New York Yankees: Top five prospects in 2018

3. Justus Sheffield – SP. Fastball: 60 l Slider: 65 l Changeup: 60 l Control: 50 l Overall: 60.

Continuing a recent trend for pitchers in the Yankees system, Sheffield has added velocity to his fastball since coming over from the Andrew Miller trade, sitting between 94-96 regularly with downward motion. After recovering from an oblique injury, Sheffield continued to make important strides refining his off-speed pitches, developing a power slider while working with an above-average to flashes of plus changeup.

Pegged safely as a number 3 starter upon his trade to the Yankees, he has changed his trajectory to potentially being a top-tier starter. Again, Cashman has taken notice and refused to include Sheffield in any trade packages, offering up Chance Adams instead. Sheffield must continue to improve his command, particularly with his fastball if he wants to reach his potential.

**Intangibles** The 21-year old lefty is again another raved about Yankees prospect, with scouts often praising his character and intelligence on the mound. One veteran Yankee scout was quoted saying:

"“Wait until you get a chance to sit with this kid. I hear from everybody that he’s a great kid.”"

Often criticized for his shorter stature standing at 5’11”, Sheffield makes up for his lack of size with sheer athleticism and a competitive nature while also demonstrating pretty sound mechanics. He’s been quoted the past two offseasons declaring that he was shooting for a spot in the Yankees rotation out of spring training. That was unrealistic but you could see that he feels like he belongs in the big leagues, a good sign for a young pitcher’s confidence.

CC Sabathia has taken a liking to the young lefty and could be a valuable mentor for Sheffield, who could become an option for the Yankees at the end of the season if he performs well.