SaberScouting: Jeremy Jeffress scouting report

This full package is somewhat similar to Johnny Cueto, but even moreso to the last FSL prospect I profiled, Jeremy Hellickson, just with less consistent command and two notches more velocity. The other differences are negligible other than Jeffress’ athleticism. Which one would I take? Good question. I went back and forth about 5 times while I was writing this and ultimately went with Jeffress because he’s got more stuff and more ultimate upside. That being said, I’m not totally sold on Jeffress’ ability to reach his ceiling and maximize his talent, while I am sold on Hellickson’s ability to do the same. I’ll probably change my mind a few more times this month.

With a fastball that hits 97, a plus hammer curve, and above-average changeup, flashes of above-average command, a clean arm, efficient power mechanics, and groundball tendencies, Jeffress certainly has the complete package to be a frontline starter if he puts it all together. He has #1 starter potential if everything comes together and you can’t say that about very many humans on Earth.

If the stuff and command develop just a little bit and he’s an inconsistent guy with frontline stuff at the big league level, then that’s a solid #3 starter that would show flashes of a #2 starter for stretches, a Kelvim Escobar-like career path. I think that’s a likely outcome, and a big initial splash in the league like Johnny Cueto or Dontrelle Willis wouldn’t surprise me at all.