Jordan Sheffield, Vanderbilt
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6’0/185
B/T: Right/Right
DOB: 6/1/1995
Vanderbilt has done an excellent job of developing Major-League caliber players. From David Price in 2007 to Dodger draftees Buehler and Philip Pfeifer last year, the Commodores always seem to have a few first rounders on their roster.
That’s no different this year, when Sheffield figures to continue the trend and be the first Vandy player off the board. Sheffield has had a unique career path.
He underwent Tommy John surgery in high school and honored his college commitment instead of signing as a 13th-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 2013. He redshirted his first college season, then primarily pitched out of the bullpen last year, piling up 60 innings in 22 games (including six starts).
This year, he became the staff ace and has improved in all facets of the game. He’s walked fewer batters this year than last (36 to 43) despite pitching 35.2 more innings. Sheffield has also increased his strikeouts and allowed just two home runs.
Carson Fulmer was the first Vanderbilt pitcher off the board last June, and Sheffield is reminiscent of the current Chicago White Sox pitcher. Both are undersized righties with explosive fastballs that regularly reach the mid 90s, though Sheffield’s go-to secondary offering is his changeup, which projects as at least above average.
Sheffield doesn’t have Fulmer’s curveball and needs to tighten it up in order for it to be a viable big league offering. With his fastball/changeup combo, slight stature, unconventional delivery and injury history, some teams may be tempted to move up to the bigs this year as a reliever, then develop him as a starter later a la Brandon Finnegan.
However, if Sheffield shows he can develop a reliable breaking ball, he could slot in as a second or third starter when all is said and done.
CONTINUE READING: Profile of power right-hander
