2016 Draft: Cody Sedlock

Cody Sedlock | RHP

Background
Sedlock, 20, is from the small little town of Sherrard, Illinois — the internet tells me the population is 626 according to the 2013 Census — and he is currently in the University of Illinois rotation after spending his freshman and sophomore years in the bullpen. He has a 2.82 ERA with 97 strikeouts and 25 walks in 83 innings this spring. Sedlock broke out as a starter with the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League last fall. He struck out 26 in 29 innings.

Scouting Report
Out of the bullpen, the 6-foot-4 and 210 lb. Sedlock would routinely touch 96 mph, though he’s been mostly 91-93 mph as a starter this spring. He does hold his velocity deep into games, which always seems to be a challenge for reliever-to-starter conversion guys. Sedlock’s main secondary pitch is a low-80s slider that is a legitimate swing-and-miss offering on its best days. He also throws both a changeup and curveball. They’re underdeveloped at this point because he leaned on his heater and slider out of the bullpen. Sedlock has cleaned up his delivery with the Illini and now does a much better job throwing strikes and staying on line with the plate.

Miscellany
In their most recent rankings Keith Law (subs. req’d), MLB.com, and Baseball America had Sedlock as the 19th, 32nd, and 36th best prospect in the draft class, respectively. The Yankees hold the 18th overall pick. As a college starting pitcher, Sedlock is right up New York’s alley because they’re emphasizing quick to the majors players. Sedlock does need some work with his change and curve, but the tools are there for four pitches. His arm is also relatively fresh after spending two seasons in the bullpen.