Canadian Palmegiani invited to Blue Jays’ big league spring training camp

February 5, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

Vauxhall Academy and Junior National Team alum Damiano Palmegiani is one of 19 internal non-roster players the Toronto Blue Jays have invited to their major league spring training camp.

The team made the announcement on Monday.

After being named to Canada’s roster for the World Baseball Classic last March, Palmegiani (Surrey, B.C.) batted a combined .255 with 23 home runs and 93 RBIs in 128 games between double-A New Hampshire and triple-A Buffalo in 2023.

He then boosted his stock with a stellar performance with the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). In 22 games, the 23-year-old infielder batted .263 with six home runs and 21 RBIs. He also belted 22 home runs in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game and helped the team to an AFL championship.

Born in Caracas, Ven., Palmegiani grew up in Surrey, B.C. before honing his skills at the Vauxhall Academy in Lethbridge, Alta.

Originally selected in the 35th round of the 2018 MLB draft by the Blue Jays, he declined to sign and ended up starring with the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes. In 2021 with the Coyotes, he batted .389 and belted 26 home runs, which earned him a spot on the Canadian Baseball Network’s All-Canadian First Team.

His performance also convinced the Blue Jays to draft him again, this time in the 14th round in 2021. Palmegiani signed and belted 24 home runs and drove in 83 in 118 games between low-A Dunedin and High-A Vancouver in 2022.

In January, Palmegiani was honoured with Baseball Canada’s Stubby Clapp Award, which is handed out annually to recognize a national team player for their hard work, perseverance, positive attitude and strong performance on the field.