Stiever attracted little scouting or recruiting attention as a Wisconsin high schooler, but he developed into Indiana's best pitching prospect since Eric Arnett went in 2009's first round. He led the Big Ten Conference with 97 strikeouts in 100 1/3 innings as a junior in 2018, though a poor final outing for the Hoosiers and some minor physical concerns dropped him to the White Sox in the fifth round. He quickly developed into Chicago's best healthy pitching prospect during his first full season as a pro.
Stiever operates with a 92-96 mph fastball, topping out at 98 and enhancing his velocity with run and sink as well as downhill angle that he creates with a high three-quarters arm slot. He has a second plus pitch in his upper-70s spike curveball, which he controls better than most pitchers do. He can turn his curve into a harder slider when he wants and is gaining feel for his changeup as he uses it more often.
An all-state wide receiver and defensive back in high school, Stiever translates his athleticism to the mound. He repeats his delivery well and provides consistent strikes, averaging just 1.7 walks per nine innings last year. A tough competitor, he's moving faster than expected and could become a mid-rotation starter.
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 50
A Wisconsin all-state wide receiver and defensive back in high school, Stiever went from unheralded baseball recruit to Indiana's best pitching prospect since Brewers 2009 first-rounder Eric Arnett. Stiever became the Hoosiers' No. 1 starter as a sophomore and led the Big Ten Conference in strikeouts (97 in 100 1/3 innings) last spring before signing for $386,800 as a fifth-rounder. He helped Great Falls win the Rookie-level Pioneer League championship in his pro debut and has developed into one of the White Sox's best pitching prospects in 2019.
Stiever's fastball sits at 92-96 mph and reaches 98 with a lot of run and sink, and he leverages it down in the zone with downhill angle thanks to his high-three-quarters arm slot. He has nice feel for his upper-70s spike curveball, an offering many pitchers struggle to control, and can morph it into a harder slider when needed. His changeup is becoming more effective as he learns to trust it.
The athleticism that made Stiever a football standout translates well to the mound. He repeats his delivery with ease and throws quality strikes deep into games. He's competitive and could move quickly through the system, presenting a ceiling of a No. 3 starter.
