MLB trade rumors: Yankees’ Justus Sheffield drew lots of interest

by Felix Pantaleón

Yankees top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield was asked about often in potential trades before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

BOSTON — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he didn’t know when top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield will get his major-league shot.

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But many teams wanted to trade for him.

Cashman said he turned down a bunch of offers for the 22-year-old lefty who’s excelling at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

“Of course,” Cashman said while on “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN Radio on Thursday, “Sheff was asked for a ton in every deal and we said no, because we see what the future can bring potentially. No. We love Sheffield. We don’t like him. We love him.”

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At Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Sheffield is 5-3 with a 2.31 ERA in 14 games and 13 starts.

Sheffield is the Yankees’ No. 1 overall prospect, according to MLB.com, which ranked outfielder Estevan Florial over him for much of the year. Florial is now ranked No. 2.

The Yankees acquired Sheffield from the Indians alongside Clint Frazier in a deal that sent elite reliever Andrew Miller to Cleveland in 2016.

Here’s a portion of Sheffield’s MLB.com scouting report:

Sheffield could have three plus pitches when all is said and done. His 92-97 mph fastball features some run and sink and is his most consistent offering, though his mid-80s slider may have more upside. His changeup isn’t as reliable as his first two options, yet he still shows the ability to miss bats with it.

Though Sheffield is a little shorter than desired for a starter at 5-foot-11, he still creates downhill plane with his delivery and doesn’t throw with excessive effort. He’s athletic and has been durable as a pro outside of his oblique injury. He improved his control in 2017 and has the potential to become a No. 3 starter.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.