TJ Sikkema (LHP) is ranked as the MLB.com #57 draft prospect, and is coming out of the University of Missouri in Missouri.
The 6’0’“, 217 pound, 20 year-old lefty, is currently a junior in college, and is projected to continue his work as a starter while with the Yankees in the minor leagues.
His grades rank as the following: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Inside this post is the MLB Pipeline write-up about Sikkema.
With the 38th pick of the 2019 #MLBDraft, the @Yankees select @MizzouBaseball LHP TJ Sikkema: https://t.co/OHooNe2EPu pic.twitter.com/tRM5WHsyEs — MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 4, 2019
From MLB Pipeline:
“Since 2003, Missouri has produced nine big league arms and 12 pitchers taken in the top five rounds of the Draft, most notably Max Scherzer and Kyle Gibson. Sikkema will add to the latter list this June and is a safe bet to add to the former in a couple of years. He’s a left-hander with three effective pitches and a history of success in a variety of roles, not to mention competitiveness and confidence that are off the charts.
Sikkema usually operates at 89-91 mph with run and sink on his fastball from a lower three-quarters arm angle, though he can raise his slot and reach back for 93-95 mph when needed. He has tremendous feel for manipulating the shape of his high-spin slider, which ranges from 78-83 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He also has advanced feel for a sinking changeup that he’ll throw in any count.
Sikkema’s stocky frame and crossfire delivery aren’t pretty but his stuff plays up because of the angle and extension he creates and his willingness to attack hitters. He not only throws strikes, but he’ll also use any pitch in any count and work inside against left-handers and right-handers. He has one of the higher floors among college pitchers in this Draft, projecting as at least a lefty reliever at the Major League level, and his deception and conviction could carry him to a role at the back of a rotation.”
