No. 12: Red Sox utility prospect Eddinson Paulino
Eddinson Paulino was the new favorite prospect in the Boston Red Sox system in 2022. This was thanks to a monster year in Single-A that saw him play all over the field while raking at the plate, stealing bases, and showing off some swagger.
Due to this, it feels like people (myself included) unfairly labeled him as the next prospect to take the "Ceddanne Rafaela" jump. It's important to remember that jumps like the one Rafaela took rarely happen.
So when Paulino produced the way he did in High-A this year, people felt he underperformed. That's unfair to Paulino because he put up phenomenal numbers in High-A despite being on the younger side for the level.
The left-handed hitting utility slashed .257/.338/.420 with 28 doubles, four triples, and 12 home runs. He drove in 58 runs, scored 68 more, and stole 26 bases in 115 games (440 ABs).
Paulino spent time at second base and third base, but the bulk of his innings came at shortstop. Although he didn't play in the outfield this year, he got some innings there in 2022.
Paulino has a solid eye and makes a lot of hard contact. He has plenty of speed to help him steal bases and leg out extra bases.
That speed also helps Paulino adapt anywhere in the field. He also has a decent arm that doesn't hurt him when he's playing third base.
Paulino might not be a big batting average guy, but he has the potential to grow into an exciting utility guy who can play anywhere on the field. He'll give his team a decent OBP with some pop and plenty of speed.
Hit: 55
Power: 50
Run: 55
Arm: 50
Field: 60
Overall: 55