Jordan Stephens

Stephens does not get the publicity he deserves, largely due to his advanced age relative to level as well as a checkered injury history. Stephens suffered a torn UCL in 2014 and underwent Tommy John surgery while at Rice University, but his first year of full-season ball went swimmingly in 2016. Skipping over Low-A altogether, the fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft posted a 3.45 ERA and 155:48 K:BB in 141 innings for High-A Winston-Salem. Stephens has shown excellent command of his low-90s heater, above-average curveball and emerging slider. His size and stature remain a concern, as the 6-foot-1, 190-pound hurler may be destined for the bullpen if he cannot handle the rigors of being a starter. For now, Stephens will remain in the rotation, and his 2017 campaign at Double-A should be a solid indicator of his future path.