In this Unhinged Yankees prospect profile, we take a close look at New York Yankees pitching prospect with a lot of potential, TJ Sikkema.
According to MLB Pipeline, coming into the 2019 season, TJ Sikkema was the ranked the Yankees 16th ranked top prospect. Let’s get to know a little about TJ.
When the Yankees traded Sonny Gray to the Cincinnati Reds, they received a first round supplemental pick from the Reds. With the 2019 pick, they drafted TJ. Sikkema, who pitched for the Missouri Tigers.
According to MLB Pipeline, “Sikkema was a surprise addition to that latter group after entering 2019 with little Draft buzz but creating plenty of it by leading the Southeastern Conference with a 1.32 ERA that ranked third in NCAA Division I.” The 21-year-old lefty is projected to make the big league roster in 2022. The Yankees could use some left-handed pitching in the near future.
Let’s take a look at TJ Sikkema’s scouting report:
TJ Sikkema
Age: 21
Throwing: L
Status: Pulaski Yankees
Height/Weight: 6’0, 221 lbs.
MLB Pipeline Scouting Report: Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45
This past season in only four starts, Sikkema pitched for the Staten Island Yankees. He posted a 0.84 ERA and had a combined 13 strikeouts.
According to MLB Pipeline, “Sikkema’s stocky frame and crossfire delivery aren’t the prettiest, but his stuff plays up because of the angle and extension he creates and because he’s supremely confident. He throws strikes, will go inside against left-handers and right-handers and sequences his pitches well. ”
I am interested in seeing Sikkema make his way up in the Yankees minor league system. At 21-years-old, he has a lot of room to improve and he could make some impact for the Bronx Bombers when he gets promoted to the main roster. As mentioned before, Yankees could use some extra left handed pitching in the rotation and even the bullpen.