4 Blue Jays most likely to be traded this offseason

Nate Pearson

When it comes to perception being reality, Nate Pearson serves as a prime example. Is he a quality pitcher who hasn't been utilised and coached correctly by the Blue Jays, or yet another example of a talent incapable of reaching their true potential?

Whichever is true, now might be the best time to part company with Pearson. Aside from any potential trade partner still having three years of club control, it just doesn't seem like it's destined to happen for him in Toronto.

It had all started off so promisingly for the 2017 first round draft pick, with a spectacular Major League debut versus the Nationals. However, it all quickly began to fall apart for the projected staff ace, not helped by terrible luck with injuries.

Eventually, the Blue Jays made the decision to put Pearson in the bullpen. And after more injury issues which cost him all of 2022, he finally got his first sustained chance this past season as a reliever.

To begin with, it seemed like the 27-year-old was finally in the right situation to succeed, displaying what he was capable of. In his first 17 appearances, he recorded a 1.96 ERA, 26 strikeouts and a 0.91 WHIP in 23.0 combined innings.

However, it turned out to be too good to be true for Pearson. A 16-game spell saw him produce a shocking 9.53 ERA and 1.650 WHIP in 17.0 combined innings, which resulted in him being sent down to the Minors.

For what it's worth, the Odessa, Florida native did appear in two games during September, allowing no earned runs in 2.2 innings. Ultimately though, it just seems it would be best for him to start over in a new city, if he is ever going to find any sort of productive consistency.