Another player who’d been connected to the Dodgers, Jordan Sheffield has some of the best pure stuff in the draft, flashing a double-plus fastball in the mid-90, along with a plus changeup and an average breaking ball.
He’s not the biggest guy, listed at just 5’11 and 185 lbs. but his stuff should play. Whether he remains a starter remains to be seen. Sheffield’s command can come and go, and the breaking ball isn’t a consistent offering yet.
His numbers (aside from BB/9) this year were solid and, most importantly, he pitched a full season as a starter. He’s already had Tommy John surgery and his lack of size doesn’t lend itself to durability.
If he doesn’t remain in the rotation, he could make a solid late-inning reliever. For the second time in as many years, the Dodgers went for a Vanderbilt starting pitcher.
Last year, it was Walker Buehler, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The two should reunite next season in full-season ball.
CONTINUE READING: First day of picks concludes with Mitchell White
