Age: 27
Level: Double-A
Position: Starting Pitcher
Bats/Throws: Right/Left
Height/Weight: 6’4″/210 pounds
Acquired: July 2025 trade with the New York Yankees; Jake Bird for Ben Shields and Roc Riggio
Current BSB Ranking: 25
Previous BSB Ranking: 23
Pic Credit: Spokane Indians
Player Summary
Brief Summary
Acquired from the Yankees as the secondary piece in the Jake Bird trade, Shields has emerged as one of the Rockies’ more intriguing left-handed pitching prospects. The late-blooming southpaw posted a 2.78 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 55 innings in 2025. Featuring a low-slot fastball around 93 mph and two breaking balls, Shields profiles as a potential long reliever, spot starter, or versatile lefty if his steady development continues.
More detailed breakdown
Acquired at the trade deadline as the secondary piece for Jake Bird, Shields ascended through the Yankees system before joining the Rockies organization as one of their best southpaw prospects. In 2025, Shields logged a 2.78 ERA with 66 strikeouts across 55 innings (14 starts). Undrafted out of George Mason University, Shields is the definition of a late bloomer, throwing in the mid-90s for the first time in his mid-20s.
Following two years of pro development, Shields now averages around 93 on his fastball from a low slot with a pair of breaking balls to support the heater. Shields spins both a slider and curveball with ease and gives the Boston native the pitch shapes to attack both lefty and righty bats. While Shields doesn’t have massive upside, he’s a pretty safe bet to reach the big leagues and support the club in a long relief role or spot starter role with a chance to become a backend starter or versatile lefty reliever if his progress remains linear. Shields may pick up in Double-A where the new front office can make a more sound evaluation before weighing his future. Written by Tyler Paddor.
Player Links
MLB.com player page | Fangraphs | Baseball Savant | Baseball Reference
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