Blue Jays: It's time to hop (back) on the Nate Pearson hype train

Stop me if you think you've heard this one before, but it's time for us all to hop (back) on the Nate Pearson hype train in 2023.

Pearson, 26, was a highly-touted prospect in the not-so-distant future, but has largely been a disappointment thanks to a whole slew of injuries that have limited him to just 17 big league games.

Last season, he did not pitch a single inning at the big league level but all signs are pointing to him being in perfect health heading into the upcoming season.

Let's avoid the BSOML (best shape of my life) talk at the risk of jinxing it, but things are looking good for Pearson and fans should be excited.

This is not the first time an article like this has been written, but let's hope it's the last. Pearson has a shot at finding some consistent success this season, but it may not be as a starting pitcher as initially expected.

After coming up in the farm system as a starter (and making five starts in the big leagues), the 6-foot-6 behemoth focused primarily on functioning as a reliever in the Dominican Winter League earlier in this offseason.

His high-90s fastball and electric repertoire is the perfect fit in relief outings and his 12 innings in the DOWL are proof of that. He did not allow a single (earned) run in any of those outings and struck out 16 batters while walking only four.

It's a refreshing sight to see Pearson attending big league Spring Training with health on his side. As of right now, FanGraphs' Roster Resource has him starting 2023 in the minor leagues but a solid Spring showing from him could be enough to leapfrog someone like Trevor Richards on the organizational totem pole.

While some of the shine has worn off from his name over the years, it's time for everyone to pile back on the Nate Pearson hype train.