LA Angels Trade Block: Making Big Trades with AL West Rivals

Seattle Mariners

If you’re even a casual baseball fan, you’ve likely heard of Justus Sheffield over the years. First, he was the headlining prospect in the package that went to New York in exchange for Andrew Miller. Then, the Yankees sent him to Seattle when they acquired James Paxton.

You’d expect a pitcher who was the focal point of a trade including such big names to cost more than Jahmai Jones and Luis Madero, but after a disappointing 2019 season his value has taken a hit.

Sheffield has all of the ability to be a big league pitcher, his pitches have excellent movement and velocity. However, his command has made it hard for him to find success in the majors thus far. He used to be thought of as a potential frontline starter, but his 2019 season really knocked down expectations to that of a mid-rotation starter at best.

That’s why Jahmai Jones, a multi-positional player who, by the way, was drafted by Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto prior to his departure from Anaheim. Jones has also made a change to his swing, which could unlock the potential that made him a second round pick.

Additionally, Luis Madero is developing as a starting pitcher, but could wind up being a multi-inning guy out of the bullpen depending on how his command continues to develop as he reaches the higher levels of the minor leagues.