ERA with 25 strikeouts in only four starts before everything got shut down. Over his three years rocking garnet and gold, he put together an impressive 18-5 record, a 3.21 ERA, and racked up 225 strikeouts over 176.2 innings. He was undeniably one of the best collegiate pitchers out there before turning pro.A Comeback Story To The Bigs
But getting to the majors? That climb wasn't easy for Van Eyk. His journey through Toronto's minor league system hit a massive roadblock when he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, forcing him to miss the entire 2022 season. That's a huge setback for any pitcher, especially one trying to make his mark. Yet, he battled back, returned to the mound, and kept grinding through the farm system. Making it to the big leagues after such a lengthy recovery adds a serious layer of accomplishment to his debut. It's a testament to his grit, and it's a huge moment not just for him, but for the Florida State baseball program too, showing off their pipeline of talent. What a grind for Van Eyk to finally get this shot. He's earned this opportunity after years of work, including overcoming a major injury. For Florida State, it just reinforces their incredible tradition of producing major league talent, with 85 players now reaching the highest level.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.