Seattle Mariners top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
10. Justus Sheffield
Minors (AA, AAA): 133 innings, 7-9 record, 4.13 ERA, 1.353 WHiP, 59 walks, 133 strikeouts
Majors: 36 innings, 5.50 ERA, 1.722 WHiP, 18 walks, 37 strikeouts
There is no questioning Justus Sheffield‘s arm. However, there are numerous questions about his ability to control his arsenal.
The already well traveled lefty has the arsenal and live arm to intrigue any team. Indeed, he has gone from having been selected with the 31st overall selection in the 2014 MLB Draft. He was sent to the Yankees as part of the package for Andrew Miller, and was then sent to Seattle as part of the deal for James Paxton. When he has been dealt, it has been for some of the best players available.
One can easily see why that would be the case. When he is on, he has three above average to plus pitches in his arsenal. Sheffield has added velocity to his sinking fastball since being drafted, with the pitch now sitting in the mid to upper 90s. His slider may well be his best pitch, as it is a nasty strikeout pitch when he can command it. Sheffield’s change lags behind his other offerings, but is another potential strikeout pitch.
The problem is that Sheffield cannot always command his arsenal. He has a high effort delivery, which coupled with the movement his pitches have, can make his ability to spot his pitches come and go. If he cannot command his stuff deeper into games, he could be a dominant reliever. However, the hope is that he can put everything together, and be a top of the rotation starter.
It was not that long ago that Justus Sheffield was top 50 prospect. If he can harness his stuff, he can remind everyone of why he was so highly regarded not that long ago.