Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 20
Overview
School: Vanderbilt University
Position: RHP
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 185
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Jordan Sheffield 2016 MLB Draft Profile
In 2013, as a senior at Tullahoma High School in Tennessee, Jordan Sheffield was drawing attention from scouts as a possible first round selection in the upcoming draft. Then, almost like clockwork for young pitchers now, he injured his elbow and received Tommy John surgery.
He ended up being selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round, but opted to play for the Commodores at Vanderbilt, where he has pitched excellent baseball.
After redshirting his 2014 season, Sheffield’s career numbers at Vandy are stellar. In 155.2 innings, he has posted a 13-7 record with a 2.78 ERA and a 162/79 K/BB ratio. He is a semi-finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, and Vanderbilt plans to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament with Sheffield at the head of their staff.
Sheffield has always possessed a tremendous fastball that he can consistently throws hard, even into the late innings. What has really caught the attention of scouts lately is his progression on his secondary pitches. He now throws a tough breaking ball that is a slider/curveball combination and a circle-changeup that both can be used as out pitches.
Most of the concerns with Sheffield center around him being a Tommy John recipient and his small frame. He puts a lot of effort into his delivery, which, combined with his just six foot stature, creates doubt when projecting how durable he would be in the majors.
Strengths:
- Hard fastball (92-96 MPH, reaches 98) with good movement
- Above-average circle-change, with great projection
- Above-average slider, with three-quarters break
- Great K/BB rate at Vanderbilt
Weaknesses:
- Underwhelming size
- Medical history
- Too much effort in his delivery
MLB Comparison: Marcus Stroman, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Projected Pick Range: 15-20
Most Likely Landing Spot: New York Yankees
Bottom Line
Jordan Sheffield will always have some doubt surrounding him due to his size and the fact that he received Tommy John surgery. However, he has an electric arsenal that projects three above-average pitches, starting with a fastball that can reach 98 MPH, even late into the game. He has increased his K/BB rate substantially this season at Vanderbilt, and has proven to be a reliable arm for a future MLB rotation. Expect Sheffield to fall somewhere in the middle of the first round, with many teams with picks 12-20 looking for proven college arms.
Sources: MLB Pipeline, SB Nation Minor League Ball, Vanderbilt Commodores Baseball
Main Photo via YouTube.com
