Eli
Shoppell

RHP Eli Shoppell, Homestead: I got my second look at Shoppell in another high-leverage relief appearance. The wiry 6-foot-2, 170-pounder entered with two on and one out in a 2-0 count. He walked the first batter he faced before striking out the next two to escape the jam. He leaned heavily on a 74–77 mph breaking ball with bite, generating swing-and-miss while also showing the ability to land it confidently. The fastball had life, touching 91 mph once, 90 once, and sitting 89 mph a few times. He also buried an 83 mph changeup in a limited look. I love the competitive nature he brings, paired with standout arm speed, quality spin, and athleticism. Shoppell remains one of my favorite uncommitted right-handers I've seen this spring.

+ RHP Eli Shoppell (Homestead): Shoppell came on in relief on opening night and was outstanding in a high-leverage spot. The wiry, 6-foot-1, 160-pounder struck out five of the seven hitters he faced across two innings, issuing one walk while also inducing a groundout. The fastball showed a slight tick up in velocity than we’ve seen previously, working at 87-89 mph and touching 90 twice with some life. His sweeping breaking ball at 74-75 mph missed bats and showed the traits of a potential wipeout offering. He did not show the low-80s changeup that he features. Shoppell works with a tall, inward turn before a shorter stride down the slope. The arm swing is clean, with standout arm speed. A quality uncommitted arm for recruiters to follow closely throughout the spring and into the summer.

Another talented arm in Homestead's 2027 class who showed excellent strides. Wiry athleticism present in the 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame. Quick/clean arm stroke after he uncoils from a tall inward turn. Shorter stride, lands square. Arm speed stands out and produced an 86-88 mph heater with occasional carry. Swept a 2600+ breaking ball at 74-76 mph, this offering took strides over the winter and will continously enhance as his velocities jump further. Chance to be a wipeout when all is said and done. 80-82 change is a weapon and averaged 19" of arm-side break. Plenty to like here, the control is average, but there is still development to be had. Another couple ticks could cause a tier jump. Strong follow for recruiters this spring/summer.

Another arm with serious gains to be had, Shoppell brought a wiry, athletic, 6-foot, 150ish-pound frame that is filled with quick twitch fibers. The arm is loose and quick, working in a compact, full-circle fashion, producing a heater that played at 84-86 and touched 87 once. There was occasional carry to a heater that spun into the 2400s, and he tunneled a sharp, 74-76 mph slider that spun into the 2500s on a couple occasions. The SL release point was inconsistent, though when synced, may have been the best breaking ball amongst '27 at this event. His changeup was the best that I saw on the weekend, fading heavily to the arm side as it fell off the table at 78-80 with impressive movement plots (0.0" IVB avg, 17.2" HZB avg, 20.6" HZB max). There is true upside to the frame with twitch included already, and a three pitch mix he can get swings-and-misses with.

Shoppell is lumped into the same bucket, an upside arm within this 2027 class that has a chance to make real jumps soon. A wiry athlete with a 6-foot, 155 pound frame - there is ample room to add to this athletic body that could increase velocity on his present 83-86 fastball in a hurry. I love the way he moves, and the arm is just as clean. Shoppell spun a 74-77 slider that averaged 2481 RPM, and played with sweeper shape. The SL has a chance to be a swing-and-miss offering and there was some feel for a 78-80 CH as well. Both arms do not jump off the page at the present moment, but there are serious traits to dream on to make them both priority follows moving forward.