Eddinson Paulino continues pushing for promotion
Defensive versatility is one of Eddinson Paulino’s best offerings, though that doesn’t mean he’s any slouch at the plate. The Greenville Drive infielder has been on fire at the plate recently. In his last 12 games, Paulino has not just shown off his 50-grade hit tool but also flashed the power as well.
Here is Paulino’s stat line over that period:
12 G | 57 PA | 18 H | 3 HR | 8 XBH | 11 RBI | 4 BB | .346/.404/.615 | 2 SB
It’s a smaller sample, though these are significant jumps from his overall production this season. Still just 21 years old, Paulino has had a slower start this year compared to his professional career so far. Had Paulino not started slow with the bat, perhaps he would have already earned a mid-season promotion by now.
Last year Paulino spent the entire season with the Salem Red Sox, swatting 13 home runs while swiping 27 bags, and knocking in 66 runs. Finishing the season with a 127 WRC+, that ranked him 17th at the entire level.
A 2018 signing out of the Dominican Republic, Paulino signed for $205,000 (a mid-level bonus) and came stateside in 2019. Rule-5 draft eligible in December, like teammate Wikelman Gonzalez, the organization will need to make a decision on the young infielder soon. Rarely if ever will a prospect be added to the 40-man roster while being in the low minor leagues.
What’s tricky is Paulino lost a whole year of development, thanks to the cancelation of the minor league season in 2020. With the MLB Draft on Sunday, the system will soon be replenished with more talent, leading to promotions.
A more interesting question upon his eventual arrival to AA is, what position will he play? With the obvious prioritization of Marcelo Mayer and Nick Yorke, that locks up the everyday shortstop and 2nd base positions. Meidroth has been the everyday 3rd baseman upon his promotion as well, with Alex Binelas also swinging the bat better as of late.
Look for Paulino to potentially spend time in the outfield. Minimal experience outside of the infield, he spent 98.1 innings in center field and 8 innings in left field last season. Combining Paulino’s hot play, his positional versatility, and additions coming to the farm, it’s likely that sooner than later he will earn a promotion to Portland to join the Sea Dogs.
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