As both the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets look to bounce back from disappointing seasons, infielder Eddinson Paulino has switched organizations, leaving Toronto for New York.
Paulino spent the past year and a half in the Blue Jays’ system after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a trade for catcher Danny Jansen.
While he showed promise in the lower minors early in his career, his 2025 campaign at Double-A saw his offensive production dip, leading Toronto to pass on adding him to the 40-man roster, prompting him to pursue minor-league free agency.
Late in the offseason, the New York Mets signed Paulino to a minor-league deal, officially assigning him to High-A St. Lucie, though he could move to Double-A or Triple-A as the season progresses.
Paulino offers exciting tools, having hit double-digit home runs in three of the last four seasons and swiped over 25 bases in both 2022 and 2023, though inconsistency—highlighted by a .198 batting average at Double-A New Hampshire last year—limited his prospects in Toronto.
Though a major-league debut isn’t expected immediately, the Mets view Paulino as a versatile, athletic infielder who could make a meaningful impact if he returns to his prior levels of production.
This season will be pivotal for the 24-year-old, as he aims to refine his skills and potentially carve out a path to the majors.
With the Mets’ system offering a fresh start, Paulino has a chance to rejuvenate his development while giving New York another tool in their farm system.
His addition also carries a bit of revenge against the Blue Jays, as the Mets hope to unlock the potential Toronto once passed over, turning Paulino into a hidden asset for the organization.
Versatility, speed, and some pop at the plate make him an intriguing prospect to watch throughout the 2026 minor-league season.
For Mets fans, Paulino represents a low-risk, high-upside pickup that could pay dividends if he regains consistency at the plate.
As both he and the team look to rebound from past disappointments, this could be the start of an important chapter in his journey toward the major leagues.
