2016 MLB Draft: Cody Sedlock, RHP, University of Illinois

Continuing our series of 2016 MLB Draft profiles, we add another arm to the college pitcher ranks with a look at University of Illinois right-hander Cody Sedlock.

Sedlock drew the notice of scouts during his high school days in Rock Island, Illinois, showing off an upper-80s fastball, a projectable body, and a solid bat as well. He was strongly committed to the University of Illinois so he wasn't drafted coming out in 2013.

He was used mainly in the bullpen with the Illinis in 2014 (3.41 ERA, 30/11 K/BB in 32 innings) and 2015 (4.02, 29/10 K/BB in 31 innings). Pitching in long and middle relief, he was not spectacular statistically but he did show progress as a pitcher, boosting his fastball into the 90s and improving his secondary pitches.

Sedlock took over a full-time starting role in 2016 and has made the most of it: 14 starts, 2.49 ERA in 101 innings, 116/31 K/BB, 80 hits. All of his statistical ratios have improved and as you'd imagine his scouting reports are better, too, moving him from "interesting arm" into first-round territory.

Listed at 6-4, 210, Sedlock has turned up the heat, going from 87-90 in high school to 91-94 now with peaks at 95-96. An erratic high school slurve is now separated into a distinct slider in the 80s and power curve in the upper 70s, both solid offerings. He has a standard change-up as well but it isn't as good as the breaking stuff and will need more development, though again it is better than it was in high school. Although his command is not perfect it has steadily improved. He hasn't been overworked and has a shot at being a very durable starting pitcher.

Three good pitches with a chance for a fourth and a record of steady improvement for a strong program have put Sedlock into strong first-round contention, anywhere from the middle of the round onward.

Video from Baseball America

Human interest clip from the University of Illinois