Kansas City Royals: Rule 5 Draft Targets for 2020
By Cody Rickman
Jordan Sheffield, Reliever (LAD)
Jordan Sheffield, the 24-year-old reliever, split time between A+ and AA ball in 2019 producing a 3.27 ERA, 1.364 WHIP, and 74 Ks in 55.0 innings pitched. Sheffield struggled early on in his minor league career, but looked to harnessed his plus stuff in the Arizona Fall League in 2018 ending with a stellar line of 1.93 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, and 7 Ks in 9.1 innings of work.
For his minor league career, Sheffield has thrown 211.1 innings with 240 Ks vs 128 BBs. He struggled to harness is raw stuff as a starter, but has been much more effective coming out of the bullpen after making the switch full-time.
Sheffield has struggled to find the plate in 2019. He brings a high 90s fastball in the mix with an exceptional breaking ball, an above average cutter, and average change-up. He generates lots of strikeouts, but has had trouble with high walk rates in the minors. Sheffield could be a dominant reliever if the Royals are patient and he is my top selection for the Kansas City Royals.
Travis Radke, Reliever (SD)
Travis Radke, the 26-year-old (27 in March), left-handed relief pitcher has put together exceptional back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019.
Radke pitched effectively at four different stops in 2018 (A, A+, AA, and AAA) and three different stops in 2019 (A+, AA, and AAA). He has pitched 150.1 innings with a 2.27 ERA, 1.171 WHIP, and 167 Ks between 2018 and 2019.
Radke features a pitching arsenal of an 87-88 mph fastball, 70-75 mph curveball, and 77-81 mph changeup from an overhand release that allows him to mimic each of the pitch types well. His fastball has some cutter action to it, which is tough on both righties and lefties.
His change-up has excellent drop and fade for an effective pitch against right handed hitters. When he locates his fastball high and curveball below the strike zone, he is very effective.
In an absolutely loaded Padres organization, a relief pitcher like Radke gets forgotten. Radke has climbed the system quickly and has been very effective late inning reliever the past two seasons. Radke could be a solid middle relief option for the Royals.