Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Splitter: 55 | Control: 60 | Overall: 50

After an up-and-down sophomore season at Purdue as the Boilermakers' top starter, Stephen transferred to Mississippi State, where he parlayed a strong summer on the Cape into a breakout junior campaign. The Guardians were eager to draft him in the third round in 2024, although the Blue Jays beat them to the punch by selecting him 59th overall and signing him for a below-slot $1,116,750 bonus. Less than 13 months later, Cleveland acquired him for Shane Bieber as the right-hander was wrapping up an impressive debut season with a 2.53 ERA, 110 strikeouts and just 20 walks in 103 frames across three levels.

The Guardians were thrilled to land Stephen because borderline Top 100 pitching prospects -- right shoulder impingement at the time of the trade notwithstanding -- aren't often available for veteran rentals. Stephen is a high-probability starter with a workhorse 6-foot-4 frame and a deep arsenal, albeit one without a knockout secondary offering. That may work, though, as his fastball, which he throws more than half the time, is so effective. Stephen gets nearly seven feet of extension on his delivery and exceptional ride on the pitch, which makes up for the average velocity (averages 93 mph, up to 96).

Stephen's best chance at another plus pitch is his low-80s slider, which produced the highest whiff rate (38 percent) of any of his offerings. His mid-80s splitter keeps hitters off the fastball and is quite a weapon against lefties, while he'll also show a little-used upper-70s curve and upper-80s cutter. Stephen is a good athlete for his size with a sound, repeatable delivery, which helps him command all of his pitches well. He should continue to move quickly through the Minors and projects as a strong No. 3 starter but could become even more if he can develop one more pitch into a plus offering.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 | Overall: 50

Stephen started out as a back-end reliever with Purdue as a freshman, then developed into the Boilermakers' No. 1 starter as a sophomore. After a nice showing in the Cape Cod League, Stephen transferred to Mississippi State, where he posted a 3.28 ERA with 107 strikeouts and 21 walks in 96 innings. He signed with the Blue Jays for a below-slot $1,116,750 as a second-rounder, then raced to Double-A midway through his pro debut this year before getting traded to the Guardians for Shane Bieber.

While Stephen's fastball operates at 92-94 mph and touches 96, it's most notable for natural carry that allows it to miss more than its share of bats. It plays well in tandem with a mid-80s changeup that features significant fade. His low-80s slider also misses bats, giving him a third solid offering, and he'll occasionally mix in a decent upper-70s curveball.

Stephen has a physical 6-foot-4 frame, has added strength since turning pro and works with an athletic delivery that provides plenty of strikes. He has good feel for all four of his pitches and commands his fastball well. He may lack a true plus offering, but he has a high floor as at least a No. 4 starter and early returns indicate he may be better than that.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45

Stephen served as a high-leverage reliever for Purdue as a freshman before becoming the Boilermakers' No. 1 starter as a sophomore. Following a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, he transferred to Mississippi State and improved throughout the spring, finishing with a 3.28 ERA, 107 strikeouts and 21 walks in 96 innings. His Draft stock rose accordingly, and the Blue Jays selected him in the second round and signed him for below slot at $1.12 million.

Stephen's fastball operates at 92-94 mph and touches 96, but it's most notable for natural carry that allows it to miss more than its share of bats. His best secondary pitch is a solid mid-80s changeup with significant fade. He also possesses a pair of average breaking balls with similar movement, favoring his mid-80s slider over his upper-70s curveball.

Few college pitchers matched Stephen's feel for four pitches. He has the ability to get in-zone swings and misses as well as chases on each of his offerings, and he commands his fastball particularly well. He lacks a true plus offering but has a high floor as a No. 4 or 5 starter.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45

Stephen served as a high-leverage reliever for Purdue as a freshman before becoming the Boilermakers' No. 1 starter as a sophomore. Following a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, he transferred to Mississippi State and has improved throughout the spring. His Draft stock has risen accordingly and he could sneak into the top three rounds.

Stephen's fastball operates at 92-94 mph and touches 96, but it's most notable for natural carry that allows it to miss more than its share of bats. His best secondary pitch is a solid mid-80s changeup with significant fade. He also possesses a pair of average breaking balls with similar movement, favoring his mid-80s slider over his upper-70s curveball.

Few college pitchers can match Stephen's feel for four pitches. He has the ability to get in-zone swings and misses as well as chases on each of his offerings, and he commands his fastball particularly well. He lacks a true plus offering but has a high floor as a No. 4 or 5 starter.

Awards

NWL Pitcher of the Month

Month	Team
06/2025

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/05/2026	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to Cleveland Guardians Prospects.
	08/22/2025	Akron RubberDucks activated RHP Khal Stephen from the 7-day injured list.
	08/22/2025	Akron RubberDucks activated RHP Khal Stephen from the 7-day injured list.
	07/31/2025	Cleveland Guardians traded RHP Shane Bieber to Toronto Blue Jays for RHP Khal Stephen.
	07/31/2025	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to Akron RubberDucks.
	07/24/2025	New Hampshire Fisher Cats placed RHP Khal Stephen on the 7-day injured list.
	07/20/2025	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to New Hampshire Fisher Cats from Vancouver Canadians.
	05/20/2025	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to Vancouver Canadians from Dunedin Blue Jays.
	04/02/2025	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to Dunedin Blue Jays from FCL Blue Jays.
	03/06/2025	activated RHP Khal Stephen.
	08/05/2024	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to FCL Blue Jays.
	07/22/2024	Toronto Blue Jays signed RHP Khal Stephen.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated RHP Khal Stephen.
	02/15/2023	College Workout activated RHP Khal Stephen.
	02/05/2023	RHP Khal Stephen assigned to Purdue Boilermakers.
	04/11/2022	RHP Khal Stephen and assigned to Purdue Boilermakers.