T.J. Sikkema - Scouting Report


Rank History
Year Team Position Team Rank OFP
2021 NYY LHP 12 45

Grades Update: Jan 2021
OFP Role FB SL CH Cnt/Cmd
45 40 55 55 50 55/50

Jan 2021 Report

Evaluator: Mike Kinsela

Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-0
Weight: 221 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/L
Acquired: 2019 Draft, Round CBA
RuleV: 2022

Physical Description: Stockier, physical build with good strength throughout, built well, limited if any projection remaining on frame.

Mechanics: Sikkema has a good bit of funk to his operation, including purposeful variation of his arm slot as well as an extremely crossfire stride. It's not what one would call a pretty delivery, but he's on time, creates a ton of deception, and is able to repeat well given the strength of his body.

Fastball: The fastball is where the variations in arm slot come into play the most, will work in 88-92 mph range with plus arm side life from lower 3/4 slot, will raise up to overhand slot at times and can work in more 92-95 mph range, does a nice job mixing and matching and keeping hitters off balance as a result, variations should play both in starting and bullpen role. Grade: 55

Slider: More of a slurvy look but comes with power and bite, generally in the 78-84 mph range with variations dependent on slot, can sweep it across the zone away from lefties as well as bury it under the hands of righties, pitch is plus at it's best but will get under it and leave it fat at times, should be successful as a bat-misser at the highest level. Grade: 55

Changeup: Third pitch but a solid one, generates good sink, trusts it and throws it with conviction, likely won't be a bat-missing pitch but can keep righthanded hitters off of his primary offerings, tunnels well off of fastball. Grade: 50

Control and Command: Sikkema pounded the zone in his first foray into pro ball with only 1 walk in 10.2 NYPL innings in 2019, and consistently threw strikes at Missouri across several roles. The delivery and funk keep the command from being pinpoint but it's at least average command with a good chance to start. Control: 55 | Command: 50

Overall: Sikkema has a chance to provide value in several roles, his upside is that of a backend starter and/or late innings reliever, though the floor here is that of a middle innings matchup guy in the big leagues thanks to his funk, stuff, and strikes. He was viewed as a bit of a reach at draft time at pick 38, but it's looking more and more like the Yankees got a good player here.

OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Spot Starter or Low Leverage Reliever
Risk: Moderate