Six New Year’s resolutions for the Toronto Blue Jays
Nate Pearson Earning the Fifth Rotation Spot
One of the top Blue Jays prospects since Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette graduated from the rankings back in 2019, fireballer Nate Pearson is one player who could be a real difference-maker in the 2022 campaign.
Hampered by injuries in almost every season of his professional career, Pearson struggled in 2022, missing time on the injured list with a sports hernia injury and also finding himself in the bullpen due to the missed time. The right-hander has dominated at pretty much every level of the minor leagues through his graduation in the Jays farm system but hit a snag last year in AAA, finishing the year with a 4.40 ERA through 12 outings (six starts) with the Bisons.
His transition to the Major Leagues has not yet yielded the ace-like numbers fans were hoping to see from the Florida product but 2022 could be his year with there currently an open spot in the big league rotation (right now). It wouldn’t be surprising if Charlie Montoyo and crew decide to keep him in the bullpen or limit his innings because of the injuries but if Pearson can produce a strong Spring Training, he could force the Jays hands to put him in the rotation where his biggest hurdles would be staying healthy and consistent on the mound.