Sheffield is the nephew of former big leaguer Gary Sheffield. Cousin Tony Sheffield was second pick by Boston in 1992 MLB draft. And his younger brother, Justus, is a pitcher in the Yankees organization.

Jordan's senior year (2013) at Tullahoma (Tennessee) High School, he committed to Vanderbilt on a baseball scholarship. And Sheffield passed up the Red Sox offer after they chose him in the 13th round in 2013.

Sheffield is a good student.

Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said regarding Jordan, "We are all excited to see him get the baseball and compete. He has had to be very patient through the process of arm rehabilitation, but he has worked his way back and now gives himself the opportunity to help us. He has a special arm and is very athletic. Jordan certainly has a bright future ahead of him. He was the winner of the Omaha Challenge for pitchers."

June 2016: The Dodgers chose Sheffield in the Lottery Round of the draft, an award to teams via the Competitive Balance Lottery following the First Round. Teams that have either one of the 10 smallest markets or 10 smallest revenue pools are eligible. Additionally, any other club that receives revenue-sharing funds is eligible for the supplemental second-round selections.  

Sheffield has one of the more electric arms in the Dodgers’ system. But it is attached to a 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame.

“Yeah, obviously that’s something I’ve been knocked for since I was growing up. ‘Oh, you ain’t 6-foot.’ ” Sheffield said. “. . . I think that pushes me even harder.

“As a 6-foot and under pitcher, there’s just not that many—especially starters. It just makes me want to grind it even more and prove not only to myself but to everyone who is saying that.”

Because of his size, the Tommy John surgery already on his medical record and a lack of consistent command so far in his pro career, Sheffield is considered a candidate for a move to the bullpen. He’s heard that before, too.

“I just think I’m a starter,” Sheffield says. “I believe in myself and I believe I can be a starter. That’s something I’m going to take to heart and work for and strive for.” (Bill Plunkett - Baseball America - 2/23/2018)

In 2018, the Baseball America Prospect Handbook rated Sheffield as the 14th-best prospect in the Dodgers organization.

TRANSACTIONS

June 2016: The Dodgers chose Sheffield in the Lottery Round of the draft. He signed for $1,847,500, via scout Marty Lamb, out of Vanderbilt. 

  Dec 10, 2020: The Rockies chose Jordan out of the Dodgers organization in the Rule 5 Draft.

Sheffield has a 91-98 mph FASTBALL with outstanding arm speed, and can maintain velo even late in a start.  But his heater is straight, and if he leaves it up, hitters barrel it up. He began experimenting with a 2-seam SINKER to give hitters a different look. He has good bite and depth on an 84-86 mph SLIDER/CUTTER. He also has a CHANGEUP that flashes plus, and has a 55 grade on it, with excellent arm-side run. (Spring, 2017)

Jordan has a thin, athletic build. He comes at hitters from a high three-quarters over-the-top release. He has some effort in his delivery, and he struggles to repeat his release point

He shows improved command, but not consistently. His mechanics must improve to remain in the starting rotation. (Spring, 2017)

Sheffield's biggest negative is he walks too many hitters. That, and his high-energy delivery may signal a move to the 'pen in pro ball. 

Sheffield was not protected on the Dodgers’ roster last winter, making him available to be picked up by any of the other 29 MLB organizations. Colorado took the gamble.

There were nine Colorado relievers who pitched more innings than Sheffield in 2021. Three of them had a better ERA: Lucas Gilbreath, Robert Stephenson, and the trade deadline-departed Mychal Givens. Six of them had a worse ERA.

Sheffield’s FIP and xFIP aren’t as impressive as his ERA in 2021, but with a WHIP of 1.09, the Rockies are looking at a reliever that knew how to limit traffic on the base paths.

This is even more impressive when his home ballpark is considered and his rookie status acknowledged. It’s easy to assume Sheffield is more experienced than he actually is, since he was an outsider to an organization that often features homegrown relievers of his age. His MLB debut was this year, which makes that 1.09 WHIP even more noticeable.

In early June, Sheffield was sidelined for extended time due to a lat strain. He did not pitch from June 3-Sept. 5, leaving the Rockies bullpen vulnerable with a limited Triple-A reserve. He pitched 10 innings with the Rockies in the final month of the regular season, allowing five runs with a 1.30 WHIP. His figures were better prior to the injury, but they weren’t much worse upon his return.

Sheffield has been sent to the Arizona Fall League this year to make up for lost work, all in an attempt to get him accustomed to a standard workload in 2022 and beyond.  (Justin Wick@justwick  Oct 26, 2021)

April 2013: Sheffield underwent Tommy John surgery on his right arm. The operation was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.

May 13-August 14, 2018: Jordan was on the DL.