Blue Jays: Five Bold Predictions For The 2019 Season

SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: AFL West All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: AFL West All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 6: David Paulino #22 of the Toronto Blue Jays makes a throwing error to first base as he fields a soft grounder in the eighth inning during MLB game action against the Cleveland Indians at Rogers Centre on September 6, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

3. David Paulino is the best Blue Jays reliever in 2019

I’ve always been a huge fan of David Paulino and was ecstatic when the Blue Jays traded for him in the Roberto Osuna deal. Paulino’s stuff is excellent, but the problem for him is that he hasn’t been able to stay healthy (for more info on Paulino’s pitching arsenal, here’s Jays Journal’s prospect report on him).

While developed as a starter, the Dominican native seems destined for a bullpen role in 2019 – one that could save his career. In pitching shorter outings and lesser innings, it should theoretically be easier for Paulino to stay healthy for a full season.

Furthermore, in 1-2 inning bursts, Paulino’s already-excellent arsenal has the potential for even more improvement. A bold prediction would be to expect Paulino to produce something along the likes of a mid-to-low two ERA and an elite K/9 in 60-70 innings of work.