Cat Chat | Episode 1 (CJ Van Eyk) | January 24, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Cat Chat Episode 1 is here! Our very first edition of Cat Chat has arrived! CJ Van Eyk joined us to discuss how the 2024 season ended for him, trading cards, golf, fishing, and what he's hopeful for in 2025. Volleying between a starter and bullpen role,
MANCHESTER, NH - Cat Chat Episode 1 is here!
Our very first edition of Cat Chat has arrived! CJ Van Eyk joined us to discuss how the 2024 season ended for him, trading cards, golf, fishing, and what he's hopeful for in 2025.
Volleying between a starter and bullpen role, Van Eyk appeared in more games (30) in 2024 than any other summer of his pro career. Van Eyk received Eastern League honors for what turned out to be a fine outing on May 10 against Harrisburg: 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K, what was one of his best starts of 2024.
#BlueJays No. 17 prospect CJ Van Eyk allowed one hit and struck out six across five scoreless innings for @FisherCats. pic.twitter.com/xQ4qsP0FB7
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 13, 2024
After Toronto selected Van Eyk out of Florida State in the 2nd Round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Van Eyk tallied 100 strikeouts in 80.1 innings across 19 appearances (all starts) in 2021 with the High-A Vancouver Canadiens. Van Eyk missed the entire 2022 season as a result of Tommy John surgery, a timeline that limited the Lutz, Florida native to 34.1 innings in 2023.
Van Eyk flashed lots of promise in the 2023 Arizona Fall League with the Suprise Saguaros and allowed just 4 runs in 14.1 innings of work behind 14 strikeouts. During the 2023 AFL Fall Stars Game, Van Eyk punched out the side, all swinging. Fellow Blue Jays farmhand Will Robertson also knocked a two-run home run to help influence the AL victory, 6-3.
CJ Van Eyk’s Sunday start comes to an end for the @FisherCats.
— Chris Jared (1) (@ChrisJared01) July 28, 2024
For the @BlueJays 2020 2nd rounder:
• Career-high 6.1 IP
• Season-high 94 pitches
• Fourth quality start of the season