3. Eric Pardinho
Minors (RK, A): 37.2 innings, 2-1 record, 2.15 ERA, 1.221 WHiP, 16 walks, 35 strikeouts
If Eric Pardinho can stay healthy, he could be an ace for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Perhaps the top prospect ever to come out of Brazil, Pardinho made his presence felt as a 15 year old in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers, impressing scouts with his command, feel for pitching, and upper 80s heater. The Blue Jays were certainly impressed as well, giving him a $1.4 million signing bonus during the 2017-18 international signing period.
When he has been on the mound, Pardinho has displayed the stuff that intrigued so many teams. He has had an uptick in velocity since signing, sitting in the lower 90s with his fastball, and has been clocked as high as 96 MPH. He has a plus curve, which may well be his best offering. Pardinho also has a slider and a change, both of which have the potential to be, at minimum, average offerings, although they have flashed plus at times.
The problem with Pardinho is his durability. At 5’10” and 155 pounds, there is a great deal of concern that his velocity will lead to injury woes. He has already missed extended time due to elbow soreness, and has seen his velocity taper off as he pitches deeper into games. While he is ranked highly here, this is a matter of projection – seeing him pitch an entire season and remain healthy would do wonders for his future outlook.
Eric Pardinho has the stuff to be a top of the rotation arm. The Toronto Blue Jays have to hope that he can remain healthy in order for him to fulfill those expectations.