Chicago Cubs prospect profile: Jose Paulino
By Eric Brown
Continuing our series of previewing the Cubs Top-30 prospects, up next is Jose Paulino – the Cubs #29 ranked prospect.
Signed out of the Dominican Republic, the Cubs may have found a significant gem in Jose Paulino. At only 22 years of age, Paulino can become a part of Chicago’s future earlier than thought if he continues the progress that he has made so far.
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In 2016 the Cubs elected to add him to their 40-man roster following the World Series run. This move was done to avoid losing him during the Rule 5 draft, which turned out to be a great move. That season Paulino finished the year with a 7-1 record with a 1.92 ERA, striking out 69 batters in 75 innings pitched.
Primarily a groundout pitcher, Paulino could bring something to the Cubs that the team desperately desires. Given that the team plays half their games in the home-run friendly Wrigley Field, anybody resembling a pitcher who will keep the ball on the ground is welcome anytime.
Despite all his success in 2016, Paulino took a step back in 2017. In 27 games pitched he finished the year with a 4.51 ERA, and a 7-6 record. His walks per 9 innings also went up to a rate of 3.1, up from 1.6 the previous season.
In terms of age and time spent with the Cubs organization, there is a good chance that Paulino is the best left hander in the entire organization. The team has a great track record of producing left handed starting pitchers, so he could certainly become the next great left hander in Wrigley.
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Given that he struggled somewhat in his first season playing A ball for the South Bend Cubs, Paulino will likely begin the season in the same spot he finished last season. If he goes back to how he pitched during the 2016 season, Paulino could find himself finishing the season either in AA or AAA ball. For now, his ETA to join the Chicago Cubs is during the 2019 season or possibly later.