RADIO
Nate Pearson 2022 Outlook: Now Healthy, Expect a Breakout Season
3 years agoIt's been a long road for Pearson and his fantasy owners but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. The hard-throwing right-hander has battled through injuries over the past two seasons — including shoulder issues, hamstring problems, and he more recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia. Now healthy, Pearson is already throwing 98 mph off the mound and has stated that he has improved flexibility after the surgery, which has helped him with his secondary offerings. If he can show even average command/control, this 25-year-old could have a strong 2022 season with his power arsenal. But with the recent addition of starter Yusei Kikuchi, a guaranteed starting role may be hard to come by for Pearson. With that said, the unusual start to the 2022 season could also mean that the Blue Jays will go with a six-man starting staff or the rookie hurler will simply see bulk innings out of the bullpen in a hybrid role. Either way, Pearson has a chance to offer high-volume strikeouts (28% K-rate in 2021 while battling injuries) as well as wins for an up-and-coming Blue Jays team. With an ADP in the range of 450, he's entering the season completely off the radar for many fantasy managers so the Jays hurler can be had with a late-round selection. Given his massive ceiling, he's a worthwhile gamble even if he starts out the 2022 season in the bullpen.
