Getting to know Eddinson Paulino, the latest top 30 prospect the Blue Jays acquired

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Ryley Delaney | Last updated Jul 27, 2024 7:30 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are acquiring other team’s top 30 prospects like Thanos collecting infinity stones.

On Saturday evening, the Blue Jays completed their second trade of the day, moving Danny Jansen to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Cutter Coffey, Eddinson Paulino, and Gilberto Batista. We’ve already gotten to know Coffey, and in this article, we’ll take a look at Paulino.

OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired INF Cutter Coffey, INF Eddinson Paulino, and RHP Gilberto Batista from the Red Sox in exchange for C Danny Jansen.

Welcome to our #BlueJays family! pic.twitter.com/pVbWJNkA7P

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 27, 2024

The 22-year-old utility infielder signed with the Red Sox during the 2018 international free agent period and made his debut the following season. That year, he slashed .287/.394/.380 with no home runs in 128 plate appearances for a 122 wRC+. In 2021 in the Florida Complex League, Paulino slashed .336/.436/.549 with no home runs in 133 plate appearances for a 161 wRC+.

Paulino suddenly found a power surge in 2022 though with Boston’s High-A team, as he hit a career-best 13 home runs, along with a .266/.359/.469 slash line in 539 plate appearances. As he had the two prior seasons, he had a high BB% (11.9%) and a solid K% (19.5%).

In 2023, Paulino played with Boston’s High-A team, slashing .257/.338/.420 with 12 home runs in 500 plate appearances, along with a 10 BB% and a career-worst 22.6 K%. Moreover, his 108 wRC+ was the worst in his four year career.

Still, the Red Sox promoted the infielder to Double-A to start the 2024 season. With the Portland Sea Dogs, he’s slashing .263/.349/.391 with three home runs in 278 plate appearances, along with a 10.4 BB% and a 21.6 K% for a 112 wRC+.

Eddison Paulino's 2-run triple ties the game in the third. pic.twitter.com/vbyCoariQN

— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) May 10, 2024

Heading into this season, Paulino ranked as the Red Sox’s 22nd-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, the only top 30 prospect the Jays acquired in this trade. Paulino also ranked 18th on Baseball America’s midseason list.

Pipeline’s bio believes he can hit for average, noting his nice swing, good hand-eye coordination, and plate discipline. However, he stands at 5’10”, 155 lbs and hasn’t filled out his frame yet. After reaching High-A, his contact rates dropped.

Paulino has more instincts than speed according to Pipeline, but even those numbers have struggled since joining Double-A, as he’s stolen 10 bases in 18 attempts. Defensively, he’s best at second base, but can still play at third and short because he’s accurate with his throws.

All in all, the Blue Jays got a pretty good prospect here for an expiring catcher. If Paulino can add power, there’ll certainly be a spot for him on a big league roster in a few seasons.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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